Page 25 of Yours to Conquer

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

We enter the convention center and park in a spot reserved for Anthony. Walking to the front entrance is like walking the red carpet. They ask us to stop several times while they take our photos. Reporters seem to swarm everywhere. It strikes me as funny. If people knew how down-to-earth Anthony is, they’d probably lose interest. He doesn’t live the jet-set lifestyle his income would lead people to believe he does. He’s a simple man with simple needs.

The first thing that hits me as we walk in is the sheer number of smells I’m assaulted with. I say assault because the moment we enter, my senses are assailed by the pungent aroma of everything from curry to the sickly sweet smell of fresh-baked cookies. Any other day I’d have swooned at the scents coming from the various vendors, but today I’m overwhelmed.

Booths are set up everywhere, and each is showcasing some delectable morsel or beverage. People are strolling through the space as white-jacketed servers walk through the crowds, peddling whatever their trays are loaded with. I break free of Anthony’s hand and head straight for the bar. A glass of sparkling water and a peppermintwill remedy what ails me. I ask the bartender to put a splash of bitters in my drink. It’s a surefire cure for a weak stomach.

“Still queasy, I see,” he says as he orders his drink. I didn’t realize he’d followed me over to the bar. I shouldn’t be surprised; he always seems to know exactly where I am.

“I’m okay. It was just the first onslaught of smells, but now that I’m acclimating to it, I’m fine.” He receives his Diet Coke and shakes his head.

“I knew we shouldn’t have come. You look pale again.” He narrows his eyes and purses his lips. He’s not happy.

“I’m fine. I am,” I respond, not sure if it’s him or me I’m trying to convince.

He slips his hands into mine and threads our fingers together. We walk around the venue and mingle. I recognize the faces of Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck. As we round the corner, I hear the unmistakable voice of Paula Deen. I love her Southern twang. I feel the pull as Anthony directs me to a quiet corner where a younger man is sitting. He looks familiar, but I can’t place his name. As we get closer, I realize it’s Jamie Oliver. He has done so many positive things in addressing childhood obesity.

“Hey, Jamie, how are you?” I hear Anthony say. He walks over to the blond chef and shakes his hand.

“Anthony, so good to see you. I’m just hiding out here for a bit. The crowds can be overwhelming. Have a seat.” He motions for us to join him at his table. “Who’s this with you?”

I reach out my hand and offer it to the man in front of me. His warm hand embraces my own as he brings it to his mouth for a gentle kiss. If I weren’t already in love with Anthony, I’d have swooned. “Hi, I’m Emma Lloyd.” I pull my hand back down and place it in my lap.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Jamie. This is my girlfriend––my Emma.” Anthony pulls me possessively to his side.

“I’ve been in London for far too long,” he says in his English accent.

“Watching you kiss my girl’s hand, I think it’s time you went straight back to your wife and kids in London, my friend,” Anthony quips. I giggle at his comment.

After several minutes of chatting, we decide to make the rounds, leaving Jamie behind. I walk to where I see Kat and Damon standing near a wine vendor’s booth.

“Love that outfit, Kat.” I lean over and kiss her on the cheek. She turns around and smiles at me. She looks happy to be rescued from the endless drivel about this year’s grape crop.

Kat and I head toward the corner of the booth, so we don’t interrupt the conversation being held by Damon and the wine vendor. Anthony walks up to Damon and joins in their discussion.

“You look a little pale today. Are you okay?” Kat asks with concern in her eyes. “Are you sick?”

“I’m having a little tummy trouble today. Remember when I used to get sick from spicy foods?”

“It was the wasabi from yesterday, wasn’t it? I was wondering why you ordered a spicy tuna roll. I thought it was brave, considering your history.”

“It was so good, though. I felt fine until I walked into this room. I thought for sure I was going to throw up again. I was sick this morning, but I’ve grown accustomed to the smells, and I’m good now.”

Kat and I talk for a few minutes until I feel a strange hand wrap around my waist. It’s not Anthony’s; I’d know his touch anywhere. I look to my left and see Blake Havers standing entirely too close to me. I think back to Anthony’s description of him, and he does look like a slimy little worm.

He leans over and plants a wet kiss on my cheek that makes my skin crawl. I never had that reaction to him before. Maybe it’s still my stomach bug. I reach down to his hand and try to break his grip on my waist, but he pulls me tighter against him.

“Hello, Mr. Havers, how are you? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.” I greet him with kindness, hoping he will just say hello and leave.

Kat gives me a look that says,Who the hell is that?

“Kat, this is Mr. Blake Havers. He is a highly esteemed food critic. Mr. Havers, this is my friend, Kat. She works at Ahz and is engaged to Damon Noble.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Havers. Have you been to Ahz? Anthony Haywood’s is there. You should come and dine with us someday. I’m sure Anthony and Emma would love to host you for an evening.”

I subtly try to give Kat a dirty look that says, “no damn way.” At the mention of his name, I see Anthony look our way. His smile fades to a grim line as he looks at Blake and his hand placement.

I try once again to pry his hand from my waist, but I’m unsuccessful in my endeavor to free myself.

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