Page 9 of Say Yes to the Chef

Adrienne’s eyes fly open in my absence. Her brows furrow, but then soften into realization when she hears the laughter a few yards away.

I tuck my hands into my pockets and offer her an apologetic shrug, hoping she’ll understand. I can’t lose this job, can’t get caught with one of the hotel’s guests.

She inclines her head, then steps backwards, disappearing into the shadows of the trees.

A handful of girls make their way down the walkway that leads from the nightclub to the beach, heels clacking along the hardwood. All but one of them passes by without a second glance, then a blonde does a double take, her movements loose and sloppy from too many tequila shots.

“Hel-loooo,” she sing-songs, tugging on one of her friends.

Soon, all five of them are aware of me, whispering and giggling as they turn in my direction.

“She’s getting married,” another girl says, pushing the blonde one forward. “Want to be her last fling before the ring?”

My eyebrows fly up my forehead as raucous laughter breaks out among the girls.

“No,” the blonde says, then pauses for a loud hiccup. “Ican’t.” She holds up her left hand and closes one eye to focus on her engagement ring. “I’mengaged.”

I smile and incline my head. “Congratulations.”

“Well,I’mnot engaged,” a bold brunette says as she steps forward to separate herself from her friends.

“I’m afraid I must politely decline.” I incline my head, then glance over my shoulder. The curtains have been drawn across the sliding glass door, blocking any view into Adrienne’s suite, but the lights are on, which I take as a good sign. “Enjoy your night, ladies.”

Ignoring their murmured complaints, I turn away and stride in the opposite direction of where they’re headed.I’ll disappear into the trees, then sneak over to Adrienne’s patio once the coast is clear.

We have some unfinished business, she and I.

Adrienne

The briskness of the air-conditioned suite gives me the wake up call I need. Cold air hits my skin as soon as I’m inside, dousing me with reality. Goosebumps rear up across my flesh.

What the hell was I just about todo?

That man is easily half my age. Easily.

And I nearly kissed him.

Iwantedto kiss him.

I run my hands over my face and laugh into my palms. “Lady, you wanted to do a whole lot more than kiss.”With a bark of laughter, I step away from the patio door.

Whoever those girls are, I should thank them for the perfectly-timed interruption.

This isn’t a movie. I’m not Mrs. Robinson.

But could I be Stella Payne?

I tilt my head, considering.

But no.

No.

This is silly; I need to get a grip. Those girls were far closer to his age than I am. Marco should have followed them down the beach.

Maybe he did.

Ihopehe did.

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