The Recipe for Romance

by Lara Van Hulzen

  “Yes.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Wes tried to focus on the performance but his thoughts kept drifting back to what Noelle had said in the car on the way to the airstrip in Montana. Being the kind person she was, her intentions in helping him with the Bake-Off were motivated purely by friendship. Still unsure if his intentions were friendly or if he wanted more, he questioned whether or not bringing her to New York was a good idea.

  Wes’s assistant had scored tickets to a show at Lincoln Center celebrating years of theater and the arts. He didn’t have the luxury of being picky about what performance they saw, but the others looked pretty happy with the evening so far.

  They’d started the evening at his favorite Italian restaurant. The food was impeccable, but he appreciated most the privacy he received while there. It wasn’t as if he were famous by any means, but he was known in the social circles. The last thing he wanted was to be seen by business associates or anyone who would ask a bunch of questions about Noelle or about how long he was back. He wanted to scoot in under the radar and leave.

  Funny thing. He’d never felt that way before about his home in New York. It was his known factor. His world. His pace. As he sat beside Noelle, taking in the music and theatrics before him, he could appreciate it all, but a piece of him longed to be back in Montana. With her.

  He glanced at her, the light from the stage casting an angelic glow over her skin. Her hair was twisted and pulled back, soft tendrils of curls falling around her face. The deep blue dress she wore brought out the color of her eyes, now watching intently as people danced across the stage. Her shoulders were bare, only a narrow strap of blue holding up her evening gown.

  He’d considered bringing her to the ballet, but wasn’t sure that would be a positive or not. After all she’d been through in the accident, not to mention it taking away her future in dance, he deemed it best to stick with a different kind of performance. Based on her reaction so far, he’d made the right decision.

  “Are you enjoying the show?” he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

  “Oh, yes!” Her smile lit up the balcony where their private seats were. “This is amazing, Wes. I can’t thank you enough for this.”

  She placed a hand on his arm as she turned her attention back to the stage. On impulse, he took her hand in his and linked their fingers. Instead of pulling back the way he thought she might, she settled in closer to him, her eyes glued to the show but her body close to his.

  Maybe he’d read too much into her comment about friendship. He still hadn’t identified his own feelings yet, but wanting to be near Noelle as much as possible was taking precedence in his life in a hurry. In the short amount of time they’d known each other, he’d shifted from thinking about work 24/7 to enjoying the little things like sharing a cookie with Annalise or talking with Noelle over a cup of coffee.

  That afternoon, they’d strolled through Central Park, Noelle in awe of the beauty. As well as those around them, they’d soaked in the unusually clear day for that time of year. Hell, he’d walked through Central Park countless times in his life, but seeing it through her eyes made him see it differently. He was beginning to understand that seeing most of life through Noelle’s eyes opened his in a way they’d never been opened before. Maybe that was why he was falling for her. Yeah, he’d admit that much. He was falling and if he wasn’t careful, he’d be a goner quicker than he could say Bachelor Bake-Off.

  The voice that had been nudging at him since they’d left Montana reared its ugly head again. He had a meeting the next morning with Ronald Spellman. After listening to Noelle talk about the rumors going around Marietta, he wanted to dig deeper into the real estate deal. When he found out Ronald was on location in New York, finishing up a film, Wes scheduled a time to talk with him face to face. What better way to find out what was really going on with the deal than from the horse’s mouth?

  He rubbed his thumb along the top of Noelle’s hand. He didn’t like not telling her all that he knew about the deal, but until he had all the details, he deemed it best to keep things close to the vest. He chuckled as Mike’s words echoed through his mind. His brother wasn’t wrong. Wes had always made a point to not share until it was absolutely necessary. It was part of what made him a successful businessman. The less others knew of what you were thinking or had knowledge of, the more you had control over a situation. What was the old motto? The best way to kill a deal was to talk about it.

  And the situation with the potential sale of Noelle’s building was something he needed to control. This was Noelle. If things needed to change and he had the power to do so for her to be happy, he’d move heaven and hell to do it. Where they stood with one another was still a big, fat question mark, but he was damned sure he’d do everything in his power to protect her future and the studio she loved.

  “What’s so funny?” she asked, drawing him from his thoughts.

  “What?”

  “You chuckled. What were you thinking about?”

  “Oh, nothing. Something Mike said before I left this morning.”

  She nodded in understanding but asked nothing more. The performance ended and the room erupted with applause. The four of them stood and joined the standing ovation.

  “That was so amazing! Thank you,” Holly said with a hug for Wes as they began collecting their coats and purses to leave.

  “You are most welcome, Holly.”

  “Yeah. Thanks, man.” Jeff reached out and shook Wes’s hand.

  Jeff helped Holly with her coat and they made their way through the exit door of the balcony.

  Wes did the same for Noelle, slipping her long, wool coat over her shoulders, the softness of her not lost on him as his hands skimmed over her bare skin. She turned to look up at him. “Thank you doesn’t seem to suffice for all you’ve done here.”

  “Well, I didn’t feel that saying a simple thank-you was enough for all you’ve done for me.”

  “I haven’t done anything, Wes.”

  “You’ve done everything.” He leaned into her, his lips brushing against her cheek, then staying there a moment until she wrapped her arms around him, inviting him to hold her close. With every intention of kissing her, he lost his nerve at the last second, not knowing if she’d pull away and certain he couldn’t take it if she did. Not to mention a fleeting thought he had that they were visible to people in the second-story tier. Being too public with his feelings for Noelle he was certain he wasn’t ready for, and with the kind of kiss he wanted, and for the length of time, this was not the place.

  “As much as I’d like to stay this way for a while, Jeff and Holly will wonder where we are.” Her voice was a whisper in his ear.

  He nodded and pulled back. Taking her hand, he led her down the long hallway to the winding staircase, the only thing on his mind the fact that she wanted to be in his arms, and for a long time.

  *

  Noelle’s head spun from the events of the past few hours. Was it really only that morning she and Holly were in their apartment in Montana throwing clothes into a bag, her thinking of all the places they could possibly be going? Of all the ideas she’d come up with, flying on a private plane to New York with Wes never entered her mind. She still couldn’t wrap her head around it, even as she sat on a barstool in his kitchen. In his penthouse, of all places.

  They’d even shopped that afternoon for dresses. Wes had taken them to a fancy department store and had his personal tailor have a staff of women help them find the perfect thing to wear for the evening. A tad overwhelmed, Noelle had initially refused, but Wes was persistent, if anything. And smooth about it too. Without coming across as domineering or even brash the way some men would, he’d treated them not only to new dresses, but also to the best shopping afternoon Noelle and her sister had ever had. Not to mention a stroll through Central Park. The trip was filling up with memories Noelle was sure to never forget.

  One memory her mind had a firm grasp of was Wes’s kiss as they’d left their seats at
Lincoln Center. Some might not even call it a kiss, but she’d felt it from the tip of her head down to her coral color painted toenails when his mouth had brushed against her cheek. His cologne still lingered on her skin from their proximity when she’d pulled him into her arms.

  She’d wanted to do much more than that, but it was not the time or place, something she sensed Wes had decided as well. Yet one more reason to appreciate the whole package that was Wes St. Claire. Gorgeous, yes. Wealthy, sure. But thoughtful and considerate? Those were major bonus points in his favor.

  Having asked Holly what Noelle’s favorite Chardonnay was, he’d brought her a glass that evening before the performance began. He also learned she never had more than one glass, so fresh water had been delivered to her seat the rest of the evening.

  It was uncanny how in tune with her he was after only knowing each other a short amount of time. He was never more than one step away as they’d made their way inside his building, aware that her leg was bothering her. How he could sense her slight limp, she had no clue, but he had. Although she’d taken off her heels in the car on the way back from Lincoln Center, her leg still ached. He’d put an arm around her until they got inside his penthouse, making sure she didn’t lose her footing.

  After she’d changed into comfortable clothes, he didn’t leave her side until she was settled on the barstool she was currently perched on. Jeff and Holly were on the balcony, taking in the view of the city. Large heaters kept the night chill away.

  While Wes was in his room changing out of his dress clothes, Noelle took the chance to look around. It didn’t take a genius to see the St. Claires had money, but the more she got to know them, the more she could see that it was an amount of money that most humans would have a hard time wrapping their head around. From the mansion in Marietta to the private plane and now Wes’s penthouse, this wasn’t just big money, this was gigantic money.

  They’d stopped at the penthouse after flying in to New York but only for a few moments to drop off their bags. They’d then visited Central Park, gone shopping, and came back with enough time to dress for the evening then go to the theater. Even so, Noelle and Holly still managed to fit in a quick squeal of “Oh my gosh!” as they chose “one of the four available bedrooms,” as Wes informed them. A penthouse with five bedrooms. He was a bachelor. What did he want with five bedrooms? Well, that wasn’t a question Noelle cared to dive into or ask.

  No, she would much rather take a look around while she had the chance. The entire place had a modern design, the gray sofas and white accents chosen to fit the space. The seating area faced the floor to ceiling windows, complete with electric shades that went up or down at the push of a button. Not that Wes would need them, really. No one could see inside. No building nearby had as many floors.

  The stainless steel and granite of the kitchen matched the living area, all neutral tones with clean lines. And spotless. Noelle noticed the lack of any kitchen appliances along the counters. A lone coffee machine sat on one, but that was it. Not even a toaster. Having walked the rooms, she sat back down on the barstool and sipped her water just as Wes came around the corner.

  A laugh bubbled up, her attempt to keep it contained a total failure.

  He stopped and looked at her. “What?”

  His baffled expression made her laugh even more. Not to mention making her heart skip a beat. Everything about the man made her go from tingling to warmth to a flush of desire within seconds. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to cuddle him or kiss him senseless. Both sounded appealing.

  “Nothing. It’s just that most people would find your more comfortable clothes their dress clothes.”

  He looked down at his khaki pants, pressed to perfection. His shoes, most likely purchased that day, Italian loafers she was sure had cost half of what her wardrobe did. His dark blue button-down shirt was the only thing that looked like it may be soft and comfortable. It was tucked in with the sleeves rolled up. He’d missed a button, giving her the perfect view of his chest, the same one that invaded her dreams at night. She took another sip of water to cool herself down, if not keep her from drooling.

  “Know this about me…” he pointed at her with a grin “…sweats will never be worn by this body. Unless I’m running outside in winter, which I don’t do, so…there you have it.”

  She smiled in return. “Duly noted.”

  He moved to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottled water. He twisted the cap and took a pull from it before setting it on the counter and facing her. The bar and a small portion of countertop sat between them.

  “I’m sorry. I tease you too much about your clothes.”

  “You’re the only one who ever has. I find it refreshing.”

  That drew another laugh from her. “You find my teasing you refreshing?”

  “Actually, yeah. Not too many people have the nerve.”

  “You that powerful, huh?”

  “Sorry. That came out wrong.” He took another swig of water.

  “No it didn’t. You are a powerful man. Most people shouldn’t tease you. It would be inappropriate.”

  “But it’s not inappropriate for you?” He twisted the cap back on his water and set it down.

  “I don’t think so. We’re friends, right?” Why she asked the question, she had no clue. Maybe it was bubbling beneath the surface all night. After what had happened at the theater, she didn’t think she was still friend zoned, but how could she be sure? And she’d meant the question about their friendly banter, not about their relationship. Yet, there her comment sat on the bar between them, waiting to be acknowledged.

  Wes’s eyes went from bright and teasing to a much deeper shade of blue. He came around the counter and turned her in her seat. He stepped between her legs and placed her face in his hands. “We are friends, yes. But would it be inappropriate if I wanted it to be more?”

  Oh, goodness. No, it wouldn’t be inappropriate at all. Not trusting her words, Noelle moved her head back and forth.

  At the invitation, Wes dipped his head and placed his lips on hers. She’d dreamt of this moment, thought for hours what it would be like to be kissed by him. Nothing she imagined even came close to the real thing. The kiss started out tender, his lips brushing hers, taking small tastes each time. As she wrapped her arms around his waist, he ran his fingers through her hair, holding her head. At his complete bidding, his lips claimed hers, heat searing through her.

  Noelle lost track of all time and space. They could’ve kissed for seconds or even hours, she had no idea. They only broke apart when the sound of Jeff and Holly coming inside from the balcony awoke them from their trance.

  Wes took a step back. The loss of his warmth made Noelle shiver.

  “Hey, you two. What ya’ll doing in here?” Holly asked.

  Wes stood there, his eyes never leaving Noelle’s. They searched hers for how to respond. Did she want anyone knowing what had just happened? She wasn’t all too sure herself.

  How she found her voice was a miracle. She had to break eye contact with Wes to do so. “Nothing. Just talking.”

  “Cool. Can I grab a water?” Jeff moved around them toward the refrigerator.

  “Of course.” Wes’s voice was hoarse. Sexy bedroom-hoarse. Noelle shivered again for a whole other reason. He placed his hands in his pockets and moved back to his side of the counter where he drained the rest of his water bottle.

  “Talking, huh?” Holly whispered to Noelle before taking the drink Jeff handed her.

  Holly’s smirk and nod toward Noelle’s hair told her exactly why her sister thought something was up. Right. Wes had moments before been massaging her head and running his fingers through her hair while he kissed her senseless.

  “I’ll be right back.” Needing a moment to get herself together, Noelle fled to the bathroom and didn’t look back.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Wes sat in the restaurant waiting for Ronald. He’d been kicking himself since he left his penthouse early that morning. After
Noelle had sprinted for the bathroom the night before, he’d thought for sure he’d screwed things up with her. But man, even if he had, he would never in all his lifetime regret that kiss. Playing it over and over in his mind had kept him up all night, meaning he’d had close to no sleep, what little he’d had full of dreams of Noelle. The kiss in his dreams hadn’t ended in his kitchen, either.

  After she’d returned from the bathroom, they’d played cards until late. Noelle was herself, laughing with her sister and even teasing him, but the air between them had changed. It still crackled and sparked, but he could sense she had no idea what to do about it. Neither did Wes.

  When he’d concocted the plan to invite Noelle to New York, he wanted it to be the two of them. She worked hard and deserved to be spoiled a bit, not to mention he was grateful to her for all her help with the Bake-Off. But then he decided to invite Jeff and Holly along on their little trip.

  The instinct not to trust himself to keep things friendly with Noelle was a valid one. After the heat that ignited in his kitchen between them the night before, she was a temptation he couldn’t have resisted. If Jeff and Holly hadn’t come into the room, who knows how far things would have gone? Based on how she’d kissed him back, he didn’t think she would have resisted.

  The waiter came and filled his water glass. He’d arrived at the restaurant early, wanting to go over things again in the file his dad had given him. He’d only met Ronald Spellman a handful of times, mostly at charity or social events. Not anything more than a hello and how are things going type of conversation. It wasn’t that he disliked the man, but Spellman was a roller coaster from hell kind of guy. He could change his mind anytime it fit his own agenda.

  Wes wanted to make sure Spellman’s agenda stayed on course. If it did, Spellman’s deal could be good for Marietta. And not bad for Noelle. Those were things Wes could approve of. But word on the street was that Spellman himself could be an unmitigated disaster.