Page 6 of Recipe for Temptation

“Your smile. It’s a heartbreaker.”

Reese laughed, even as her stomach fluttered. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

“No,” he said softly. “Just you.”

They gazed at each other.

If someone had told Reese that on her second night in Atlanta she’d find herself seated at a cozy dinner table with America’s sexiest chef—as Michael had recently been dubbed by People magazine—she wouldn’t have believed it. Not in a million years. She wanted to pinch herself just to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

But, no, this moment had to be real. Michael Wolf sat close enough for her to see the thick, spiky lashes rimming his dark eyes. Close enough for her to reach out and touch him—if she dared.

Before she could even think about working up the nerve, her dessert arrived. She let out an involuntary gasp when she saw the enormous slice of pie on her plate. “Oh my God.”

“Something wrong?” Michael sounded amused.

“There’s no way I can eat all this by myself.” She gave him a beseeching look. “You have to help me.”

He chuckled. “I don’t think?—”

“No, really, I insist. Can you bring another fork for your boss?” she asked the waiter.

After another set of silverware had been supplied, Reese pushed the pie plate to the center of the table, and she and Michael dug in.

“Mmmm,” she said appreciatively after her first bite. “Delicious.”

“You like?”

“Um-hmm. You are looking at one very satisfied customer.”

“That’s good,” Michael drawled, gazing at her. “Your satisfaction is our number-one priority.”

Reese’s pulse thudded. The dark, intoxicating timbre of his voice had her imagining a number of other ways he could satisfy her. Ways that had nothing whatsoever to do with food.

As if Michael had read her mind, a shadow of a smile lifted the corners of his mouth. He ate another forkful of pie and chewed slowly, watching her. Transfixed, she stared at his full lips, wondering if they were as soft as they looked, wondering how exquisite they’d feel pressed against her mouth, wrapped around a tight nipple, sliding up her inner thigh toward her?—

“I know we just met,” Michael said quietly, interrupting her lascivious thoughts, “but I was wondering if I could call you sometime?”

“I’d like that,” Reese said, surprising herself. “In fact, if you’re free tonight, I could use a ride home.”

Chapter Two

Michael didn’t make a habit of picking up women at his restaurant—though not for lack of opportunities. In the seven years he’d been in business, he’d received more than his fair share of propositions from customers. Some were subtle, while others…not so much. He’d had half-naked women sneak into the kitchen where he was cooking, while others had tried to bribe his waiters into divulging his home address and phone number.

Yeah, Michael was no stranger to getting hit on. But he’d never believed in using any of his restaurants as his own personal hunting ground.

Until he saw her.

The moment he stepped into the crowded dining room that evening, his gaze had been drawn to a lone woman seated at a table in a private corner. Flawless deep-brown skin gleamed under the recessed lighting. Layers of sleek black hair framed dark cat eyes, high cheekbones and plush, pouty lips that made him envy the fork she was sliding into her mouth. Full, mouthwatering breasts beckoned to him from the low neckline of her dress.

Michael had always made a practice of greeting his guests and making them feel at home. But tonight he’d been distracted as he played gracious host, keeping one eye on the stunning mystery woman as he slowly but surely worked his way toward her. When he finally reached her table, she’d looked up at him with those sultry eyes and breathed his name in a siren’s voice that sent a bolt of pure lust tearing through his body.

When she invited him to join her at the table, refusing her never even entered his mind. He wanted her with a ferocity that had intensified with every seductive smile she gave him, every heated look they’d exchanged.

He wanted her like no other woman he’d ever wanted before.

As luck would have it, she seemed willing to let him have her.

After dinner, she excused herself to use the ladies’ room before they left. Michael watched her go, admiring the view of her lushly rounded ass in a white sarong dress that molded every ripe, delectable curve.

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