“Thank you. I hope it’s okay that I’m wearing them.”
“Of course. You are a professional chef after all.”
His nearness and the way his gaze lingered on the spot on her chest where her name was embroidered made Claire’s heart bump like carriage wheels over cobblestones. Instinct warred with desire. Torn between stepping away and moving closer, her attention snagged on his lips and the tempting half smile that tugged one corner upward.
Handsome, powerful and forbidden. Any one of these qualities made him irresistible. Combined, they gave him an advantage that was entirely unfair.
“I noticed you’re wearing your new earrings.”
Linc touched the left one, sending it swinging. When it grazed the side of her neck, she shivered. There wasn’t anything intimate in his manner, but her heart still raced with joy and longing.
“I really like them,” she breathed, resisting the urge to rub at the goose bumps that had appeared on her arms.
“I’m glad.” He dipped his head and peered more closely at the jewelry. “Yesterday, I wasn’t sure if I’d chosen the right pair.”
“I’m sorry if I seemed less than enthusiastic. I was a little overwhelmed by your generosity and the fact that you remembered my year anniversary.” Not to mention there’d been that pesky longing to throw herself into his arms. “I can’t believe how fast the time has gone.”
“Claire.”
Don’t look at him. Don’t look...
She might as well try to stop the sun from rising. His vivid blue eyes were mesmerizing. While it was true she’d shut down her sexuality, choosing instead to focus on being a mother, her body recognized the signs of sexual interest even as her brain denied it.
Linc, attracted to her?
Ridiculous.
Yet maybe not?
Living in such close proximity had enabled her and Linc to become friends of a sort. After all, Claire was the woman who took care of his house and fussed over him like a mother hen, making sure he ate well and providing a sounding board for him to share his thoughts. And in his vulnerable state after breaking off his engagement, he could feel safe around her because she was just his employee.
And that was all it should be between them.
Besides, she was wary of romantic entanglements after dealing with the way Jasper had changed over the course of their relationship. And Linc wouldn’t repeat his mistake of falling for someone his mother didn’t approve of. Claire put the brakes on her train of thought.
“I probably shouldn’t say this...” He dragged his gaze over her lips.
Her dormant hormones flared to life. She swayed and placed
her palm against the cool granite countertop to steady herself.
Falling for Linc was the height of stupidity, but how much harm could there be in tumbling into bed with him? Such an arrangement might benefit them both in the short-term. Besides, the gossip was already circulating about just such a thing. If she was already being blamed, why not actually be guilty.
“Say what?” she asked, losing her fight with temptation.
A knock sounded on the kitchen door. Regret filled her as she took a jerky half step away from Linc.
“That’ll be tonight’s waitstaff,” she said in a breathless rush. “Your guests will be arriving shortly. You should...” Claire found herself unable to finish the statement. Her thoughts darted and spun, refusing to form any recognizable pattern. “Be ready to greet them,” she concluded at last.
Linc’s wide grin left little doubt he recognized his ability to fluster her. “I’ll go do that.”
Claire’s knees wobbled as she made her way toward the kitchen door. She’d met the two people working for her tonight when she’d first arrived in Charleston. She and Jenny Moore had become friends and often met for lunch. Steve Henning was Jenny’s boyfriend, and on a couple occasions, Claire had agreed to be fixed up with one of Steve’s friends so the four of them could double date. While the evenings had been fun, none of the men had appealed to her enough to keep seeing them.
“Thanks for helping me out tonight,” Claire said as she invited them into the kitchen.
“We’re glad to be here,” Jenny replied. She was a bubbly brunette who often spoke for the pair. “I can’t believe we’re serving for Linc Thurston’s dinner party. Is he as gorgeous in person as on TV?”
“You’ll have to see for yourself.” Claire glanced at Steve to see his reaction but glimpsed only fond amusement on his narrow face as he gazed at Jenny. They really were the cutest couple.