Page 20 of Faking It with the Off-Limits Doctor

He’s about to say something else, when he notices Craig and Jack standing to the side, clearly unsure what they’re now supposed to do.

Alex thanks them for all their efforts and tells them they’re free to go. They say farewell to me before leaving out the back door.

Turning back to me, Alex beams a grin, which takes me by surprise. It also makes him look even more gorgeous.

“Honestly, Dara, I can’t praise you enough for tonight. Everything was delicious, and all my guests are eager to meet the chef.”

My eyes fly wide in mortification. “I can’t,” I say, looking down at my now, not-so-white, whites. “Look at the state of me.”

“I don’t think they expect you to be spotless after what you’ve just pulled off. Please? Just a quick hello?”

I roll my eyes. This was absolutely not part of the deal. Drying my hands, I follow him out of the kitchen and into the dining room. When everyone stands and applauds, I’m even more mortified.

My cheeks are bright red, and it has little to do with the heat this time. All I can do is nod and smile, and before Alex has a chance to stop me, I’ve turned on my heels and hurried back to the safety of the kitchen wondering if I can strangle Alex without anyone noticing.

It’s much later when I see him again.

“You’ll be glad to know that everyone has left,” he says, making his way to the fridge.

I’ve just about finished cleaning all the surfaces and the oven, as well as the cupboards.

He lifts two glasses out of a cupboard, pours some wine, and then hands me a glass. “You deserve it after what you pulled off tonight, Dara.”

I eye the glass and feel strangely uncomfortable. He asked me to do a job. I did it. I don’t really want to celebrate with the man.

“Please?” he says, seeing my obvious hesitation.

Reluctantly I take it off him. “Thanks.”

“Your talents really are wasted in that diner,” Alex says.

I give him a warning look, and he raises his hand. “I’m just saying.”

“Well, one day, I’ll have a place of my own.”

“Oh, of course,” he says, like he’s forgotten something. He then strides out of the kitchen and leaves me wondering what on earth he’s doing. When he returns, he’s carrying a fat, brown envelope.

I eye it uncomfortably. “I can already see that’s far too much.”

“How do you know?” he smirks. “It might all be one-dollar bills.”

I smile in spite of myself, and when he hands over the envelope, I take it. I don’t want to make this situation anymore awkward. When I leave this evening, I don’t want another red face.

“Will you be available for any other dinner parties I might have?” Alex says, sounding hopeful.

“Maybe,” I say, not wanting to commit right now.

“My friends are likely to go back to the city and brag about you now, and if I don’t provide the same service for everyone, there’ll be murmurings of favoritism.” He winks.

9

Alex

When Dara leaves, she looks exhausted, and I do feel a little guilty. She’s been on her feet for more than twelve hours, and if her car wasn’t in the driveway, I would have offered to drive her home, just to make sure she actually makes it.

When I asked her to cook for this dinner party, I had a price in mind, but after the amazing meal she provided, I added half again. She’s worth it, and it’s well deserved.

Truly, I could have her here every night, cooking for me.

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