Page 94 of Billionaire Temptations

“You can guarantee I will if you call me something other than ‘Emerson’ again.”

The longer I stayed in her room and argued with her, the angrier I became. I started to walk out and stopped when I reached the door. I turned around and put my finger up.

“You—” I was so angry that I couldn’t finish my sentence. She stood there with her arms folded and stared at me. I walked out and went to the dining room to have breakfast.

As I was eating, Robert stepped into the room and asked to speak with me.

“My mother has taken ill, and I need to go to see her in Florida. I really don’t know how long I’ll be gone,” he spoke.

“I’m sorry to hear that. When are you leaving?”

“As soon as possible.”

“I understand, Robert. Have a safe trip, and I hope your mother feels better soon.”

“Thank you, sir.” He gave a small nod and went back into the kitchen.

Could this day get any worse? As I tried to eat my breakfast, I couldn’t get over the fact that Emerson had spoken to me the way she did. No woman had ever spoken to me that way, and it would never happen again.

Chapter Six

Emerson

I took back what I said about Alex Parker not being such a bad guy. He was a complete asshole in how he spoke to me in his commanding voice like I was some child. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him what I did, but my defenses had gone up. My parents were the only people who had a right to talk to me like that. I couldn’t stop thinking about how he came into my room last night to check on me. As weird as it was having him hover over me in bed, it was a nice gesture on his part. I got the feeling there were two sides to Alex Parker. I just hadn’t figured out yet which side was more dominant. I was only here for three months, and having as little contact with him as possible wouldn't be difficult.

After putting on my bathing suit, and as I was walking out the patio door, I heard Alex call my name.

“Emerson, I need to speak with you for a moment.”

I rolled my eyes and turned around to face him.

“Yes, Alex?”

“Robert’s mother has taken ill, and he is leaving for Florida. So, I will need you to step in and take his place.”

I raised my brow at him. “Take his place? What exactly do you mean?”

“You’ll be his replacement chef. Mainly cooking my breakfast in the morning and an occasional dinner.”

I laughed uncontrollably. “You’re kidding, right? You expect me to cook for you?”

“No, and yes. Since you apparently have these mad cooking skills, it will save me from hiring another personal chef. After all, I am letting you stay here,” he spoke seriously.

Cocking my head, I stared at him, becoming distracted by his overall sexiness in his tailored business suit and his scent that lingered in the air.Damn him.

“Fine. Since you were kind enough to open up your home to me while my brother is away, the least I could do is repay you by cooking your meals.” I pretty much had to choke out the words.

“Very good. You’ll start tomorrow morning. Breakfast is at 7:30 sharp.”

“And if I don’t have it ready until 7:31 or perhaps 7:32?”

He took in a sharp inhale. “7:30, Miss James.” He walked away without even cracking a smile.

I didn’t see him the rest of the day or night, which was fine with me. I wasn’t particularly liking his attitude.

I madesure to wake up nice and early to serve his Majesty his breakfast on time. Just as Alex walked into the kitchen, I plated his quiche with a side of fresh fruit and a homemade banana-nut muffin.

“Good morning,” he mumbled.

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