Daddy’s Billionaire Chef

Before I could think of any sort of answer, I heard Ethan’s voice from the doorway. “That’s Dad’s buddy, isn’t it? Matt Swansea?”

“Yes,” I said, unwilling to admit to anything else.

Matt looked absolutely breathtaking on TV. As he answered questions ab

out his book being translated into Italian, and the differences between Italian and American fine dining restaurants, it was impossible not to stare at those brilliant flashing eyes.

Patricia burst into laughter. “Did you see that? It’s like the third time he’s removed Maria’s hand from his knee. Most guys just go along with it.”

Even if we were still together, I wouldn’t fault Matt for a little harmless flirting on TV. It was showbiz. Yet it gave me a secret thrill to see him leaning farther away from her the more she swiveled closer.

“So Matt, we haven’t seen you in nearly a year,” Maria gushed, licking her vivid lipstick. “What are you working on? I’ve been told that you’re opening two new restaurants, and there are rumors of a fourth book.”

Matt turned directly to the camera, which made Maria frown slightly. I guess they were supposed to keep up the charade that this was a private conversation.

“I’m working on the most important project of my entire life,” Matt said. It felt like he was staring directly at me, which was completely unnerving.

“I’m desperately in love with a lovely young woman named Julia. My most vital goal is to make sure she understands how important she is to me.”

Air stopped moving through my body. Everything came to a complete stop. I could feel eyes on me, but could barely blink.

“Wow,” Maria giggled brightly. “What makes her so special?”

Matt’s gorgeous smile almost made me whimper. “She’s beautiful, of course, but it’s so much more than that. She’s sweet. Unbelievably thoughtful. Career driven, organized, and incredibly smart.”

He finally glanced at Maria with a smile. “Plus she has such a refined palate that she tastes the difference if there’s Holy Basil simply sitting on the plate next to a Thai green curry.”

“Well, of course you wouldn’t be with a woman who wasn’t a foodie,” Maria smiled. “So, are we going to hear wedding bells in the future?”

“Well, first I have to convince her that I am ready to put her first properly. I’m ready to be on a slightly more regular schedule, and be there for her. I’ll be whatever she needs. I just need one more chance.”

A hand fell to my shoulder, and I glanced up to see Ethan staring down at me, smiling.

“I love that she accepts that my life is strange,” Matt continued. “I don’t think she wants to change me one bit. It just took me a little time to get it through my big stupid thick skull that her work is as important as mine. Actually, since her career is just starting, I think hers is even more important.”

Ethan chuckled beside me but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen.

Maria stared directly into the camera, nodding. “Well, Julia, I hope that you’ll give Matt another chance. He’s always been one of our favorite guests, even though he’s not cooking for us today.” She shot him a playful sideways glare, which triggered a round of boisterous laughter in the studio.

Matt’s rich laugh caused a strange pressure in my lower belly. Something about seeing him under perfect lighting, with his attention trained on me right through the camera, was sending prickles of desire through me.

“I’m so sorry, Maria. Maybe when I smooth things over with Julia, we’ll come back and cook you something together. How’s that?”

Maria agreed, stopping her hand mid reach from tapping his knee.

They wrapped up the segment discussing some of the local bookstores that were carrying Matt’s book, while every eye in the room locked on me.

“Anything you’d like to share with us, Julia?” Ethan asked with a smirk.

“Umm, not really, no.”

“Why the heck didn’t you go with him to Italy?” Jenny asked.

My eyes rolled of their own accord. “I thought I had a lot of work to do this week for the Jerry Jonah restaurant, but I guess not.”

“I appreciate your dedication, but I honestly would have forgiven a sudden trip to Italy,” Ethan said. “Next time, call me first, okay?”

“So you’re really dating that guy?” Kim asked, her eyes practically popping out of her head.