Her New Boss: A Rouge Erotic Romance (25 page)

Strangely, dinner was at odds with the formality of the event. It consisted of fried chicken, barbeque ribs, thick steaks cooked to order, shrimp kabobs and a variety of
buffet-style
dishes. One of her assistant cooks manned the grill while Zoe stayed in the kitchen arranging trays and keeping a hot stream of local fare on its way to the tables. A string quartet played as a background to the meal, the sweet melodies classical and upliftingly romantic.

By the time late evening rolled around, the dishes had been cleared, cleaned and repacked for the trip back to Columbia. The quartet was replaced by a DJ who played nothing but classic rock and country music. The wedding crowd got into it, hollering and dancing around the stone porch and yard.

Stars glittered, their brilliance hidden behind the occasional cloud drifting over the night sky. Zoe slowly unbuttoned her chef jacket, letting the cooler air of evening wash over her. She stayed to the side, feeling somewhat of an outsider since she’d been ‘the help’ for the rest of the day.

‘There you are.’ Jackson came up behind her, slipping an arm around her waist. ‘I’m sorry, I tried to get away earlier, but somehow I’ve been put in charge of everything.’

Zoe pulled out of his arms.

A look of panic crossed his features. ‘What’s wrong? Are you upset? I’m sorry, I did try –’

Zoe shook her head. ‘I smell awful, like sweat and grease. And you look so handsome in your tux. I don’t want to get my smell on you.’

He laughed. ‘You think I’m handsome?’

‘And possibly slightly drunk.’ She eyed him from head to toe.

‘Perhaps, a little.’ He again made a move to hold her. ‘Would it help if I told you this is a rental and I don’t care if it goes back smelling like sweat and grease?’

‘I wouldn’t have you smelling me like this. It’s not very appealing.’ Again she backed away.

‘Everything about you is appealing.’

‘Now I know you’ve had too much to drink.’ She backed toward the door leading inside to the kitchens. From there she could sneak up the stairwell to his bedroom. ‘If you don’t need me, I think I’ll go take a shower.’

‘Good idea.’ His eyebrows rose mischievously seconds before he darted forward to grab her. Zoe screeched in surprise as she was lifted into the air. He tossed her over his shoulder.

‘Jackson? What are you doing to that poor girl?’ His mother came from the side. Zoe couldn’t see her as her feet were angled toward the woman. ‘Why don’t you bring her on out for a dance?’

‘I’m going to go give her a shower and then I’m going to put her to bed.’ Jackson’s bold claim made Zoe stiffen, even as her body churned with lust at the thought. ‘Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight, dear,’ his mother answered, a laugh in her tone.

Jackson whirled her around, not putting her down as he walked inside. Zoe finally saw his mother’s laughing face. Constance winked, not seeming to care. In a lot of ways, she reminded Zoe of her own mother’s progressive attitude when it came to relationships. As if his shoes were on fire, Jackson sped through the kitchen, past the lingering staff, through the main hall and up the stairs. He didn’t stop until they reached the master bathroom.

Setting her on the floor, he shrugged out of his jacket and pulled at his tie. ‘I talked to Josine today. We fly to California in two days for your interviews.’

‘What?’ Zoe stared at him. ‘When did you make these arrangements?’

‘This morning, before the ceremony.’ He unbuttoned his vest and shirt.

‘What about the diner?’

‘I gave Bob his job back.’ Jackson slipped his vest and shirt off at the same time. Her eyes went to his chest, to the strong lines and well-formed muscles. ‘Callie was happy. He’s been fixing things around the house and driving her crazy.’

‘Bob? Your brother-in-law? He was the chef before me? You fired your brother?’ Zoe blinked, slowly drawing her eyes up to meet his.

Jackson shrugged. ‘He was due for a vacation. Your working at the restaurant gave him one, but now –’

‘You’re firing me?’ Zoe felt a momentary wave of hurt, even though he hadn’t looked malicious as he’d said it.

‘Like the article said, you’re off to bigger and better things.’

Zoe looked around the bathroom, as if she could find some answer to her unspoken question written on his wall. She wasn’t ready to go. They’d just finally gotten to a place where they were talking and getting along. What would happen to them now? She would have no reason to stay in Dabery.

‘I’m prepared to give you your own restaurant. The owners were very specific about what they wanted and I think you’d be perfect,’ he continued.

‘What did they want?’ The idea of being offered a better job in one of his fine restaurants suddenly didn’t seem so important. What would happen after that? She’d have her dream job, but she wouldn’t have her dream man. At best,
she
could hope he’d come to visit the business he’d built after he turned it over to the people who’d hired him to create it.

‘A chef poised for greatness. It’s the position I interviewed Contiello for, but the man has proven himself to be unreliable and unreasonable. He makes too many demands and I’m not sure I trust him to have control over this project.’ He paused, studying her. ‘It’s a nice old building in Greenwich Village, not too far from the Phoenix Arms. I need a chef specializing in Italian willing to contract for at least eighteen months. Pays nice. Silverback is a solid investment group I’ve worked with before. They’re fair and honest, but they do tend to take a hands-on approach so you’ll have to deal with seven owners. The good news is that they don’t cook so you’ll have full run of the kitchen. You will just have to explain what you’re doing every step of the way.’

‘I don’t know what to say. It wasn’t too long ago that I had no prospects and now you’re offering me …’ Zoe didn’t finish aloud, but instead added silently,
almost everything I want
.

He leant over to turn on the shower, gauging its temperature. ‘Don’t be nervous. You’ll be fine. I’ve contacted a publicist I’ve worked with in the past. She’s arranging several interviews and a tour of guest appearances. We’ll get the full details when we get to California.’

‘Then you’ll be coming with me?’ Hope rose within her.

‘They wish to interview me as well,’ Jackson said. ‘I did discover you, after all. And, once you accept Silverback’s offer, we’ll make that announcement together. They’ll be very happy to have the free publicity.’

There were so many questions she wanted to ask him,
but
she was too tired and overwhelmed to think straight.

‘Is that all right with you?’ He stopped, his hands on his waistband.

‘Of course. I’ll like having you there. I’ve never given an interview. Well, I did once, but it was for our high-school newspaper.’ She gave a small laugh. ‘The article was on the football team. It’s hardly the same thing.’

Jackson grinned, playfully eying her clothes. ‘Strip out of that uniform. We have all day tomorrow to discuss this. Right now, I just want to be with you.’

Her heart fluttered and she couldn’t speak as she slowly undressed. His eyes focused on her body and his breathing visibly deepened. She stepped into the shower first, sighing loudly as the warm water hit her flesh. Jackson lathered the liquid soap, using it to worship her body as he cleaned and massaged her. The smell of mint wafted over them and she inhaled deeply to rid her mind of the smell of food. When he’d finished, she bathed him, taking her time to explore every inch of his body.

Soon hands turned into lips, until neither of them could take it any more. Jackson pressed her up against the shower wall, thrusting inside her. His gaze pierced hers, demanding that she look deep into his eyes as their bodies connected. As he neared release, Jackson pulled out so he didn’t come inside her.

Towel-drying quickly, they ran to bed. Their damp bodies stuck to the sheets, but Zoe didn’t care. Jackson held her close, keeping her locked into his embrace as he spooned her body from behind. Despite being tired, she couldn’t sleep. They stayed awake, talking of recipes, of California, of childhood mishaps. Jackson whispered to her, pausing in his conversation to kiss the back of her ear and nuzzle her neck.

‘Zoe?’

‘Yes?’

‘I think I love you, too.’

Zoe giggled, happiness bubbling within her. She turned in his arms. ‘Really?’

Jackson didn’t answer as he kissed her. His hands ran over her hip, keeping her close. For the time being, everything was perfect.

Chapter Twelve

‘YOU NO-TALENT, LYING
piece of –’ Zoe paused, searching her mind for the perfect insult – ‘rotten carp!’ Every muscle tightened and she shook violently. Only Jackson’s steady hand on her arm kept her from beating the ever-living crap out of Chef Contiello. The smarmy man’s smile made her skin crawl, as did the superior look in his eyes. Zoe’s nerves had been on edge since she’d flown with Jackson first class to California the day before. After a meeting with the publicist Jackson had hired for them, they’d retired to a swanky hotel on Sunset Strip.

Now, standing on the empty set of
The Josie La Vella Show
, she felt the tension inside her build to a raging fire. Red cushioned chairs were lined up like theater seats, arcing around the stage, which consisted of modern crimson designs. Large cameras pointed toward the front. Strange teardrop shapes curved elegantly behind wide black chairs. Unlike some shows, there was no desk, just the chairs. The studio audience wouldn’t come in for another half hour and the show’s guests had been encouraged to look around before the live broadcast.

She’d been through hair and make-up and wore a brand-new dress Jackson had had the publicist deliver to the set. The straight-lined cream skirt and jacket looked very professional, with a fun splash of green in the silk shirt. A
long
beaded necklace acted as the only accessory. Jackson wore a dark suit over blue cashmere.

According to everyone – Jackson, the publicist, her sisters and parents – this was the beginning of her future. The last person she expected to see in that future, standing on the set that was to be her television debut, was Contiello. No one had even mentioned him being there. Zoe had never wanted to hit another person so badly in her life. ‘How dare you say I stole from you? I should have my sister arrest you … you … treacherous piece of –’

‘Do you see what you have chosen over me?’ Contiello demanded, staring at Jackson while waving his hand to encompass Zoe. He, too, had been through hair and make-up. His face tightened, but his voice stayed low. ‘A bad-tempered child! Her lies were a mere nuisance when she worked for me, but this is too much! You give –’ his voice dropped further as he leant forward, so as not to be overheard ‘– this scheming bitch my job? My cover article? It is too much! I will not stand for this. I’m here to take what is mine.’

‘Back away,’ Jackson ordered. ‘She is a thousand times more qualified to be here than you are.’

Contiello laughed and sneered at the same time. ‘Is that your professional opinion? Or simply a man defending his whore?’

Jackson surged forward, his hand balled into a fist. Zoe instantly grabbed him. This time it was her steady hand that held him back.

‘All you have is a lot of talk to cover up the fact that you have no talent,’ Zoe said. ‘I could out-cook you any day of the week and you know it.’

‘Care to put a wager on that statement?’ Contiello asked.

‘Name it,’ Zoe said.

‘The recipes. When I win, I want my recipes.’ The chef arched a brow, crossing his arms over his chest.

‘They’re my recipes and you know it.’ She glared at him, as she considered letting go of Jackson so he could take a swing at him. Beneath her hand, his muscles had relaxed by a small degree.

‘Then what do you have to be afraid of? If what you say is true, you’ll out-cook me. Or do you admit that I am the better chef? After all, I’ve been trained by top culinary geniuses.’ Contiello looked her over, snorting.

‘You’re right, I am at a disadvantage,’ Zoe agreed. ‘I was partially trained by you. I’ll give you your wager. I’m not afraid of you.’

She prayed she knew what she was doing. Contiello grinned.

‘Zoe?’ Jackson asked. ‘You don’t have to do this.’

‘If I win,’ Zoe told Contiello, not answering Jackson, ‘you never come into my presence again. You don’t talk about me, look at me, think of me.’

‘That won’t be a problem, even when I win.’ Contiello laughed as he sauntered away. He headed toward a group of men who’d appeared on the other side of the set.

‘I’m sorry I couldn’t warn you. That last phone call was Callie. The producer for
Battle Chefs
called her. Contiello’s agent called the show, the magazines, everyone who’d listen, and peddled some story about how you stole from him.’ Jackson sighed.
Battle Chefs
was exactly like it sounded – a television show where two rival chefs battled it out in a kitchen. ‘This show and
Battle Chefs
is owned by the same people. They want to announce your intentions and your feud with Contiello on today’s show. Then, you two will meet in two weeks, with little time to prepare for the culinary cook-off. Callie’s waiting for me to call her back to
confirm
. We have about –’ he paused, looking at his watch ‘– fifteen minutes before the show airs to decide whether or not you accept the challenge.’

‘How can I not? I already told Contiello I would, though it seems now his people had already told him about the event.’ Zoe swore under her breath. ‘Besides, I have to. If I don’t, that proves I’m scared of him, and he wins by default. It’s time I put that jerk in his place once and for all.’

‘You’ll be on your own, no help. The best I can offer is making sure the judges are fair and impartial. A man like Contiello will try to get friends on the panel. I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.’

‘How?’

‘By calling in some celebrity chefs. The network will love it. From a publicity standpoint, it’s a golden opportunity. They’ll put money behind it and you.’ Jackson touched her cheek. ‘But none of that matters, Zoe, if it’s not what you want.’