Freddy’s eyebrows lifted. “He’s so into you, Lana.”
“Why the hell did he come here to flaunt other women in my face? Could he really be that cruel?” she snapped.
Freddy’s mouth formed a firm line. “He’s been known to flit from country to country on a whim, following business deals and chasing up loose ends. I don’t think he came here to flaunt anything in your face, honey. There must be a reason for his visit.”
Her heart sank. If he wanted her back, then he would have come right out and said it. Marcus always takes whatever the hell he wants.
“I had another nightmare,” she announced. “Marcus came into my room and held me until I fell asleep again. I let him stay.”
Freddy’s brow scrunched up. “Did he just hold you?”
“Eh, in bed, yeah…and when I woke up the next morning he was gone.” She blew out her cheeks, releasing a confused sigh.
“Honey, I’ll stick my neck out here and say that Marcus came here for you.” Freddy wrapped his arm around her neck, pulling her in for a hug. “I’ve known him for a long time now. The guy’s got a commitment phobia, but I’ve never known him to chase any woman.”
“He hasn’t come near me all morning.”
“Play it cool. If he hasn’t laid his cards on the table after tonight, then let it go, hon. Now, let’s get the food sorted or Jamie will turf me out on my ass.”
Working as the dream team, they pulled together a splendid entrée of oven roasted Salmon with a Kumquat pesto, finished to Freddy’s high standard. However, it was the red and black sesame encrusted fresh tuna, perfectly pink on the inside, served with a Riesling reduction and jasmine infused long grain rice, that made him sigh with contentment.
“Wow, it all looks so tasty. You’re a gastronomic prodigy.” Lana popped a piece of fish in her mouth and let out a soft groan. “Delish! Let’s get ready while they eat.”
A tingle rushed down her spine. Her eyes flicked to the doorway to find Marcus. Their eyes met across the room, and her deep breath stuck in her lungs.
His hair was slicked back from a dip in the pool and his white tee clung to his broad shoulders like the fabric didn’t want to let go of him. His sexy lop-sided smile made her stomach twist and her insides burn. Each confident stride brought him before Freddy.
“You’ve gone and done it this time.” His hand rested on Freddy’s shoulder.
“Marcus?” Freddy’s eyes bugged.
“You cooked up a storm the other day. Jamie’s guests were really impressed withhischef.”
“Oh!” Freddy threaded the dish cloth between his fingers.
Marcus cleared his throat. “Look, mate.” His grip tightened. “I know we’ve got a good thing going on, but I’m going to have to let you go.”
Freddy’s palm flew to his mouth and he clutched the dish cloth to his heart. “You’re way too talented to cook for one miserable bachelor,” Marcus continued.
“No! I don’t mind working for you, honestly!” Freddy looked like he was going to cry—like an ugly sort of cry with scrunched eyes and snot.
“Marcus, please don’t.” Lana stepped closer.
There was a hint of mischief in his eyes, as his gaze cut to her. “I’m not cutting him loose, beautiful.” He winked and her heart flipped hysterically, shooting sparks into her muscles.
She drew in a steadying breath as his gaze wandered down to her breasts and settled for a few seconds before returning to Freddy.
“Marcus, I really need the money, plus, I really enjoy working for you,” Freddy urged, still hugging the soiled cloth like a kid’s comforter.
He chuckled softly and a slow sly grin spread across his cheeks. “Freddy, I want to fund your new venture.”
Freddy’s brows nearly sprang off his face and hit the ceiling. “New… venture?”
“Yeah, your new restaurant. Wherever in the world you want to open it, I’ll fund it.”
The cloth fell to his feet. “Are you serious?”
Lana’s heart doubled, the swell of emotion made her dizzy. Marcus deserved a prize blow job if he was hers…he’s not. So just stop with the dirty thoughts. Her thighs pressed tighter.
