Page 58 of Recipe for Temptation

Reese tried to glare at him, but the amusement won out. Throwing back her head, she laughed so hard that tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. Watching her, Michael couldn’t help joining in.

Long moments later, they were still grinning and shaking their heads at each other.

“All kidding aside,” Michael said, sobering. “Thanks for helping out tonight. That was totally…unexpected.”

Reese shrugged. “I figured it was the least I could do, after I sat around all night stuffing my face while everyone else busted their asses.”

He smiled a little. “Seriously though, Reese. It was a very thoughtful gesture, and I could tell it really meant a lot to my staff. So…thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” The earnestness in his voice made her heart do a weird fluttering thing. Gazing at him, she blurted impetuously, “I think you’re amazing.”

Something soft flickered in his dark eyes.

Her face flushed, and she hastened to elaborate. “I mean, uh, the way you interact with your crew is amazing. You guys have such amazing chemistry. Cohesion. It was like watching a beautifully choreographed ballet—except with noise and shooting flames from a grill.”

Michael chuckled. “I don’t think anyone’s ever put it quite that way before.”

“No?” She grinned. “Maybe I should be a restaurant critic.”

They looked at each other, then laughed. Reese marveled that they could find humor in something that nearly led to bloodshed just a week ago.

“Hey,” she said, struck by a sudden realization. “I ate here for the first time last Tuesday!”

“I know.” Michael smiled lazily at her. “I thought you’d remember that when I told you Tuesdays were slow.”

She grinned ruefully. “I wasn’t thinking about that. I was too busy trying to weasel my way out of leaving the house.”

“Aren’t you glad I didn’t let you?”

“I am. I thoroughly enjoyed myself tonight. Being able to watch you guys at work was a real treat. And speaking of treats, everything was absolutely delicious, Michael. The bourbon-glazed pork tenderloin was to die for. And that kahlua mousse made by your pastry chef was divine. I have to get the recipe.”

Michael chuckled dryly. “Considering that Gerard has a crush on you, he’d probably give you any recipe you wanted. In all the years he’s worked here, I’ve never seen him make a special dessert for anyone.”

Reese sighed. “After one taste of that mousse, I think I fell a little in love myself.”

“Well, hell, if that’s all it takes, wait till you try my triple chocolate cheesecake.”

“Mmmm.” She gave him a demure smile. “Are you trying to make me fall in love with you, Michael?”

His gaze darkened. “Maybe I am.”

Reese stared at him, her heart thudding.

Slowly, one by one, he removed his booted feet from the table and sat up in the chair.

She didn’t know who moved first.

It must have been her, because the next thing she knew, she was straddling his lap and their mouths were crushed together in a feverish kiss. He shoved his hand into her hair as she locked her fingers behind his nape and sucked his bottom lip into her mouth.

Groaning harshly, he hiked her flirty summer skirt up over her waist and ran rough palms up to her ass, grinding her against his raging erection. She moaned breathlessly and writhed her hips, begging for more.

Breaking the kiss, he yanked off her halter top and deftly unfastened the front hook of her lacy bra. Her full breasts spilled into his hands, nipples beaded with arousal. He made a feral sound deep in his throat and cupped them, squeezing and caressing as she leaned back with her hands braced on his strong thighs.

When he dropped his head to her breast and bit down hard, she cried out in shocked pleasure, sparks sizzling straight to her clit.

Abruptly he surged to his feet and lifted her onto the high table. She eagerly spread her legs, and as he stepped between them, she shrugged off her bra and let it fall away.

Gazes locked, they both attacked the knotted buttons on his chef’s jacket. There were double rows of them. Way too damn many.

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