Soul Sweet

by Nichelle Gregory

  Chapter Sixteen

  “The place looks fantastic.”

  “Thank you so much, James.” Misha smiled at the pianist as he sat down at the glossy baby grand. “I’m looking forward to hearing you play tonight.”

  James played a few notes. “It’ll be my pleasure to help you celebrate the opening of your new restaurant. Do you want me to play now or wait until the party starts?”

  “Please, play now.” Soft chords soon blended into a lovely rendition of one of Misha’s favourite love songs. She drew in a deep breath, taking a moment to simply savour the music and her surroundings. The space was currently empty, dimly lit, but she could see every detail of her restaurant. “My restaurant.”

  Misha considered pinching herself. No matter how many times she said those two words, it still didn’t seem real. Once she had found the right spot to open her place, it had taken almost two months for the contractors to gut and reconstruct it the way she wanted. Maybe it would finally sink in that the joint was hers tomorrow night when Soul Sweet officially opened and real customers filled each seat. Tonight, she would celebrate with her family and closest friends, offering them a sneak peek at her dream come true.

  Misha blinked back happy tears, still amazed at how much her life had changed since Celeb Chef. She’d left Seattle unsure of what was next for her, but determined to move forward in her culinary career. Heartsick, she’d welcomed all distractions she’d been bombarded with while working to open Soul Sweet. Pivoting in her heels, she couldn’t have been more pleased with the décor. Glossy dark wood chairs stood out against the white linen tablecloths, modern artwork and lighting gave Soul Sweet the elegant chic feel she’d been going for. Red dining-ware offered a pop of colour on the table, pairing nicely with the white napkins and crystal glasses.

  Misha reached out, touched a chair and sighed. “It’s perfect.”

  Almost.

  She wished Cameron were here to share this moment with her. Misha walked towards the back wall of the restaurant and stopped in front of a beautiful oil painting of the Seattle skyline. She’d handpicked each artwork on Soul Sweet’s walls, wanting each piece to transport her patrons somewhere magical. The moment she’d seen this one, she’d instantly been reminded of all the wonderful times in the Emerald City. Every time she looked at the painting she smiled and thought of Cameron, as she did now.

  They’d stayed in touch during the past three months, talking on the phone at least once a day, sometimes for hours, and she could always count on several text messages from him as well. She’d thought her feelings for him would dull upon returning home, proof that their erotic tryst had been just that and nothing more, further proof that her blissfully sated declaration of love had been ridiculous. But, the distance between them had only made it painfully clear how deeply she cared about him.

  He’d been her lover, but now he was as close to her as her best friends. They could chat about anything and often did until the wee hours of the morning. Her friends and her sister razzed her constantly about not dating and spending so much time with her non-boyfriend boyfriend. She didn’t care—she was happiest while on the phone with Cameron. Ending each call was the hardest, and lately it had become increasingly difficult not to say those three little words. She never did, making sure to always finish on an easy, breezy note when she wanted to demand whether he missed, craved, loved her like she did him.

  She kept telling herself if he’d wanted more, he would’ve told her before they’d parted ways in Seattle. He was obviously content with the way things were between them. Friends, that’s what they were now, very close friends, but at night he was her phantom lover, bringing her to high-intensity orgasms within a matter of minutes. There wasn’t a day gone by that she wasn’t tortured with flashbacks of their intense erotic interludes. She couldn’t, didn’t want to think about being with someone else. Being with Cameron had changed everything.

  You know this can’t go on.

  Misha bit her lip. She didn’t know how to stop wanting him, loving him.

  Her cell vibrated and she lifted it to see a text from Cameron.

  Ready for your party?

  Misha grinned and hurriedly typed—

  Ready or not, it’s party time.

  Her screen lit up seconds later.

  Congratulations, Misha. I’m thrilled for you. Make sure you have a drink for me.

  Her fingers flew over her keypad.

  I wish I had one of your pineapple orange mimosas. I might have to put it on the menu.

  She smiled at Cameron’s fast reply.

  That’s my damn drink. I’m the only one who can serve it. Next time I’m in Chicago, I’ll make you one. Deal?

  Misha’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of him being in the city. She exhaled and responded.

  Deal. I’ll let you know how it goes.

  She stared at his reply.

  Talk soon.

  The sound of voices coming from the back of the restaurant drew her attention from her phone. She looked up to see her sister approaching with Ava and Josie. “Hey, ladies.”

  “You look beautiful.” Serene gave her an air kiss.

  “Why, thank you.”

  She felt beautiful in the red evening dress she’d spent half a day shopping with Serene to find. The soft fabric draped over one shoulder, leaving the other bare. From the front, the dress looked deceptively demure, but from behind almost her entire back was exposed with the dramatic cut.

  “Very sexy.”

  “Thanks, Josie.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Josie’s right.” Ava whistled. “That dress was made for you.”

  “Mish, you’ve gotta turn so they can see the back of the dress.”

  Misha did as her sister had instructed and twirled around, enjoying her friends’ ooohs and ahs. She turned back to face her friends, gesturing at their elegant attire. “You three look hot as hell too.” She giggled as all three ladies struck over-the-top sexy poses.

  Josie was radiant in an emerald strapless dress. The deep, rich colour highlighted her blonde locks and porcelain skin. Misha admired Ava’s dark curls piled on top of her head. The Latin beauty was breath-taking in a royal purple cocktail dress. Serene stood out, wearing a pale yellow chiffon slip dress that moulded to her slim form.

  Serene’s gaze dropped to Misha’s brand new black stilettos. “Those heels are to die for. I don’t know how you walk in those damn things.”

  “I brought some comfy heels if this party goes longer than expected.” Misha glanced at her watch. “Speaking of which, it’s almost time to open the door.”

  “There are already a lot of cars out there.” Serene squealed. “It’s finally happening, Mish!”

  “I know. I still can’t believe it. I suppose I should turn on all the lights.” Misha walked over to the wall. She flipped the switches and dialled down the intensity with the dimmer.

  Ava gasped as she looked around. “I’ll admit to you now, I didn’t think they’d ever turn this space into a swanky hotspot, but that is exactly what they did.”

  “You like?”

  “I love it.” Josie shook her head in wonder. “This place looks fantastic.”

  Misha smiled at her sister. “It does, right?”

  “Absolutely. To think of what it looked like a few weeks ago…” Serene hugged her again. “I’m so proud of you.”

  Josie nodded. “Me too.”

  “Me three.” Ava grinned. “Soul Sweet is going to be a huge hit.”

  “I hope so. I’m just glad you guys are here to share this moment with me.” Misha drew in a deep breath and waved her hand in front of her face. “I can’t ruin my makeup with tears minutes before the party.”

  “If you start we all will.” Serene pointed behind Misha. “Look, there are people waiting at the door now.”

  Misha wrung her hands as twin butterflies of excitement and nervousness circled inside her stomach. “It’s time.”

  “You waited for
ever for this.” Ava gave her a light push. “Go open that door. Let’s get this party started. Besides…” She eyed Misha’s bartender, who’d just moved back behind the door. “I’m suddenly very thirsty.”

  Misha grinned at Ava before pivoting and going to the door. She waved to Thomas, her newly hired and dedicated assistant manager, and gave Stephanie, her bubbly hostess, the thumbs-up sign before unlocking the doors. Misha forgot about her butterflies as she greeted associates and friends. She lost track of time and count of how many hands she shook as her restaurant filled. Soul Sweet was crammed with people standing around sipping champagne while others dined on her fusion menu of American and Pacific Rim cuisine.

  Almost an hour and a half later, Serene pulled her to the side. “Everything seems to be going smoothly. How are you feeling?”

  “Happy.” Misha shifted her gaze from her sister to look over the restaurant. She waved to Ava and Josie sitting at one of the tables with their parents and Kaden, who’d just arrived. “Do you think Mom and Dad are enjoying themselves?”

  Serene chuckled. “You know Mom, she can talk to anyone. Dad is Dad. What did he say about Soul Sweet?”

  “He said one word—fancy.”

  The two sisters laughed.

  “He’s proud of you, they both are.” Her sister smiled. “I overheard him bragging about you to someone on the phone.”

  “Kaden looks miserable.”

  Serene glanced at the table where their family was seated. “Well, he couldn’t convince Aimee to come tonight. It looks like reconciliation is going to be out for those two.”

  Misha exhaled, saddened for her brother. It was obvious he still loved his wife and the last time she’d talked to Aimee, she’d sensed nothing but disdain towards Kaden.

  “Kaden will be all right.” Serene touched her arm. “He’s thrilled for you.” She gestured around. “Look at this place—it’s packed!”

  “It’s wild.” Misha scanned the restaurant, noting that every seat was taken. “I didn’t expect such a huge turnout.”

  Melodious strains of a jazz standard mixed pleasingly with the clink of silverware, talking and laughter. Misha was relieved that it appeared everyone was having a great time.

  “There’s just one person missing, though, huh?”

  Misha looked back at her sister. “Yeah.” She unconsciously squeezed her clutch purse with her cell inside. “He did send best wishes.”

  “I wish you two would stop pretending you don’t want more.”

  “I’m not pretending.”

  Serene gave her an exasperated groan. “Not with me, with him.”

  “Excuse me, Misha?”

  Misha turned to see Stephanie and frowned at the hostess’s anxious expression. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m not sure, but you’re wanted over at the bar.”

  “Okay, thanks, Stephanie. You’re doing a terrific job, by the way.”

  The hostess beamed and thanked her before going back to her station.

  “Let me go see what’s going on.” Misha craned her neck to see the crowded bar, grateful that there weren’t any visible signs of disaster.

  Serene nodded. “Bring back two glasses of champagne so we can toast this first successful night of many in Soul Sweet.”

  “That could be premature. The whole bar could be slipping into a sinkhole or something.”

  Her sister laughed. “Bring three glasses, you need to relax.”

  Misha waved her sister off before heading towards the bar. She greeted everyone she passed, honoured that so many friends and associates had come to help her celebrate.

  “Misha.”

  Misha turned her head and smiled when she saw Darius. “Thank you for coming tonight.” She knew he’d been disappointed by her decision not to stay on at Savoury, along with everything else that had gone down between them, and she’d wondered if he’d come to her party.

  Darius grinned. “Hey, I had to come see how fierce my competition is going to be. No, seriously. I’m happy for you. This place”—his gaze ran over her from head to toe—“you, look incredible. I wish you nothing but the best, always.”

  Misha hugged him, grateful for his support and his friendship. “Thanks, Darius.”

  He lifted his glass to her. “Enjoy tonight.”

  “I will.”

  Darius turned away from her and was soon joined by two women who’d clearly been waiting for him. She chuckled as she walked towards the bar, knowing Darius would never change. Misha made eye contact with Reed, her head bartender, chatting up three females who obviously appreciated his dark good looks. Hiring him had been a no-brainer. He was built, charming and an excellent mixologist.

  He grinned and approached her. “Stephanie sent you over?”

  “Yes.” Misha leaned towards him to be heard over the chatter. “What’s going on?”

  Reed lifted a Martini glass filled with a yellowish liquid. “Everything’s under control back here, but this is for you.” He pushed the drink towards her.

  “What is it?” Misha picked up the glass. “Something you’d like to add to the menu?”

  “I don’t think I can.”

  Misha gave him a quizzical look before taking a sip. The citrus flavours burst on her tongue, blending seamlessly with the alcohol. “Mmm… It’s delicious and familiar. Oh, my God, this is a pineapple orange mimosa.”

  Reed winked at her.

  “Yes, it is.”

  That voice.

  Misha set her glass down, splashing a little of her drink on the counter, then she whirled around. She gasped in shock when she saw Cameron standing right behind her, devastatingly handsome in a dark suit and red tie. “Y-you’re here.”

  He grinned at her. “Of course I am. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

  “Cameron.” Misha blinked back tears and went to him. She closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so happy to see you.” She breathed in his familiar scent, squeezed him tighter, still in disbelief that he was actually holding her.

  “And I you.” Cameron brushed his lips against her ear. “Damn, you look so beautiful, Misha.”

  Misha lifted her face to his, wanting his kiss as much as her next breath. “Thank you.” She wetted her bottom lip and her heart raced when Cameron’s gaze dropped to her mouth. “You look very nice too.”

  “Thank you.”

  Cameron leant forward and her heart fluttered in anticipation of his kiss. She briefly thought about her family sitting only a few feet away and her father’s reaction to her kissing a white man. The shock of seeing her kissing in public alone would probably knock him out of his seat, but she didn’t care. Cameron gestured to the group laughing beside them. “I can barely hear you.”

  Misha nodded. “I know where we can go that’s quiet.”

  “Great.” Cameron thanked Reed when he placed a mimosa in front of him. “Let’s take the drinks.”

  Misha informed Reed where to find her if the need arose as Cameron grabbed the mimosas. She led the way out to the garden patio she couldn’t wait to use in the summer. A chilly autumn breeze swirled under her dress and Misha shivered.

  “This is a great space for dining outdoors.” Cameron set the glasses on the wrought iron table next to her and Misha placed her purse by the drinks.

  “I know. I’m so excited about preparing a summer menu and having this open.” Misha watched him shrug out of his suit jacket and remembered how it felt to have every inch of his hard body on and in her. Three months. It had been too long. A rush of heat spiralling up from within warmed her as he placed the jacket around her shoulders.

  “Better?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Misha chuckled as she pulled his suit jacket tighter around her. The intoxicating scent of his cologne enveloped her, reminding her how much she’d missed it on her skin. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were coming.”

  “I had to come, but I wanted it to be a surprise. This is a huge moment for you and I wanted you
to have your new favourite drink tonight.” Cameron grinned. “Now, we can properly toast Soul Sweet’s success. I can’t believe that’s the name you picked for your restaurant.”

  Misha’s smile faded a little. Choosing the name had been easy, as easy as it had been falling for him. “You don’t like it?” She gasped when he snaked his arm in between his jacket and her waist and yanked her against him.

  “Misha, I love the name and I love you.”

  Her eyes widened. “Say that again?”

  “I’ll say it as many times as you need. I love you. These past months have been hell without you. I wasn’t ready to acknowledge my feelings for you in Seattle.” Cameron’s fingers skated along her spine. “I told you that maybe things were going too fast for you, but when I got home, I realised I was struggling with the lightning speed in which we connected. Our white-hot sexual chemistry, although amazing, made me think maybe I was just missing amazing sex in my life. I was reminded of how Jess refused to let me help her through the darkest part of our lives together when you didn’t trust I’d help you through yours.”

  “I’m so sorry. I was scared.”

  Cameron brushed his lips on her temple. “I know. So was I.”

  Misha splayed her fingers over his heart. “What changed?”

  “More like what grew.” Cameron smiled. “Talking and texting you became the highlight of my days and nights. My need for you, my love for you has been consuming me.” He tightened his grasp on her. “I want and need you in my life, Misha. I love you so much.”

  Tears filled her eyes as he bent his head to kiss her. She put her arms around him and his jacket slipped to the ground unheeded, as he parted her lips with his tongue. Misha slumped against him with a hungry moan when he pulled away. “I love you so much too, but how is this going to work? You’re so far away.”

  “Shh…” Cameron pressed his finger against her mouth. He bent down to retrieve his jacket and snapped it once before placing it back around her. He grinned at her as he grabbed the mimosas. Misha took hers from him with a curious look. “Let’s toast.” He waited until she’d raised her glass to lift his own. “To delicious experiences.”