Page 21 of Richard

“You want us to have dinner—together.”

There was an amused expression on his face. “That’s the idea, yes. You may put your things–”His voice tailed off as he took in the briefcase and large tote. “You came armed for a meeting.”

“Well, yes.” She took a deep breath. “Like I said, I thought–”She shook her head as she dumped everything onto the chair. “Ithought you were displeased with the job I am doing.”

“Whatever gave you that idea?”

By this time he had left his desk and was indicating for her to accompany to the table.

“I– never mind. I need to send a text first. Babs, my boss is on tenterhooks waiting to hear of we still have the account.”

“By all means, put her mind at rest.”

He waited while she shot off the text and pulled out her chair. She was confused and it showed, but he had no intention of broaching the subject until they had finished the meal.

“I hope everything is to your liking.” His voice was courteous and impersonal, making her even more confused. It looked like an intimate setting, and she had no idea what this was in preludeto. Could it just be dinner in celebration of what she had been doing?

“You have a personal chef?” The question was rhetorical, but he responded nonetheless.

“Yes. “Plucking the wine from its icy bed, he twisted the cork, hands strong and sure, and poured the burgundy liquid into two glasses. “We entertain here a lot and keep all sorts of hours. So, it was prudent to have a chef on hand to prepare the meal, in case we get hungry as we invariably do.” He handed her the glass.

“And I spend most of my time here anyway, which makes it very convenient. Dig in.” he nodded to her plate, and she automatically took up her utensils. Trying to shed her self-consciousness, she cut off a slice of veal and took a bite. Sensations exploded, and her taste buds went into orgasmic delight that had her eyes widening.

“I take it that you approve?” Richard had been watching her closely and waiting for her reaction and was not disappointed. In fact, he was aroused. The look on her face made him really want to strip off the black sweater and feast on her generous breasts. He could see the outline of lace and the shape of her nipplesunder the thin material.

“It’s–”She could not come up with the adjective to describe the taste. “Indescribable.”

“Anton will be pleased to know you are enjoying the meal. He makes a big production out of coming up with something different. I am afraid we who have been having his food for a long time, do not show the appropriate appreciation.”

“How could you get used to something like this?” she asked in amazement as she cut into another piece of meat.“It takes years of practice.” His smile was charming and gave his stern face a very attractive veneer and made her acutely aware of him.

Trying to distract herself from her disturbing thoughts, she picked up her wineglass and took a sip. “You said you spend a lot of time here. Would that be in the studios?”

He nodded as he picked up his own wine and took a sip. Sometimes, all through the night. I am a stickler when it comes to getting a melody right or striking the right tune. I am afraid I am a rather hard task master.”

“Your reputation precedes you, that’s why I thought–”She shook her head. “Never mind.”

“That’s why you thought I was giving you marching papers.”

“Something like that.” She smiled ruefully, bringing his attention to his lips and sending heat pooling at the center of him. Shifting to make himself more comfortable, he wondered if she would object to making love on the sofa across from the hearth.

Mentally shaking away the thought, he concentrated on the meal in front of him and introduced a topic that would effectively take his mind off his inner turmoil.

“How long have you been in advertising?”

As she told him the history, he watched her lips curved and her eyes sparkled and wondered how much longer he was going to be able to hold out.

Someone came in to clear the dishes and brought a pot of coffee and slices of strawberry souffle and whipped cream.

“Could you please tell Anton how much I enjoy the meal?”

The man nodded with a delighted smile as he stacked the dishes.

“That’s all for tonight, Peter.”

“Yes, sir.” With a bow, he wheeled the tray out and closed the doors behind him.

“Shall we take this over to the sofa?” He nodded toward the oatmeal-colored leather sofa in front of the fire burning in the hearth.

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