The Seduction of Alex Parker(9)

“Are you ready to go, Emerson?”

“Yes. I just finished my list.”

I climbed into the back of the Bentley and Phillip drove me to the store.

“Are you coming?” I asked him as he held the door open for me and I climbed out.

“Where?” he asked with confusion.

“Into the store. I’ll give you half the list and we can split up. The sooner we get what I need, the sooner we can get out of here.”

“But, Emerson—”

“No buts, Phil. Let’s go.”

I heard him sigh as he walked behind me and into the store. I ripped the list in half and handed it to him.

“If you have any questions about these items, just ask.” I smiled.

****

I set the table with Alex’s fine china and placed two beautiful crystal candlestick holders in the center with red candles to create a romantic ambiance. After all, if he was bringing home his date for dinner, I wanted to make it as romantic as possible for them. Not really. I just did it to see what kind of reaction I’d get out of him. I didn’t know what the hell the matter with me was, but the thought of him bringing home a woman for a romantic dinner bothered me. Shit. I wasn’t even fond of Alex Parker.

It was 6:55. The candles were lit and the fresh red rose petals were laid perfectly around the table. I really went all out. As I was pouring two glasses of chardonnay, I heard the front door open, and my jaw dropped when Alex walked in with a guy.

Shit. Shit. Shit. His dinner guest wasn’t a woman!

I stood there nervously, thinking about the dining room table I’d set.

“Emerson, this is Greyson Adair, CEO of Adair Holdings and Securities.

Greyson, this is my houseguest and chef, Emerson James.”

Greyson looked at me as he took my hand and brought it up to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Is dinner ready?” Alex asked.

“Yes. I just have to plate it. Why don’t the two of you go sit in the living room and have a drink? I’ll call you when dinner is served. All I need is a few minutes,” I spoke in a panic.

“There are two glasses of wine right there,” Alex said as he reached for a glass.

“No!” I voiced as I took both glasses from the counter. “I mean, these are for dinner and must only be drunk with your meal. It’s all about the pairing, Alex.”

He gave me a strange look. A look that told me he knew I was up to something. But I didn’t care. My only concern was getting the candles and rose petals off the table.

“Go on.” I smiled as I waved my hands. “Go enjoy a pre-dinner drink.”

He continued to stare at me as he led Greyson to the living room. When they were out of sight, I ran to the dining room, blew out the candles, grabbed them, and scooped up the rose petals, tossing them into the trash and hiding the candles in the cabinet. As I was plating their dinner, Alex and Greyson walked into the dining room and took a seat.

“Tonight’s dinner is chicken scallopini with a shitake sake sauce over udon noodle cakes, steamed broccoli, and homemade dinner rolls, paired with a chardonnay.” I smiled as I set down their plates in front of them.

“It smells like candles were blown out in here,” Alex spoke as he raised his eyebrow at me. He leaned over his chair and picked up a single rose petal that must have fallen from my hands. “What’s this?”

“It looks like a rose petal.”

“I know what it looks like, Emerson. Where did it come from?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Do you have roses around here somewhere?”

“No.”

“Weird.”

As I turned and began to walk away, Greyson called my name.

“Why don’t you join us for dinner, Emerson?”

“Thank you. But I have to clean up and I’ve already eaten.”

“Alex, tell your chef that she is required to join us.”

I watched as Alex gave Greyson an odd look.

“Emerson, go get yourself a plate and sit down and join us for dinner,” he spoke in an authoritative tone.

Flashing a fake smile, I went to the kitchen, made myself a plate, and sat down across from Alex.

“This chicken is amazing. May I ask where you learned to cook like this?” Greyson asked.

“I studied in Tuscany.”

Alex’s eyes focused on me when I said that.

“Under whom?” Greyson asked.

“Under Mario Ricci and his wife, Vanessa.”

“Interesting,” Alex spoke as he glared at me.

“Tuscany is a beautiful place. How long were you there?” Greyson continued with his questions.

“A little over six months.”

“Well, this is extremely delicious and I must say I’ve never had udon noodle cakes before, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites.”

“Thank you.” I smiled.

I sat and ate my dinner as the two of them talked business. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t turned on by Alex’s business talk. I needed a smack upside the head.





Chapter 8


Alex

After finishing dinner and our business discussion, I escorted Greyson to the door, but not before he kissed Emerson on the cheek and thanked her for an enjoyable dinner. I didn’t like the way he’d been staring at her. When he left, I followed her into the kitchen and watched as she put away the rest of the dishes.