Page 23 of Alluring

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God. The things he said, could bring a girl to her knees. How could someone be so bossy, yet so sweet at the same time? He made it impossible to stay mad at him. He also made it impossible for her to ever quit her job. For if she did, that would be admitting that he meant something to her. And she didn't know if she would ever be ready to admit that.

Best to just keep things light. They would enjoy each other's company and have some fun. Then in a few weeks or a month when he walked away, he wouldn't be taking her heart with him. It sounded like a solid plan. Now if she could just get her heart, to go along with it.

CHAPTER NINE

"Is a blindfold really necessary?" Alexis asked, as Jack secured one of his ties around her head after stepping out of the elevator and into his foyer. Jack had asked her to dinner, the following night, at his place, and she'd said yes, knowing that they wouldn't see each other for the rest of the week.

"Yes. You'll need to walk by the kitchen to get to the dining room, and I don't want you to see the mess I've made until after you've eaten. I don't want you to lose your appetite."

Alexis giggled as he led her to a chair, sat her down, and removed the blindfold. She blinked as beautifully set table came into focus. A large bouquet of wildflowers was displayed in a clear, crystal vase at one end of the table along with two place settings across from each other.

Jack picked up a bottle of wine and filled their glasses before disappearing then reappearing, a moment later, with two salads.

"When you invited me over for dinner, I didn't realize you'd be cooking the meal yourself." She took a bite of her salad, baby spinach with feta cheese and hot bacon dressing, delicious.

"Mom insisted I learn to cook growing up. I don't do it often, hence the mess in the kitchen, but I do know how."

Alexis's ears perked up. He'd never mentioned his parents before. "Did you grow up here?"

"For the most part. I went away for college, though. Texas State."

"Ah, that explains the Cowboys jersey."

Jack eyed her across the table. "You remember that?"

She shrugged in an act of nonchalance.

He gave her a slow, knowing smile.

She decided to change the subject. "So where are your parents now?"

"Last I heard they were in the South of France."

"Must be nice, being able to travel like that."

She was busy hunting around in her salad for more feta cheese so didn't see the look on his face when he replied, "I'd take you anywhere you wanted to go." If she had seen it, he would have been one step closer to filling her up.

She lifted her head and smiled at him. "I've never been out of Nevada. My sister goes to UC San Diego, but I've never visited her." She took a sip of her wine feeling melancholy. "I haven't seen her in two years."

"We'll have to rectify that."

Alexis didn't argue with him. The thought of seeing her sister was too tempting.

Jack left and came back again with the main course. "The plate's hot from warming in the oven. Be careful," he said, setting the plate in front of her.

"Baked halibut, long grain rice, green beans with extra butter, and a side of tarter sauce, because I know how much you like your condiments and sauces." He gave her a wink then started eating.

Alexis took a bite of her fish. The meat was moist and flaky. She sampled the rest of the meal, rice well seasoned, green beans dripping in butter, all of it delicious. Jack could cook.

"So tell me more about growing up as Jackson Cole. Did you always live in a hotel?"

Jack chuckled. "No. My parents have a house a few miles from here. I grew up there. I had a pretty normal childhood, went to school, played with friends, boys when I was younger, girls as I got older." He gave her an eyebrow wiggle, and Alexis smiled back at him. "Like I said, went away for college, came back here, and took over, running the hotel so dad could retire and enjoy the money he made. And, that's basically it besides a few indiscretions along the way, that I won't be telling you about but know, they didn't land me in jail." He picked up his wineglass before leaning back in his chair while giving her a wicked smile and a wink.

Alexis studied him. He was elegant and dignified yet straightforward and modest. Commanding, forceful, and aggressive but at the same time thoughtful, generous and kind. Strikingly handsome but not arrogant. His very presence filled a room. He was irresistible, and she, even with all her doubts, was unable to resist. Was discovering, she didn't want to resist. At least not for now.

The kitchen wasn't as bad as she envisioned, but it wasn't something she would want to clean up either. After refilling their wineglasses, Jack picked them up and carried them into the living room. He set them on the coffee table then sat himself on the couch.

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