Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set

by Brooke Cumberland

  “What is the most important ingredient for classic basil pesto?” I asked Travis.

  “Olive oil,” he answered confidently. I smiled as he turned to ask me a question. “What pasta is used in white clam sauce with pesto?” he asked me in return.

  “Linguine!” I shouted back. “Okay, hard one. What are the ingredients for ginger-glazed salmon steak?”

  “Seriously? Way to start out easy, Mols.” He rolled his eyes at me. We were the only ones left in the kitchen at this point. Today was our last internship day of the week and everyone was in a rush to get home. Travis and I stayed late to keep studying.

  “They have to be hard, Travis! You can do it!” I encouraged him.

  “Okay, okay…Fresh ginger, minced garlic, minced scallion, hot chili paste, rice wine vinegar…ummm….dry sherry,” he rambled on.

  “Errrrr!” I made a buzzing sound. “Wrong! Mirin, not dry sherry.” I smiled as I corrected him. He gave me a frown.

  “It’s mirin or dry sherry, Molly. So technically, I’m not wrong,” he spoke proudly.

  “Nah-ah. It’s mirin!”

  “Okay, you know what? Let’s bet on it.”

  “Deal! If I win, you are my man-bitch for a whole week.”

  “I thought I already was your man-bitch!” He laughed.

  “Ha, well then you’ll definitely be my man bitch!”

  “And if I win?” he questioned.

  “What do you want?”

  “If I win…I get a kiss,” he said seriously, looking at my lips. I gave him a bemused look, as that was crossing over our friends-only boundaries. “Just a friendly kiss, don’t worry, Molly. Plus, if you’re so sure, I’ll lose anyway,” he said, trying to smooth over the awkward request.

  “Okay…fine. I’ll go check the book right now and see.” I stared him down, walking past him. I smirked, as I was sure I was going to win. He winked at me as I grabbed the book.

  Turning the pages of the recipe list we were supposed to memorize, I finally landed on ginger-glazed salmon steak. I brushed my finger over the recipe, looking for mirin. Ha, there it is! I smiled in triumph and looked at Travis. I then looked back down. Ah, damn.

  “So Mols, what’s the verdict?” he asked playfully, anticipating my answer.

  “Um…” I stuttered, trying to buy myself more time. “Well…it definitely takes mirin…” I faked a smile.

  “Or?” he pushed. I glared at him, hating how cocky he was. He stood there, leaning against the counter, arms crossed, waiting for my answer.

  I slammed the book shut. “Fine! Or dry sherry.” I glared at him. I hated being wrong. Especially when he was standing there looking fine as hell and expecting a kiss.

  “Told ya.” He smiled his wide grin at me. He had perfect teeth. They were his best feature, by far. Or his arms. No wait, his abs. Or maybe his perfectly sculpted face. Shut up, Molly.

  “I hate you.” Great, now he gets to kiss me. I wasn’t completely disappointed. Great, now I hate myself.

  “You do not. You love me,” he teased back. I didn’t move from the other counter, waiting to see if he made his move. “Don’t worry, Mols. I won’t make you kiss me. I’ll just kiss your hand.” He walked up to me, grabbed my hand, and lightly pressed his lips down. I unconsciously closed by eyes for a moment, enjoying his lips against my sensitive skin. I knew it was wrong, but the way he made me feel when he was close to me was unnerving. It was nothing compared to Drake, but Travis was… he was different.

  He came up to look at me and smiled. I stared him in the eyes, watching to see what his next move was. Before I could protest, his lips were on mine. He pressed firmly, waiting to see if I would open for him. Without thinking, I did. His arms were wrapped around my neck and waist. He pulled me in closer to him and slipped out a moan.

  We stood there for what felt like hours, kissing and feeling each other. Every part of me knew this was wrong. I’m in love with Drake. How could kissing Travis feel so right? Travis broke the kiss for a second and lifted me up onto the counter. He stood in between my legs and continued kissing me. He tasted sweet, and I could feel the heat building up between us.

  I broke our kiss and pushed him back slightly. I needed to catch my breath and engage my brain. I jumped off the counter and walked for the door, grabbing my things as I went. I didn’t say a word to Travis. He followed my exit with his eyes, calling my name as I walked out. I didn’t turn around; I just left.

  Oh, my God, Molly! Oh, my god! How could you let that happen? I was kicking myself hard for my inappropriate behavior. What the hell was that? How did it go from kissing my hand to a full-on, make-out session? Oh God. This was going to change everything.

  The next day was a classroom day, and I could barely look at Travis as I walked in. Typically, I sat right down next to him, but today I just couldn’t. He texted me a few times the night before, asking me to call him or at least text him back. I couldn’t do either.

  “I kissed Travis,” I had quietly mumbled to Michael when I got home from our heated kiss.

  “Uhh myyy God, Molly! You kissed Travis?” He looked dead into my eyes. He could see I was already kicking myself in the ass for it. “Girl…are you okay?”

  “No, Michael! What the hell did I do?” I crushed my face into my hands. “Kissing Travis was nice. It was hot and passionate, and he’s a gorgeous man. But I’m in love with Drake. Madly. Why did Travis’ kiss feel so good?” I asked out loud. I knew Michael was listening to me and could probably offer some sort of explanation.

  “Sweetheart, everyone loses themselves in their emotions sometimes. It happens. Trust me.” He put his arm around me and lifted my chin up. “Molly, you are an amazing woman. Any guy is lucky to have you. So of course, every guy is going to be after you, which I suppose is something you aren’t used to yet. But believe me, everyone loses control once in a while. It’s not the end of the world.” Michael was trying to reassure me but it wasn’t helping. I felt horrible, guilty even. I thought he was friend-zoned, but I’m obviously attracted to him. Shit, what am I going to do?

  “Michael, what am I going to do?” I whined, leaning into his muscular arms.

  “Just avoid him for a while. See if he says anything. Try and be his friend again or don’t. But honey, Drake is a great guy for you, so don’t screw it up,” he said, completely serious. He was Drake’s biggest fan, next to Stella. Everyone loved Drake.

  “I’m going to have to, Michael, but it’s going to be so awkward now.” Shit, shit, shit.

  * * *

  The following day in class, I walked toward the other side of the room from where Travis was sitting, though I could feel his eyes following and watching my every move. I sat down next to Phoebe, who was still awkward and clueless. I could feel his eyes burning into the back of my head.

  “Oh hi, Molly!” Phoebe gushed. “I’m surprised you’re sitting here.”

  “Do you mind? Or should I leave?” I asked, not even having considered how she would feel about it.

  “No, no, it’s fine. We’re going to be listening to lectures and taking notes. We can take turns if you want?” she asked, not even noticing the lack of emotion on my face.

  “Sure, whatever, that’s fine.”

  “Class, I need your attention please. After our morning presentation, we are going to participate in the Valentine’s Day Cook-off. Interns from a few other restaurants in the area will be arriving shortly, and you will compete against each other,” Mr. Cooper announced as the class was still settling in.

  I had been so busy with school and my new relationship that I didn’t even realize it was Valentine’s Day. I hadn’t celebrated it in four years and often blocked that day out completely. My mind wandered back to my very first Valentine’s Day with Liam.

  “Molly, you look stunning!” Liam complimented as I walked down the staircase. It was our first dance together and I was anxious to get out of the house.

  “Thank you. So do you,” I said, adjusting his tie for him. Liam placed an
orange lily corsage on my wrist that perfectly matched my dress.

  That night was magical for so many reasons. We had only started dating a month before, and the Valentine’s Day dance was the first time Liam confessed his love to me. He was my first true love, and it’s a night I have never forgotten.

  For the next three hours, Phoebe and I took turns jotting down our notes. She would whisper to me every once in a while, but I was usually in a daze. I didn’t turn around to face Travis once, but I knew he was watching me. I just couldn’t face him yet.

  We had our lunch break at noon, and I quickly rushed out of the classroom. The paparazzi were no longer an issue for me since Drake had his lawyer petition to get the photos removed from all social media websites. The news was basically history now that there have been new celebrity scandals.

  I rushed out the doors and out into the cool, breezy air. I had no appetite, but I was dying for a cup of coffee. I decided to walk down to the coffee shop and stay there until I had to return for class.

  A half-hour later, I was still sitting in a Starbucks booth staring out the window. My eyelids were heavy and drifted into a doze.

  The sound of a truck horn suddenly woke me from my nap, and I realized I was twenty minutes late for class. Shit! I rushed out into the streets and practically ran back. I tried to ease slowly back into my classroom without being noticed. No such luck.

  “Molly, glad you could rejoin us,” Mr. Cooper announced loudly. I hate when he does that!

  “I’m so sorry, Mr. Cooper,” I apologized, pleading with my eyes.

  “Well, you’re just in time. I was just forming groups for the cook-off. Looks like they have room for you over there,” he responded, pointing. I followed his finger, and saw that he was pointing at Travis, Brad, and one other student. Fuck, seriously?

  Travis stared at me as if he wanted to run up to me and plant one on me. Again. I faked a smile, thanked Mr. Cooper, and walked over to the group. I could feel Travis looking at me, but I still couldn’t look up at him. The others in his group welcomed me, and we stood listening for further direction.

  “Okay class, let’s welcome our contestants.” Students from three other local restaurants walked in and each group went to a different counter, not catching our eyes. Damn, they look tense.

  “Your first item is…” Mr. Cooper hesitated for a split second, letting us suffer. “Linguine El Pesto with Mushroom Sauce. You have exactly one hour to prepare your meal.” He held up his hand, making sure all of our eyes were on him. “Go!” He lowered his hand down gesturing for us to start.

  “Okay, I’ll start making the noodles. Travis, you get the mushrooms and prepare them for the sauce. Molly, you prepare the base and Taylor, you grab all the ingredients she’ll need,” Brad ordered. Who made him boss?

  Travis tried whispering to me several times, but I managed to walk away without looking rude. Now was not the time to discuss what had happened between us. I was confused, pissed off at myself, and feeling guilty all at once. I didn’t know what to say to Travis or even how to act around him.

  “Fifteen minutes left!” Mr. Cooper shouted, letting us know we needed to finish soon.

  “Damn, okay, how are we doing, guys?” Brad peeked his nose in as I was letting the sauce simmer. The noodles were ready, and the base was just about ready.

  “Almost done,” I smiled, looking up at Brad. He was good at managing people. Almost too good. Normally, I was the bossy one that took over in group situations, but today I was not feeling like myself in so many ways.

  In the remaining few minutes, we managed to plate our dish and present it just in time. I was a perfectionist at making sure my dishes not only tasted wonderful, but also beautifully presented.

  To my surprise, Drake walked in and I gasped, realizing he was one of the judges. Oh great, this won’t be awkward at all. Two other women walked in behind him and shook hands with Mr. Cooper. I assumed they were also judging.

  “Excellent!” one of the women beamed, taking a second bite of our pasta. “This sauce is incredible!” She smiled, eyeing me. “Are you the master behind all this?”

  I nodded and smiled, unsure of how to react. She grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Seriously, this sauce is insane. I don’t know what you did, but I want more!” She laughed. I could not believe this stranger was making such a fuss over me. It felt wonderful to have my work noticed, but I was almost overwhelmed.

  “Thank you very much. I’m so happy you like it.” I smiled again, hoping she could see my sincerity.

  “Ahh…I see you have met the wonderful Ms. Woods.” Mr. Cooper approached us, smiling at me. “She is one of my best students.” Holy shit, what? I was shocked to hear my teacher praise me like this. It wasn’t like I didn’t think I was good at what I loved to do, but to have him say it out loud to everyone had me speechless.

  The judges continued around the room, tasting samples of the linguine. I spotted Drake eyeing me. He was biting his lower lip, lost in his thoughts. I can only imagine what he is thinking.

  Still feeling horrible about what happened the night before, I did everything I could to avoid Travis the rest of the contest. In fact, I wanted to erase it from my mind, and be back in Drake’s arms again.

  We prepared two more items for the judges, an appetizer and a dessert. I studiously avoided Travis, and was getting rather good at it. I made sure to keep myself looking busy and always within Drake’s eyesight. I knew Travis wouldn’t try to make a scene with him in the room.

  Just as the class was being dismissed for the day, my cell began vibrating in my pocket. Eager to talk to Drake, I hoped it was a message from him.

  I need to talk to you after class, Molly. Please! –Travis

  I quickly searched his face and he looked desperate. I glanced back at my phone and deleted the message. After Mr. Cooper announced that our group had won the cook-off, I jumped up and walked out the door before Travis could catch up to me.

  * * *

  Drake came over that night and it plastered an instant smile on my face. It felt like days since we had been together. Drake had been so busy with work, and I have been so focused on studying, that we haven’t spent as much time together as we wanted.

  “Hey, Stella-bug!” Drake greeted Stella as she opened the door for him. He sprung his arms from around his back and presented a dozen white roses. They were absolutely stunning, and my heart swelled as I saw him get down on one knee, eye level to Stella. “These are for you, sweetheart. Happy Valentine’s Day.” He kissed her sweetly on her cheek as she grabbed the flowers.

  “I love them!” she squealed. “Mommy, look!” I ran to her side, squeezing her tight. I couldn’t believe this man. He had just made my daughter feel like the most important little girl in the world.

  Stella took her flowers with her down the hall to show them off to Michael. She came back with something in her fist, eager to show Drake.

  “Drake! Guess what?” I loved watching those two interact. It was seriously the cutest thing ever.

  “What? Tell me!” he begged, pretending to be desperately interested.

  “My first tooth fell out!” She held it up high for him to see.

  “Wow, that is awesome, Stella.” He gave her a high-five. “Are you going to put it under your pillow?”

  Stella gave him a weird look. “Under my pillow?” Oops. I never raised Stella to believe in anything like that. Not Santa, not the Easter Bunny, and not the Tooth Fairy. I couldn’t lie to my baby girl, knowing someday I’d have to tell her the truth and break her heart. She was already going to have enough heartbreak in her life without a daddy, and I didn’t want to add to it.

  I quickly cut in so Drake didn’t ask her any more questions. “Drake, honey, can I speak with you for a minute?” I motioned with my eyes to step away.

  “What’s up, babe? Everything okay?” he questioned with a puzzled look.

  “Stella doesn’t believe,” I stated.

  “Believe what?”

&n
bsp; “In that.” I waved my hand as if they were sitting in front of us. “The Tooth Fairy, Santa, Easter Bunny. I never told her any of that.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed.”

  I kissed him quickly and smiled. “It’s okay.”

  I walked back toward Stella and helped her get ready for bed. I hadn’t been able to spend the evening with Drake tonight, but I needed to be with now. I needed reassurance and to push Travis out of my head for good. I slipped into a pink, sheer nighty and black heels. I wanted to surprise him and wait for him on the bed.

  “Jesus, ” Drake muttered the moment he entered the bedroom. “You look amazing,” He quickly took his shoes and shirt off, jumping on the bed next to me and pressing his lips hard against mine. I felt the instant connection, an immediate reaction to his touch. Yes, Drake is the one for me.

  “This might be the best Valentine’s Day gift I’ve ever seen.” His fingers brushed along my cheeks and wrapped around my neck, pulling my lips to his. “

  He caressed my body with his fingertips, teasing me, gently making me want him more and more. He placed his body over mine, and rocking firmly against me. Lifting up, he gave me access to his pants, allowing me to rip his belt off and push his pants down. He hen lifted me up to straddle him while he stroked my back and teased every inch of me.

  “Drake…” I moaned. “I need you,” I begged him.

  “Not yet, sweetheart. I want to own all of you. Touch all of you. In every way.” He continued caressing me lightly, arousing me, making me greedy.

  He lifted me back up, slamming me down on the mattress underneath him. He ground hard into me, kissing my neck, chest, and down to my thighs. I buried my head in a pillow to muffle my screams and moans as he made his way down my body.