Page 22 of Falling For The Boss

“Heard of it? I know Dr. Meisner. He’s a genius. You’re going to learn so much working there.” Her eyes flick to Lucas. “I bet Lucas will hate to see you go.”

“I’m trying to change her mind. There are benefits to staying here,” he says, pulling me into him so that I can feel the brick wall of his chest.

“Oh!” I say, surprised by how close we are. My heartbeat catapults under my rib cage. It’s like Lucas is trying to win an Academy Award with his performance.

“He’s so convincing,” I say, my voice wavering. “Almost too convincing.” I try to get an inch of breathing space between us, but he’s got me locked under his arm like I’m his prisoner. “Where was I?” I can’t even keep my thoughts straight; his touch is driving me wild.

“You were saying how you met.”

“Oh, right. I couldn’t stop watching him the first day I worked at The Delacroix.” It’s not untrue. Watching him cook was like watching a beautiful dance. “He was in his own world and I’d never seen anything like it. And when I tried one of the dishes, it was the most incredible experience I’d ever had. Every flavor, perfectly balanced. Before I fell for him, I fell for his food first.”

Veronica stares at me, captivated. I’ve baited her completely.

“How about you, Lucas?” Henrique asks. “Love at first sight?”

“I can’t top her story, but yes.”

“You don’t need to top anything,” Veronica says. “Love isn’t about competition. It’s about being vulnerable.”

“Okay,” Lucas says slowly. Something stirs in his gaze. “On your second night, I caught you organizing my ingredients. You didn’t even see me watching you. But you put everything into such beautiful order, like you knew what I needed before I did. That’s the beauty of finding someone who’s meant to be your perfect match. They know what you need before you do.”

I think he’s making this up until I turn to glance at him and his blue eyes have darkened, swirling with intense heat. For a moment, my heart is in free fall. If I didn’t know he was faking it, I’d melt right into him.

“It was nothing, really.”

“It was everything,” he murmurs, squeezing my shoulder like he wants me to believe him.

Of all the guys I’ve dated—and there haven’t been many—I’ve never had a guy make me feel this way. The line between fact and fiction is starting to blur between us.

“I’m not good with words,” Lucas says. “Only in the kitchen.”

Henrique gives Lucas a sly smirk. “I bet he’s a good kisser. Right, Gianna?”

I choke so hard on my sweet tea it shoots out of my nose.

Veronica gasps. Lucas stands up, covered in tea spray.

“I’m terribly sorry.” I dab at Lucas’s shirt and then realize how awkward it is to be touching his chest.

“Don’t bother cleaning up,” Veronica says. “I’ll have our house assistant do it. Why don’t you head up to your room and take a rest? We’ll see you at dinner.”

I turn to Lucas with a terrified glance. Did she just say room? As in singular?

“Veronica,” he says urgently. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

I know one thing for sure. We are not sharing a room. Not after Lucas’s convincing performance.

Chapter Five

“Gianna and I would be fine in separate rooms,” Lucas tells Veronica. Based on his urgent expression, he’s as nervous as I am.

“I’m sorry, Lucas, but with the extra guests, we don’t have any additional rooms.”

“The guests are staying the night?” he asks.

“We always offer it. It’s unusual for everyone to accept the invitation. But when they heard you were cooking, it was an easy yes.”

Lucas’s gaze flicks to mine. I shrug. We’ll figure this out. Even if it means I sleep in the bathroom.

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