Seducing the Chef (At First Sight #1)

by Janet Lane-Walters

  Allie rose. She reached for his empty plate. “Coffee?”

  “After I help you clean up. It’s only fair.”

  With ease they worked together. Greg felt his desire for her simmer. Soon his need would come to a boil.

  Once the kitchen was in order she poured two cups of coffee and added cream to hers. As she sipped Greg focused on her mouth. He wanted to taste her lips, to breathe in her scent, to feel her skin beneath his hands and hear her moan with pleasure. Corralling his thoughts, he opened the balcony door. “Let’s go outside. It’s a lovely morning.”

  She slipped past him. “I love the view.” After placing her cup on a small table she walked to the railing.

  Greg paused beside the table. “Allie.” She turned. The raw desire she saw in his eyes nearly made him drop the cup. He placed his mug beside hers and joined her at the balcony’s edge. He pulled her into an embrace and lightly kissed her coffee-flavored lips. “I don’t know what’s happening between us but I’m interested in learning.”

  “So am I. Shall we go with the flow?”

  She raised her head and joined him in an open mouth kiss. She tasted like a chef’s delight. Coffee, spices and berries blended with the aroma of desire. At first the kiss remained light and teasing. Then she slid her tongue to caress his. He drew her close and the kiss heated.

  With one hand he pressed her against his erection. Using the other he searched his pockets. “Damn.”

  Chapter Three

  Allie tried to pull away but he kept her clamped in his arms. Regret filled his eyes. How had she upset him? “What’s wrong?”

  He groaned. “Nothing you did. I forgot something vital.”

  “That bad?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Anything I can do?”

  “Doubtful.” He slid his hands over her buttocks and pressed her close. “Don’t ever think I don’t want you.”

  She winked. “So I can tell. Is that good or bad news?”

  He rolled his eyes. “No condoms. That means I walk away unless you have some tucked away.”

  She shook her head. “No birth control either. This isn’t a good time in my cycle.”

  “Maybe Steve.”

  “He might but I promised I wouldn’t snoop.” She slid her arms around his neck and kissed the corner of his mouth. “There are things we can do until we’re better prepared.” She ran her tongue over his lips. His growl heartened her.

  “I suggest we go inside.” He pointed to the balconies on either side. “We don’t want an audience to what happens next. I’m yours until I need to get ready for work.”

  Before she could ask about his job he turned her away from him and urged her to the door. He cupped her breasts and used his thumbs to stroke the nipples into tight peaks. Allie wiggled against him. Desire boiled.

  “Move.” His voice grew harsh. “Inside now.”

  Allie swallowed and stepped forward. In the kitchen he halted. His caressed continued. One had stroked her bare midriff. His lips brushed her nape. She moved against his erection. Deftly he untied her top.

  “You’re driving me crazy,” she said.

  “Hope so.”

  When they reached the living room he released her. She turned and met his mouth with hers. As the kiss deepened she slid her hands beneath his shirt and explored his muscular back.

  Greg slid his hands over her rear. His fingers edged beneath the hem of her shorts. Their tongues tangled. Hands moved over flesh and clothes. Allie moved against him. Her body roared with desire. She wanted to meet him flesh to flesh.

  “Where’s your bed?” His voice became a husky whisper.

  “Down the hall. First door.” He scooped her into his arms. She laughed. “Cave man.”

  “Greedy, needy man.” He strode into the bedroom and set her on her feet. He unbuttoned her top and dragged the shirt sleeves down her arms. With a finger he touched her bra. “Butterflies. Has to be from Peekaboo.”

  “Sure is. She has gorgeous lingerie.”

  “On that we agree and you are the perfect display model.” He traced the butterfly wings on one cup and then the other. Delicious sensations streamed through her body. Her nipples peaked. He rubbed the insect head with his thumbs. “Great placement.” He drew a nipple into his mouth.

  She tugged his shirt up and stroked his skin. “You feel hot.”

  “Incendiary.” He backed her until her legs hit the mattress.

  She wiggled onto the bed. He watched her movements and slowly pulled his shirt over his head. When he lowered himself to the bed beside her Allie turned on her side. She ran her hands over his well-developed pecs. As his nipples beaded she ran her tongue over one and then the other.

  “Woman,” he growled.

  Her hand inched toward his abdomen he groaned. The gruff sound spurred her to further exploration. She slid her hand beneath the waistband of his shorts to touch his erection.

  He placed his hands over hers. “Ladies first.” His deep voice vibrated with desire. “Watching you will add to my pleasure.”

  She eased her hand from his shorts. “But I want to feast my eyes on what I can’t have where I want it.”

  “Tonight you’ll have all of me. That’s a promise.” He pulled her closer. His mouth took possession of hers. She felt as though he’d branded her. “Let me see your other butterfly.” He slid to the edge of the bed.

  Allie unbuttoned her shorts and began to wiggle out of them. Greg took over the task and pulled not only the shorts but her. When her hips were at the edge of the mattress he tossed her shorts aside. He knelt and traced the wings of the butterfly on her bikini. “It’s upside down.” He followed the body until he reached the painted head. “Delightful.” He raised her legs and put his mouth where his finger had been.

  Allie gasped. She began to move. She wanted this but she wanted more. She wanted him inside filling and stretching her to bring flames to sear her. He lowered her legs and stripped her panties away. Before she had a chance to think his warm breath flowed over her labia.

  One of his hands splayed over her breasts. His tongue stroked her clit. Allie clenched her hands. “Yes, oh, yes.” Her body ignited in a blazing climax. The aftershocks throbbed for what seemed an eternity. She collapsed.

  He pulled her into his arms and stroked her back while her thundering heart slowed. He kissed her and lay beside her.

  She turned to him. “I feel mellow.”

  He winked. “I’ll wait.”

  She lilted against him. He stroked her back and rained little kisses on her face. These touches stirred her to take action.

  * * *

  The brief respite lessened Greg’s need from urgent to merely pressing. The moment he’d seen Allie on the balcony yesterday he had wanted her. When their gazes had met he’d known she would be responsive. She stretched and her movements brought him to full desire.

  She rose on her knees and pushed several pillows behind him. She winked. “Just relax and enjoy.” Enjoy definitely. Relax, never.

  She moved to the foot of the bed and lifted his right food onto her lap. As she massaged and probed his sole guttural sounds rolled from his throat. “That feels great.”

  “I know.”

  “I’m on my feet a lot. Could I persuade you to do this every day?”

  Her hands stilled. “I’m not much for promising beyond tomorrow.”

  “What about the next day?”

  She worked on his left foot and slid her hands along his calves. When she reached his thighs she traced her nails along the sensitive flesh. Blood flowed to his already engorged penis. She took his scrotum in her hands. The jolt of desire nearly raised him from the bed. He spurted a little. She bent and licked his shaft.

  The delicate touch of her tongue along the head made him clench his hands. “You’re driving me crazy.”

  She grinned. “Just to a climax. Enjoy. I am.”

  He gulped a breath. Relax. He felt like a pressure cooker about to explode. “Kiss me.”


  She grasped his cock and rained kisses from top to bottom. “Like this…or this?” She fitted her lips over him, took him into her mouth and slowly withdrew.

  He couldn’t speak He wanted to thrust inside her and ride until he collapsed but the time wasn’t right.

  She fisted her hand around him and rubbed her nipples over the head. She raised her hips and ran him along her cleft. He felt her wetness. She paused at the threshold of her sheath.

  “Allie, this is torture.” He strained to thrust inside, to feel her tighten around him but she sat back and pumped. He caught the rhythm and pressed his hands and feet against the mattress. A roar began low in his gut. He wanted to warn her but the words caught in his throat. He spurted and then erupted.

  She leaned forward and kissed him. “I believe we’ve made a mess.”

  “I wanted…I couldn’t speak.”

  She sighed. “Did you enjoy?”

  “I did, but…”

  “That was a sample of what’s to come”

  He ran a finger on her lips. “I’ll stock the essentials.”

  She smiled. “I could come prepared.”

  “To be loved until you’re exhausted.” He cupped her face. Love? Not yet. One day wasn’t long enough to weave dreams of forever.

  She rolled away. “I need a shower.”

  “So do I.”

  “You can go first.”

  He grinned. “We could share.”

  “Tempting.” She poked his chest. “Why tempt fate by putting more temptation in our road.”

  He nodded. “Got you. We’ll be prudent for now.” He grabbed his clothes and entered the bathroom.

  Three minutes later he stood in the shower and let the warm spray wash away the scents of passion. He dried and dressed before stepping into the hall.

  She held the bedspread. “Where’s the laundry room?”

  “In the closet.”

  “What?”

  “Unlike city apartments one of the amenities here is the stackable washer and dryer. I’ll start the spread while you shower.”

  By the time she joined him the washer moved toward the rinse cycle. He pointed to the dryer. “Washer won’t take much longer. Walk to the door. I need to head out. I’ve a few things to handle at the apartment before I’m due at work.”

  She caught his hand. At the door he drew her into his arms. What began as a kiss turned into a body-sizzler. He rested his forehead against hers. “Tell me to leave.”

  “Go,” she said. “I’ll see you around midnight. Anticipation makes these meetings better.”

  He opened the door and stepped into the hall. Five seconds later he reached for her. She stepped back.

  “See you,” she said.

  “Midnight. Be prepared to spend the night.” He dashed down the stairs. Would she consider moving in with him? He shook his head. The attraction between them had burned so hot he feared the end would fizzle as fast. He really hoped the end would never arrive.

  * * *

  Allie followed the waiter to a table in the Iberian Room. Eagerness to experience another of Five Cuisines’ meals stirred. Just like the German room the décor used objects bringing the bright colors of Spain and Portugal inside. She paused to study the dolls portraying the two styles of bull fighting. Ceramic figures of animals reminded her of marzipan sculptures she’d bought and eaten during a trip to Spain.

  The wine steward poured her a glass of fino sherry. The waiter brought her a plate of tapas. Eagerly Allie tasted the red pepper seasoned with garlic. She sipped wine and savored the variety of flavors of the other offerings. Since her first meal eaten at the restaurant had sated her, she’d skipped lunch.

  A smile crossed her face. She had certainly worked off the breakfast calories and banked a few to cover part of tonight’s meal. The rest of the food would need tonight’s expected workout. Already flutters of desire pulsed. Besides the sex she wanted to learn more about Greg’s life and his dreams. She groaned. Once she saw him all thoughts of anything but sex would vanish like melting ice.

  Tapas were followed by a salad of mixed greens dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. She tasted the gazpacho savoring the blend of vegetables in the cold soup. The entrée was chicken served over saffron rice and peas. Just like the past night each course had a different wine. For dessert she chose baked caramel custard and sipped a tawny port.

  Tonight’s meal like the one last night had been cooked and savored perfectly. Once again she looked at the other tables. Envy engulfed her. Alone again. If only she could have shared the mean with a man. Not any man. Greg. The way his dark eyes blazed with desire stirred her to impatience. She glanced at her watch. Too many hours until midnight remained.

  After signing for the meal she strolled to the apartment complex. After planning what she would wear for the tryst and choosing clothes for the morning, she packed her overnight case and sprawled on the bed. She lay against the pillows and drifted into an erotic fantasy. She almost felt his lips on hers and his hands stroking her flesh.

  At eleven, she showered. Her stomach fluttered. She donned the black teddy and laced it from the bottom to the top. Sitting on the bed she pulled on the thigh highs and carefully tied the laces that formed a lattice pattern on the back of her legs. She posed in front of the mirror and grinned at her reflection. Greg’s dark eyes would glow with need. If he’d arrived here she would greet him wearing only this. But she was going to him.

  She slid a dress from the hanger and slipped the black creation over her head. With some twisting she zipped the back. The neckline followed her collarbone. The bodice hugged her breasts. She pivoted and watched the skirt swirl about her things. Knee length in front, the hemline dipped to mid-calf in back. Feeling confidence slide like a glove she stepped into strappy sandals with stiletto heels.

  At ten to midnight Allie was ready and on edge. She tucked the apartment key in the overnight case with her clothes for the morning. No way would she leave Greg’s apartment in the morning dressed like this.

  She went onto the balcony. The balmy air caressed her skin. In the distance she saw the dark outline of the bridge and the lights of cars crossing the span. The huge crane being used to erect the new bridge stretched toward the moon. She peered over the balcony. First darkness, then a band of light spread across the stones of the terrace. He was home. She returned inside, locked the door and grabbed her case. Show time.

  For several minutes she stood outside the door of his unit. She rang the bell. A moment later the door opened. She moistened her lips. He wore a pair of black silk lounge pants. His bare chest tempted her to stroke the mat of black hair. She thought of her fingers following the line beneath the low slung waist to search for the treasure.

  “Welcome.” He took the case from her hand. She walked past him into the living room. He whistled. “Like the stockings. You really are trying to drive me crazy.”

  She turned. “You’re pretty hot in the dressing area.” Soft romantic music played in the background.

  He set the case at the end of a long gray leather couch. “Dance with me.”

  She stepped toward him. His hands circled her waist. She slid her arms around his neck. For a time they moved around the room. Then their gazes meshed. She inhaled the crisp aroma of his aftershave. She stroked the smooth skin of his shoulders. When her hand reached his nape she unfastened the band that held his hair in a club and combed her fingers through the thickness.

  He nipped her lower lip. “You are all I thought about this evening.”

  His deep voice vibrated through her. “And you were in mine.”

  He brushed his mouth over hers. They stayed against each other. She felt his need and her own pulsed. His mouth opened. So did hers. As they kissed he inched the zipper of her dress down.

  He raised his head. “I want you.”

  “So I can tell.”

  He pushed the cloth from her shoulders. His tongue darted over her collarbone. The dress slithered to the floor.

  He s
tepped back. “You are incredible.” He walked around her. “I want you in my bed and to open the laces of your teddy one at a time. I want to see passion flare in your eyes.” He smiled. “I want to bind you and have you at my mercy.”

  Allie winked. “I’m game if you’re willing to be tied so I can have my way with you.”

  “Done. You first.”

  She raised her head and ran her tongue over his lips. In his eyes she saw desire. Would she ever see more? What an odd thought. She couldn’t imagine having more than she was about to experience. Her mouth met his and her need for him captured her entire attention.

  Greg released her. He clasped her hand and they walked down the hall to his bedroom. She turned and stroked his chest. She reveled in the texture of his chest hair, his skin and the way his muscles rippled beneath her fingers. His nipples tightened. She bent her head and licked one.

  Greg groaned. “Don’t know where we’re going but let’s enjoy the journey.”

  “Good idea.” For an instant she wished the journey could be lifelong. He appealed to her more than any man ever had. Problem was she didn’t believe in love and happily ever after. As a young teen her mother’s death had shattered her world. Not that her father didn’t love his children but his way of showing love was verbal. She missed her mother’s hugs and kisses. Until she’d abandoned her dream of becoming a world class chef and started to work for Good Eatin’ praise from her father had been scant. She sauntered to the king-sized bed and lay on the cool sheets.

  Greg leaned down and kissed her. “Still game?”

  “As I said I am if you are.”

  He nodded. “Thoughts of being at your mercy bring interesting ideas to mind.” He opened a drawer and pulled out two silk scarves. “Patty Lou gave these to me as a welcome to town gift. Never used them before but she said I would know when the time was right.”

  Allie watched him cross the room. She swallowed against a lump in her throat. She had agreed but could she handle the lose of control?