Page 25 of Unspoken Obsession

She was very insistent on being home by midnight. Perhaps she was just trying to make it clear to me that she had no intention of coming home with me. Who knows?

I'll find out her secrets. Whatever is hiding behind that flirtatious smile of hers, I will find out what the sly cheater is hiding.

All of Saturday I can't stop thinking about her and by Sunday afternoon I am driving myself crazy.

I've already gone out, trying to distract myself, and bought all the ingredients I need to make dinner - as well as two bottles of wine and flowers for the table, so I can prove she's not a florist. My chef made creme brulée, for dessert, which is in the fridge, ready and waiting. I'm not that good in the kitchen.

Now I am pacing up and down the tidy penthouse, anxious, like a man waiting for his first date, worried she might not show up.

I could call her. I've got her number. I could text her to confirm our dinner plans, but I won't.

I'll be patient.

The problems in the tunnels are testing my patience and I'm worried that they are going to do something stupid down there and I'll have to clean up the damage. Even one of those tunnels closing will impact my cash flow by slowing down my deliveries. I trust my team is on it, and they will handle it because that is what I pay them to do.

Frankie is arriving at seven and when I glance at my watch and see it is six fifty-five, I sigh in relief.

Pouring a whisky to calm my shattered nerves, I stand out on the balcony of the penthouse, overlooking the city lights. It's like a Christmas tree flashing non-stop, shiny and tempting.

The front desk buzzes. She is on her way up. I wait until there is a soft knock on the door.

I pull it open and gesture for her to come in.

She steps forward, stands on her tiptoes, and kisses my cheek, giving me an awkward hug.

The closeness sets my pulse racing.

Her perfume is intoxicating. It washes over me as she steps back and smiles, then walks into the penthouse. Sweet magnolia and wild orchids. It smells incredible. My eyes trace over her back, the long cream-colored dress she is wearing looks fresh and summery on her. White sneakers are a cute touch that keeps her outfit chic and casual while still making her look incredible.

"Wow, this place really has a spectacular view." She says, looking out towards the balcony.

"That's why I love it. Make yourself at home, I am about to cook. Can I get you a drink?"

She drops her purse onto the sofa and turns to smile at me. "I'd love a whiskey if you've got any?"

"I do." I tilted my head, smiling too, because I just remembered that it was what the beautiful fox girl liked to drink as well. What is it that makes them so similar?

Once I've poured her a drink, she follows me into the kitchen. It's strange how certain people can come into your space, and you just feel comfortable. That's how it is with her.

"What are you making for dinner?" She asks. "Not food poisoning I hope." She's cheeky.

"I'm going to try my hand at making pork chow mein. I hope you like Chinese food - I mean - if you don't or if this a total failure there are a lot of excellent restaurants, we can order from downstairs."

She laughs.

Frankie has a calm confidence about her. An alluring magnetism.

She teases me and jokes with me while I cook. Picking up a knife and sliding the wooden chopping board over she's helpingcut vegetables and herbs. She fits in, as though she has been here a hundred times.

There isn't a single moment with her where I'm awkward or tense.

"I don't believe that this is the first time you are making this," she says, her brows raised. "Be honest. Did you practice three times already to make sure you looked good tonight?"

"If I said yes, would you still be impressed?" I chuckle, stepping closer to her and holding out a spoon with a little sauce on it for her to taste.

She opens her mouth, and I slip the spoon between her lips, then drag it out of her mouth. "Mm. That's really amazing." She nods, then brushes her fingertips over her lips. I keep my eyes fixed on her.

"More salt?"

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