“I believe I took the initiative in the kitchen.”
“But only because I provoked you by making you a Bachelor’s Special.”
“Did you know it would end in a kiss?”
“No.”
“Anyway, you know the saying? It takes—”
“Two. I know. I don’t want things to be awkward between us. You’re giving me a great opportunity and I don’t want to blow it.”
“You aren’t. We’re adults. Things happen. Let’s blame it on the heat.”
…
Yeah, Castle, the heat.
“We can do that.” The sexy pulse at the base of her throat went wild when she chuckled.
No way could he blame it on the heat. His attraction to Jill started as a ripple that had been invading his dreams on and off for a year. Now, with her under the same roof, emotions and libidos were ablaze and out of control.
After their kiss in the kitchen last week, he’d tried to declare her off-limits, but that only made his awareness around her shoot off the charts. He wanted her now more than ever. Although he’d planned to stick to his promise, he didn’t know if he could resist her for the remainder of their deal. Especially when he saw her in the pool each time he blinked.
He drove his fingers through his hair. “Nothing has changed, Jill.”
“I’m glad.”
The smooth skin of her leg brushed his for what seemed like the millionth time. Her tantalizing coconut shampoo wafted around him and he dragged in a breath. He wanted to touch her, feel her skin beneath his fingertips, not just along his thigh. Damn it, he wanted to kiss her and press her softness against his…
You need to make an exit before you do something you’ll both regret.
Instead he leaned in and, with the strength of his thumb under her chin, turned her face toward his. The bodice of her dress stretched taut as her breath flared across his face. He grazed his mouth against hers in a light caress, testing her reaction.
She gasped, and he caught the sweet sound in his mouth before she sighed, and he crushed his mouth to hers. They turned further into each other, and Jill’s cool fingers trailed up his chest. Shivers traveled up his spine and he leaned back against the stairs, dragging her willing body with his.
Her weight pressed into him and rightness permeated his skin, filling his blood. He wanted to kiss her all night. If she didn’t let him do anything more, he’d be satisfied. The realization didn’t shock but thrilled him. He pulled her tight and shifted the length of her body so she lay across him. Her soft curves pressed against his flesh and her scent drove him mad. This seemed like a dream. A dream he’d had many times in the last several months.
Chet slid one hand over her back until his fingers threaded into the hair at her nape. He thrust his tongue into her mouth, and her body shook against his, then stiffened.
“This time it was your fault.” She teased his mouth as she spoke.
His first reaction was to take her into his arms and kiss her again, but he pushed her back and looked at her. He loved the way her skin glowed, how the thin lines of her eyebrows arched over her bright eyes, and the sexy way she bit her bottom lip when embarrassed.
“I’m sorry.” He wasn’t.
“Let’s both agree we’re attracted to one another, but it can’t go anywhere.”
“Why, Jill? Why can’t our attraction run its course?”
“You’re my boss, and I’m not looking for a fling. Though at the moment I wish I were.” Her half-hearted chuckle reddened her cheeks further.
He liked how she could speak her mind around him. He’d never known a woman to be so honest and open about her feelings.
“I don’t want sex to come between our friendship or our business arrangement. I shouldn’t have jumped you in the pool.”
Too bad the line of confusion flitting across her forehead told another story.
Recklessness pummeled him. “Are you sure? We’re good together.”
She sighed, her hand lingering over his pecs before she sat up straight. “We don’t want the same things. We’re not from the same background. We’re better suited as friends.”
“With benefits?” He wanted to lighten the mood, but even though he threw in a light-hearted wink for effect, his heart fought to stay in rhythm.
“No. What happened earlier was definitely a one-time deal.” She grabbed his hand and squeezed before she stood.
He didn’t want anything long-term, so why did her words make him struggle to breathe? He gripped her fingers tight when she tried to pull away. “We’re not going to be awkward, right? I don’t want to lose you.”
Her face paled. “Lose me?”
“Our friendship.” And he really didn’t.
“Friends.” She smiled down at him, then raced over the steps to the main-floor landing.
“Hey!” he shouted after her, then stood, grabbing the banister as if he needed the support. What’s with you, Castle? “I want you to eat with us at the dinner party Friday. The group is from the university, and I think you need to meet one lady in particular. If you pass her inspection, she’ll be a great contact for your business.”
“Okay. And just to prove there’s no awkwardness between us, meet me in the kitchen in ten and we’ll go over the menu together.”
“Sounds good.”
Chet needed—for both their sakes—to look upon Jill as a friend only. A friend he’d committed to help because he respected and admired her determination.
Long after she disappeared, Chet stood in the same spot. He really did like Jill. He didn’t want to lose her friendship.
Then why did he feel like he’d lost something else?
…
“I think we should do some type of a beef dish. Every time you cook a roast, or steaks, they’re perfect.”
Jill smiled to herself, doodling along the inside margin of the lined paper serving as a mock-menu for the upcoming dinner. She could sense this was an important meeting just by the way Chet worried over each course. He’d never done that before.
“How about a standing rib roast? Or, if you prefer, I would love to grill steaks for everyone. A nice cut of porterhouse, ribeye. You name it.”
Chet leaned his chin into his palm as he loomed over the counter to read her notes again. He smelled delicious, as always, but Jill wasn’t going to let a nice-smelling man interfere with her mission—or her attempts to keep things in the friendship zone.
“I think with the dishes we’ve already agreed upon either of those sound good.”
Jill tapped her pen on the counter, puckering her lips. She wanted this to be just as perfect as he did. Maybe more so. “How about prime rib? There’s a way I cook that cut that has the meat so tender it’ll melt in your mouth. And I mean literally.”
“Love your confidence.” He rapped his knuckle against the paper with a note of finality before pushing it toward her with one finger.
“When it comes to the kitchen and cooking, I’m all about doing it right and letting my confidence shine. Not that I’m bragging or anything.” She chuckled, and a sense of rightness slithered across her flesh when he joined in.
Chet leaned back and grinned at her. “I have a good feeling about this dinner. I want everything to go right and ideas to fly. This is the group who will be in charge of raising the money needed for the medical equipment prototypes that I’m hoping to develop for children.”
“Don’t worry, my cooking won’t sabotage your plans.”
“I know.” Chet stood and rounded the counter, pulling her to her feet. “Thanks for all you’re doing.”
“You’re more than welcome. I’m excited to be a part of your grand plan.”
“You’re more help than you realize.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her in for a big bear hug, rocking back and forth.
She loved his excitement and truly did want the dinner party to go well.
“I’m going to head to the study for awhile.”
“I still owe
you a grilled steak dinner with all the trimmings. Are you up for that tonight?”
“I am if you are.” He stopped just inside the kitchen archway and turned toward her.
Jill nodded. “Since there isn’t a dinner party tonight, and the weather is perfect, it’d be a great day to pay off my debt.” Maybe her new friendship mantra was working. When Chet had just hugged her, she’d felt nothing more than warmth—a happy feeling of helping a friend.
“Perfect.” He checked his watch. “How about we meet up at fourish?”
“I’ll be ready.”
She leaned against the counter as he strolled from the room.
Friends. She could so do this.
…
Chet peeked into the covered dish. “Do you always marinade your steaks?”
“Not always, but showing you how to make the marinade is actually teaching you two ways to grill steak.” Jill winked. Her confidence in her abilities was evident in her stride as she crossed the room to remove some vegetables from the fridge.
“Are you almost done wrapping the corn and potatoes in the foil?”
He saluted. “Mission accomplished.”
“Good. After you put those on the grill, we’ll start on the salad. The last step will be grilling the steaks.”
“My mouth is watering already.” He gathered up the foiled vegetables and carried them out the side door to place them on the top rack of the already heated grill. He closed the lid and made his way back to the kitchen, leaning against the door jamb as Jill removed the salad vegetables from their containers. He felt so inadequate in her domain. Although he wanted to help, his fingers had suddenly all turned to thumbs.
Chet eyed the knives in the block, unsure which Jill would prefer for chopping. He pulled each one from its slot, only to let it slide out of his grasp. He had no clue and would gladly admit it. He grabbed the block and carried it toward the counter where Jill had already placed a pile of salad ingredients, when the doorbell rang.
Seconds later Mel’s voice rang out. “Anybody home?”
“In the kitchen.” Chet yelled.
Mel and Jared strolled through the arch, arms linked.
“We thought we’d drop in on our way to dinner and see how the new living arrangements were working out.” Mel’s smile deepened as she took in Jill’s blush. When Mel turned toward Chet, she winked.
“It’s all going great. I lost a bet, so today I’m grilling steaks and teaching Chet some valuable cooking skills in the process.” Jill pulled a knife from the block and sliced through an onion with skill and precision.
“A bet?” Jared’s brow quirked as he looked from Jill to Chet.
“Yes, do tell. A bet sounds interesting.” Mel disengaged from Jared’s arm and leaned against the counter where Jill worked.
“Don’t get excited, Mel. I’m sure it’s nothing like what you’re thinking,” Chet teased.
“I was just wondering if our matchmaking scheme was paying off. Maybe you both were realizing how right Jared and I were and that you are made for each other.”
Jill’s knife hit the counter with a thud. “Mel, what the hell are you—”
“Oh, come on, don’t tell me that you two are living under the same roof and there’s nothing happening.” Mel fluttered her eyelashes innocently. Jared smirked, positioning himself on the nearest barstool to take in the show.
“Mel, sometimes you don’t know when to shut up.” Jill’s face reddened as she glared at her friend.
Definitely time to step up and save Jill from Mel’s teasing. “Jill and I have discovered we are great friends. Nothing more.” Chet met Mel’s playful grin with his own. Good ol’ Mel. She has a wonderful heart, but no clue when to let the dust settle.
“Hmm, not sure I buy it, but your roomie status is still new. I’ll go easy on you both today and not grill you.”
“Good, because they probably have enough grilling going on with their steaks,” Jared teased.
“Babe, it’s a good thing you’re cute, because you could never make it on the road as a comedian.” Mel kissed Jared noisily on the lips, then turned her attention back toward Jill.
“So you guys are cooking in? I was hoping we’d get here early enough that you might consider dining out with us. We’re going to hit that new restaurant downtown. I thought you’d like to check it out?”
Jill resumed cutting the remaining vegetables. Her annoyance with her friend was obvious by the rigid way she held the knife and her inability to look her in the eye. “Are you talking about Bar None?”
“The one and only. I hear they have some amazing pasta dishes. And you know I love pasta.” Mel licked her lips.
“We’re good. We’re only minutes away from putting on the steaks.”
“Sure?” Jared asked.
“Positive, bro, but thanks. Maybe next time.”
“Next time? I like that you’re thinking in the future, Chet.” A look of triumph crossed Mel’s perfectly made up features.
“Mel, if you hadn’t been my friend for so long, I’d defriend you.”
“Oh, you know I love you.” Mel crossed the room, folding Jill in a tight hug. “And you love me, too.”
“I do, but sometimes you need to have your mouth sewn shut, or maybe you need to lose your voice.”
They both chuckled. Mel followed her friend out the side door onto the deck, leaving the guys in the kitchen. Chet watched through the opened door as Jill turned the foiled vegetables, then focused her attention on the marinating steaks. She flipped them over in the sauce one final time.
“You’ve got quite the girl there, Jared. I hope you can handle her.” Chet punched his brother in the arm.
“I can. And if you’d open your eyes, you’d see that Jill is quite a girl, too.”
“Friends and nothing more. Tell your girlfriend to drop it. As a matter of fact, why don’t you tell her on your way out to the restaurant? I don’t want any more interference with my cooking lesson.”
“Yeah, sure. Cooking lesson. Whatever.” Jared shook his head as he yelled out the side door. “Come on, babe. Reservations are in less than an hour. We better get moving.”
“Coming.” Mel grabbed Jared’s hand as she entered the kitchen. “And, Chet, make sure you treat my friend right. I’m very protective.”
“No worries. I’ll treat her so good I’ll probably end up being a better friend to her than you.”
“That’s how I planned it.” She led Jared from the room, her teasing laughter tightening Chet’s back muscles with unease.
As the front door closed, Jill motioned him to the deck. “You want to put the steaks on before or after I apologize for my crazy friend?”
“Don’t worry about Mel. She’s been with my brother long enough that I know she means well, she just doesn’t know when to stay quiet.” He pulled a steak from the marinade with the stainless-steel tongs and laid it on the grill amid sizzles and jumping flames.
“I’m glad you know how to take her. It’s a special person that can handle Mel. And I mean that with all the love in the world.” Jill grinned.
“I just read people well. But, you have to admit, she is good for a laugh.”
Jill chuckled. “Of that you can be certain. And it doesn’t always show, but she truly has a huge heart. If she pegs you as a friend, it’s for life.”
“You’re lucky to have her.” Chet placed the second steak on the grill.
“But there are days I don’t feel so lucky.” Jill closed the lid. “Enough about them. Let’s get on with this cooking lesson. Now that the steaks are on, let’s toss the salad and pick out our dressings. By then the steaks should be ready to turn, and we can set the table.”
Chapter Eleven
Talk about a third wheel. Or in this case a room full of third wheels. The sexual heat glowing from this Gina woman toward Chet couldn’t only be obvious to Jill. How sick. The woman sat next to her husband, but she openly flirted with Chet like they were the only two people in the room.
> Jill studied Howard, Gina’s husband, who was a good fifteen to twenty years older than his wife. He reeked of old-time money. If their marriage started out as a love match, it didn’t appear to be what kept them together now. Since their arrival at the dinner party, neither of them had addressed the other. How sad. If she were ever to find someone she loved enough to marry, she prayed things between them never broke down to the point where they couldn’t even communicate.
Howard caught her eye. “This is delicious, Jill.”
“Thank you.” She felt a rush of color that most likely matched the jewel-tone red of her dress. Another great find at Melba’s Vintage Closet. She smoothed her fingers over the full box-pleated skirt beneath the table.
Tonight had turned out better than expected. Although Chet’s guests were a bit formal, they’d included her in their conversations. Not once did she feel like the hired cook. Well, with one exception. Of course there had to be one in every crowd.
“Chet has done nothing but rave about your talents. I’ve never eaten such a tender piece of meat,” the mustached man across from her said.
“And the potatoes, I don’t know what you did to them, but they burst with flavor, then melt in your mouth,” said the lady seated next to her, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with a linen napkin. Collette, Jill thought her name was. Wife to the president of the university. She’d already asked Jill for a business card, claiming she could use her services at an upcoming event.
Chet winked at her, and she matched his grin. Collette would be the start to Jill’s new business.
The only person at the table to keep quiet was Gina. The statuesque, peroxide blonde only looked in Jill’s direction when Chet addressed her or joined the others in a compliment. And the looks she shot Jill could have dented reinforced steel.
She wouldn’t let the woman get to her. You couldn’t win over everybody, and for some reason this woman had taken an instant dislike to her.
Shivers twisted down her spine as she met Gina’s ice-cold stare. Jill gave her a hesitant smile, but the blonde’s eyes narrowed. Gina turned toward Chet and said something. They both looked in her direction and laughed, while Gina brushed her fingertips up and down the forearm of Chet’s suit.
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