As I was relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, and plotting my next move, I heard Jenna calling my name.

“Emerson, Mr. Parker just called and said that he needs you to cook dinner tonight for him and a guest. He’ll be home around seven o’clock.”

I sighed. “Would this guest be of the female species?”

She laughed. “I would say probably.”

“Okay, then. It looks like my time down here on the beach is done for the day. I’ll have to call Phillip and have him take me to the grocery store.”

I grabbed my towel and water and headed back to the house. As I walked to my room to change, I dialed Phillip.

“Hello.”

“Phillip, it’s Emerson James. I’m going to need a ride to the grocery store. Mr. Parker is having me cook dinner tonight for him and a guest.”

“Very well, Emerson. When would you like to go?”

“How fast can you be here?”

“About thirty minutes.”

“Okay. I’ll be waiting for you.”

After changing my clothes, I went to the kitchen and pulled a piece of paper and a pen from the drawer. Sitting on the stool next to the island, I began to jot down some items I would need. Just as I was completing my list, Phillip walked in.

“Are you ready to go, Emerson?”

“Yes. I just finished my list.”

I climbed into the back of the Bentley, and Phillip drove me to the store.

“Are you coming?” I asked him as he held the door open for me, and I climbed out.

“Where?” he asked with confusion.

“Into the store. I’ll give you half the list, and we can split up. The sooner we get what I need, the sooner we can get out of here.”

“But, Emerson?—”

“No buts, Phil. Let’s go.”

I heard him sigh as he walked behind me and into the store. I ripped the list in half and handed it to him.

“If you have any questions about these items, just ask.” I smiled.

I setthe table with Alex’s fine China and placed two beautiful crystal candlestick holders in the center with red candles to create a romantic ambiance. After all, if he was bringing home his date for dinner, I wanted to make it as romantic as possible for them. Not really. I just did it to see what kind of reaction I’d get from him. I didn’t know what the hell was the matter with me, but the thought of him bringing home a woman for a romantic dinner bothered me.Shit. I wasn’t even fond of Alex Parker.

It was six fifty-five. The candles were lit, and the fresh red rose petals were laid perfectly around the table. I really went all out. As I was pouring two glasses of chardonnay, I heard the front door open, and my jaw dropped when Alex walked in with a guy.

Shit. Shit. Shit. His dinner guest wasn’t a woman!

I stood there nervously, thinking about the dining room table I’d set.

“Emerson, this is Greyson Adair, CEO of Adair Holdings and Securities. Greyson, this is my houseguest and chef, Emerson James.”

Greyson looked at me as he took my hand and brought it up to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”