Page 19 of Sold To My Ex's Dad

We make our way through the elegant dining area, and I can't help but feel the eyes of the lunch staff on us. Caleb, seemingly oblivious to the attention, guides me confidently toward the kitchen, where lunch prep is already in full swing.

It's immediately apparent that they run a tight ship because the kitchen looks understaffed. Otherwise, though, it’s a chef's dream—state-of-the-art equipment, a spacious prep area, and there’s an air of efficiency that speaks volumes about the restaurant’s high standards.

As I take it all in, my desire to be part of this team, to stand among these talented individuals, and to contribute my share grows tenfold.

"This kitchen is incredible, Caleb," I whisper in awe as we walk further into it and the moment of truth draws nearer. Caleb knocks on the office door, and a familiar voice calls out, "Come in."

Caleb opens the door and gestures for me to enter first, but I’m so surprised by what I see that I almost stumble. There, seated behind the desk, is Patrick—who, it turns out, is Caleb's father. The realization hits me like a freight train.

I never got Patrick’s last name during our date or our dalliance afterward. And we’d never talked about our careers. I suddenly realized how little I knew about the man whom I’d been obsessing over for the past few days.

Patrick doesn’t notice me, as his attention is focused on his computer screen, so I take the opportunity to try to compose myself.

"Just a moment," he murmurs, not yet aware of the bombshell standing in his doorway.

My body's reaction to him is immediate. I feel a mix of nerves and desire that I pray isn't written all over my face. I'd prepared myself to meet Caleb's father, the owner of Savor, but not Patrick, the guy I’d slept with only a few nights before.

Finally, he looks up, and our eyes lock. I watch as recognition dawns on him, his expression shifting from professional curiosity to surprise. Smoothly, he rises from his chair, the picture of composure despite the shock.

Caleb, oblivious to the tension, steps forward with a smile. "Dad, this is Allie. Allie, my dad, Patrick Spellman."

Patrick extends his hand, the smile on his face suggesting he's playing along with this “first-time” introduction. "Pleasure to meet you, Allie."

I take his hand, grateful for the charade. It gives me a moment to collect myself, to slip into the role of a chef here for a job, not someone who knows him in a way that's anything but professional. "Thank you, Mr. Spellman. The pleasure is mine."

Internally, I'm a mess. My body remembers how his arms felt around me, the taste of his kiss, the feeling of his cock buried inside of me. It's as if every nerve ending has come alive at the sight of him, a reminder of what we shared.

Caleb looks between us, a hint of confusion in his gaze before he shrugs it off. "I told Dad all about your skills in the kitchen. He's been looking forward to meeting you."

Patrick nods, his attention briefly flitting back to me, an unreadable look in his eyes. "Yes, Caleb's mentioned your work at Verde Oliva. We're eager to see what you might bring to Savor."

I have to force myself to focus on the opportunity at hand, to prove to Patrick why I'm the right choice for the job. But in the back of my mind, the memory of our night together lingers, a tantalizing reminder of the complications that could arise if I take this job.

Yet even under these strange circumstances, one thing is crystal clear—I want him.

Chapter 12

Patrick

I’m thunderstruck. Allie, the woman who’s been on my mind the past few days, is here in my office to interview for the sous chef position.

Caleb is beaming, completely oblivious to the undercurrents swirling between us.

"Dad, she's got a magic touch in the kitchen.”

Allie's cheeks are dusted with a rosy hue, a sight I find endearing. Is she blushing because of Caleb's compliment, our awkward predicament, or something else?

The situation teeters on the edge of bizarre. "It sounds like you're quite talented," I comment, hoping my tone doesn’t give away my apprehension.

Caleb, ever the enthusiastic son, nods vigorously. "Exactly! That's why I knew she'd be perfect for Savor."

The small talk continues, though it does little to alleviate the tension. Eventually, Caleb checks his watch and grimaces. "Ah, crap. I've got to get going. Big day."

When Caleb leaves, I'm left grappling with a mix of emotions. My office suddenly feels confining. There’s no place to avoid each other’s eyes. I clear my throat, trying to regain some semblance of control over the situation.

The silence stretches between us, becoming an entity of its own until Allie breaks the silence with a rush of words."I had no idea you were Caleb's dad. Honestly, if I'd known, I probably wouldn’t have agreed to come in. I don't want you to think I'm trying to use my connection with Caleb to get this job. I never got your last name the other night."

She looks genuinely concerned, which I find endearing. I chuckle and raise my hand as a way to get her to pause. "Allie, I believe you.”

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