Page 3 of Recipe for Temptation

“But it could happen. You could get to Atlanta and meet some sweet-talking asshole who charms his way into your pants. And I don’t need to remind you that I’ve got plenty of options. Don’t blame me for availing myself of those options if you insist on taking a break.”

Reese gave him a level look before responding. “If we’re meant to be together, Victor, we’ll find our way back to each other.” She paused. “But if you happen to meet someone you’re more compatible with, someone who makes you happy . . . I can only wish you well.”

Resentment hardened his jaw. “How magnanimous of you.”

She sighed. “Vic?—”

“Running away to Atlanta is a big damn mistake. But you’ve made your decision and I obviously can’t change your mind. I just hope you come to your senses soon, because there’s no guarantee I’ll be available when you get back.”

The waiter returned at that moment, interrupting Reese’s grim musings. She took a grateful sip of wine and then dug into the steaming lobster bisque. It was delicious. She ate slowly, savoring each spoonful as she pushed all other thoughts to the back of her mind.

Halfway through dinner, her phone rang. She reached inside her handbag and pulled it out, her heart sinking when she saw Victor’s name. She’d barely been gone two days. He hadn’t even given her a chance to settle in.

Frowning, she turned off the phone, tucked it away and resumed eating. She wasn’t ready to talk to Victor, and she definitely wasn’t up for another argument.

“I hope that frown has nothing to do with what’s on your plate,” said a deep, masculine voice laced with Southern heat.

Reese’s head snapped up.

Her breath stalled in her lungs.

Staring down at her was a pair of dark, mesmerizing eyes set in an arrestingly handsome face. A face she recognized immediately.

“Michael Wolf.” His name escaped in a throaty whisper of awe.

A hint of a smile curved full, sensual lips that promised untold delights. “At your service,” he drawled.

Reese gulped, heart hammering against her ribs. She couldn’t believe it. Michael Wolf was actually standing at her table and speaking to her!

She’d always imagined that when—and if—this moment ever came, she wouldn’t be reduced to a fawning idiot. She’d be the epitome of calm, cool and collected. She’d be charming and witty, impressing Michael with clever little anecdotes that demonstrated her own culinary prowess.

But when she opened her mouth to speak, what came out was a breathy, “I’m one of your biggest fans.”

Those dark, penetrating eyes glittered with amusement. “Is that right?”

Reese instantly wanted to duck under the table. What the hell was wrong with her? She’d graduated at the top of her class from a prestigious medical school. She was a respected obstetrician who’d given lectures to some of the best minds in medicine. She was a smart, confident, articulate woman. Yet all she could come up with was a lame I’m one of your biggest fans?

So much for not being reduced to a fawning idiot.

Michael gave her a slow, lazy smile that tripled her heart rate. “I just stopped by to see if you were enjoying your meal.”

“Oh, yes. Absolutely. Everything is delicious.”

“Good. Glad to hear it.”

After following his career and fantasizing about him for so long, Reese couldn’t believe she was finally face to face with Michael freaking Wolf. She’d always thought he was exceptionally good-looking on television, but nothing compared to seeing him up close and personal.

Her hungry gaze swiftly catalogued velvety dark skin, low-cut black hair, heavy eyebrows and razor-sharp cheekbones. His nose was strong and masculine. A tightly manicured goatee framed perfect, sculpted lips that were impossible not to fixate on.

He was tall, with shoulders as wide as a mountain range and a ruggedly powerful build to match. He wore an expensively tailored black tux and white shirt with French cuffs. His silk tie hung loose around his neck, as if he’d yanked it free the first chance he got.

No television camera could begin to capture his overwhelming virility, a raw animal magnetism he exuded like a potent drug. He had big dick energy and was the most gorgeous man Reese had ever seen.

She couldn’t take her eyes off him. And it wasn’t lost on her that Michael seemed in no particular hurry to move on to the next table. His dark eyes traced her features in a slow, deliberate perusal that elevated her blood pressure. When his gaze drifted to her cleavage, her breasts swelled. She was afraid to look down and see her nipples saluting him through her lightweight sarong dress.

Returning his attention to her face, Michael asked, “Is this your first time here?”

“Yes.” But it definitely won’t be my last!

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