Beauty and Her Boss

“I’m not cooking us dinner. We’re both doing it.”

He shook his head and waved off her idea. “That is not a good idea. I don’t know my way around a kitchen. That’s what takeout menus are for.”

“It’s about time you learned your way around it.” She wasn’t about to wait on him. She didn’t care how much money he had or how famous he was. “Come on. You can wash the potatoes and get them ready to go in the oven while I get out the ingredients for the salad.”

And so with a heavy sigh, he got off the bar stool and made his way into the kitchen. She gave him detailed instructions and they set to work. This wasn’t as bad as she’d been imagining.

Gabrielle finished rinsing the lettuce and turned to grab a bowl from one of the cabinets over the counter when she ran in to Deacon. To steady herself, she reached out with both hands. They landed on his chest—his very firm chest. The breath caught in her throat.

He reached out, catching her by the waist. His hands seemed to fit perfectly around her. It was though they fit together. But how could that be?

Deacon was the man who was responsible for her aunt’s death. At least that’s what her father and the papers were saying. But there was a voice deep inside her that said there was so much more to this man. Was she only seeing what she wanted to see?

Neither of them moved as her gaze rose from his chest to his full beard to his straight nose. And then she noticed his hair. It looked like it hadn’t been cut in months. It fell just above his eyes. When their gazes at last connected, her heart pounded. Each heartbeat echoed in her ears.

Was it wrong that she wanted him to kiss her again? That kiss they’d shared was stuck in her mind. No man had ever made her feel so alive with just a kiss. And she hadn’t gotten enough. Maybe it was the knowledge that it was wrong that made this thing—whatever you wanted to call it—between them that much more enticing. Deacon was the bad boy and she was the good girl.

Her gaze slipped back down to his mouth. It was surrounded by his mustache and beard. Though they were both well kept, she wasn’t sure she was a fan of so much facial hair. Still, she wouldn’t pass up the chance to kiss him, beard or no beard.

At that moment, Deacon stepped back. He released her. When she glanced at him, he turned away. Did he know what she was thinking? Did he know that she’d almost kissed him again?

“I just need the olive oil,” he said, as though nothing had happened between them.

“I think I saw some in the cabinet to the right of the stove.”

“Thanks.”

And that was it. They were both going to act as though sparks of attraction hadn’t just arched between them like some out-of-control science experiment. Well, if he could pretend nothing happened, so could she. After all, it was for the best.

Refusing to let her mind meander down that dangerous road, she focused on preparing a delicious dinner. In no time, Gaby filled their plates with seared steak, roasted potatoes and a fresh salad tossed with a wine-and-cheese dressing. They took a seat at the kitchen bar and ate in silence. In fact, Deacon was so quiet, she couldn’t tell if he was enjoying the meal.

“Do you like it?” she asked.

“Yes.” His gaze met hers but then he glanced away as though he wanted to say more but wasn’t sure if he should. He stabbed a potato with his fork. “It’s the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”

“I doubt it. Mrs. Kupps is a marvel in the kitchen. But thank you for the compliment.” It’d been a long time since anyone had taken notice of her cooking, including her father.

She was truly happy he was enjoying the meal. This is the point where she should once again probe him about the accident, but she just couldn’t bring herself to ruin the moment. The questions had waited this long, surely they could wait a little longer.

They continued to eat in a comfortable silence. Deacon emptied his plate first. He politely waited for her to finish before he carried both of their plates to the sink. To

gether they cleaned up the mess they’d made in the kitchen.

After the dishes were placed in the dishwasher, Deacon said, “I should look over those notes for the fund-raiser.”

Gabrielle spied a beautiful sunset splashing the sky with brilliant pinks and purples. “Or you could go for a walk with me.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

“Oh, please? It’s such a beautiful evening.”

He shook his head.

“Do you ever get out of this estate?”

He frowned at her. “Of course I do. I was just in the city today.”

“I don’t mean for business or whatever drew you away. I mean get out of here and do something relaxing.”