by Terry Towers
With her mind made up she couldn't help but tease. She glanced up at him, an eyebrow arched, pretending to contemplate the offer. "Do I have to wear one of those little French maid uniforms?"
A heated, hungry look crossed his features as his eyes slowly made their way down the length of her body then back up to meet her eyes once more. "Now that is a very interesting idea. It's not mandatory, but I wouldn't be opposed to it." He shrugged. "I welcome the idea in fact."
Her face immediately flushed. Damn. But a part of her loved the way he was looking at her. The hungry part longed for him to pull her tight against him, and have his way with her on the cool deck.
"But..." He reached out and caught a lock of her hair between his fingers and then watched it fall, strand-by-strand from his fingertips. A shiver rocked her body and she had to fight to suppress a soft moan. "If you're not willing to wear the uniform I suppose you can wear whatever you like."
"Okay."
"Okay," he confirmed, smiling widely.
"You have yourself a cook slash maid slash, whatever else you need in the middle of the night girl, Mr Reynolds."
His grin widened as he extended his hand to her. "You have no idea how much I was hoping you'd say that Miss Wilmington."
Chapter 3
Beth flopped herself backwards onto the large king sized bed with a satisfied sigh. The soft mattress cushioned her, enticing her to close her eyes and drift off to sleep. It was a far cry from the hard futon she had been calling a bed for the past year. She was tired, but a wide smile appeared as she surveyed the massive bedroom that was now hers. She felt like a princess, though come tomorrow Cinderella may be more accurate a term.
The past few days had been a whirlwind of activity for Beth. Gabriel had insisted she start immediately, but she managed to negotiate two days with him. Reluctantly, he'd agreed. He was - without a doubt - the type of man who was accustomed to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it without any hesitation.
The day after their meeting and her agreeing to work for him, he'd hired a moving company and they began to clean out her apartment for her - not that there was much to move and he paid off her landlord. All that came with her to his mansion was her clothing and her personal belongings.
Her appliances, housewares and items of that nature were donated and he gave her check for an amount that was well over the retail value of her well used items. When she protested he informed her it was a salary bonus and a write-off for him financially so not to worry. While her pride told her to fight it, it almost felt like they were getting married rather than her going to work for him, the sensible part of her told her that it was for the best. If worse came to worst, the "bonus" he'd given her more than covered her expenses for close to six months if she were to move out. She had to think of this practically, and practicality speaking she needed to take the "bonus," in the off chance things didn't work out with Gabriel and she needed a safety net.
"Well, aren't you the sweet one Mr Reynolds," Beth muttered as she propped herself up on her elbows and glanced over at the cookbooks sitting on the large mahogany dresser that Gabriel must have had brought up to her. She "officially" started work in the morning; breakfast was to be on the table at 7am sharp. With a groan she reluctantly sat up and made her way over to the books.
Atop the stack of books was a note from Gabriel.
Beth,
I took the liberty of marking some of my favourite dishes. You might want to come accustomed to those first. I apologize for not being around these past couple of days to help you settle in, but I have been tied up. I do have a surprise for you. Be ready at 8pm. I look forward to tasting what you have to offer me.
Gabriel
P.S. I highly suggest you wear what is in the closet tonight.
"Look forward to tasting what you have to offer me?" Beth muttered, biting back a grin and halfway hoping there was a double meaning to that comment. A surprise for me? Excitement welled up within her as she made her way over to the large walk-in closet. Pulling open the double doors she gasped, her eyes immediately focusing on the black, strapless floor length gown, hooked on a steel rack in the center of the closet, along with a matching satin wrap. "You have got to be shitting me," she muttered as she walked into closet and tentatively touched the soft fabric. The tag inside was marked Versace.
She unhooked the dress and draped it over her arms as if it were made of tissue paper and strode over to the bed, laying it out on top of the taupe coloured comforter. The dress would have easily have cost her a months salary at the coffee shop, most likely much more. She had no idea when it came to prices of high-end clothing. As high-end as she ever got was "The Gap."
Upon closer examination she noticed a string of black gemstones lining the top of the bodice that glistened as the light from ceiling hit them. It suddenly occurred to her that it was beginning to get dark outside.
Looking down at her watch, she noticed it was nearly 7pm already! "Shit!" She immediately sprung into action, stripping off her jogging pants and t-shirt as she made her way to her private bathroom, directly off the bedroom. "Shit, shit, shit," the curses ran as if on a loop through her mind as she rushed to take a shower.
She ran the possibilities through her mind of what the big surprise could be. Seeing the gown she was expected to wear, she imagined it was some place formal and classy. She wasn't much for formal and classy. "Just wing it Wilmington," she coached herself as she grabbed the shampoo and began to lather up her hair.
****
He'd admit that perhaps what he had planned for Beth was a little inappropriate, okay a lot inappropriate, considering she was now technically his employee. But, he reasoned the inappropriateness away by calling it a celebration outing. Fuck, the whole situation was slightly inappropriate so what was a little night out to add to it.
Pulling the Lamborghini up to the house, promptly at 8pm, he was pleased to see that she was waiting patiently for him just outside the front door and looking more stunning than he'd ever seen her. She was a beautiful woman, he'd thought it from the first moment he laid eyes on her at the coffee shop, with her long golden hair, her sweet heart-shaped face and large blue eyes; she was girl next door, adorable. But now... She was like a goddess if he'd ever seen one and she quite literally took his breath away with her classic beauty.
Turning off the car’s engine Gabriel jumped out and made his way over to Beth, making it to her side before she had a chance to take a single step. Taking her hand into his he brought it to his mouth, flipped it over and kissed he palm. "You look stunning tonight."
Her cheeks turned an alluring shade of pink as she caught his eyes "You don't look too shabby yourself boss," she teased, "Don't suppose you're going to tell me where you're taking me." She looked down at her dress and his eyes followed her gaze, his cock jumping in his black pants as his eyes took in the sight of the tops of her bare breasts.
Keeping hold of her hand he led her down the stairs to the car. "Now if I told you then it wouldn't be a surprise would it?" With that he gave her a wicked little grin. At the car he opened the door for her, and helped her in while at the same time adjusting his suit jacket to ensure it was covering his growing erection. This was going to be a harder night than he'd expected.
****
Beth eyed Gabriel as he assisted her into the car, trying to decide which Gabriel she liked more; the casual one with the tight t-shirts accenting his sexy chest and shoulders, with the low slung jeans or this one wearing the finely tailored suit with the authoritative demeanour. Both were so damned sexy it made her body yearn for him.
For the thousandth time since she decided to take the job, she wondered how she was going to manage to keep from falling for him. She already had a hardcore crush on him. She'd had one for some time now, hell most of the women at the coffee shop were crushing on him. She remembered all too clearly the look in those women's eyes when she'd told them she was quitting the coffee shop to work for and live at his home, it was a look of pure en
vy, mixed with a slight hint of hatred.
Boy, if they could see me now, she thought with a smug feeling of satisfaction as she watched him slide in the car behind the steering wheel. He glanced over at her and her heart skipped a beat. A warm smile graced his face as he started the car. The engine roared to life and he shifted it into gear, speeding out of the driveway.
"So do you buy all of your employees beautiful, overpriced dresses and take them to some surprise location whenever you hire them?" she teased.
He shot her wry grin and shook his head, "Nah, I'm starting something new with you."
"So I'm the guinea pig," she lifted a brow at him.
"Something like that. Besides, might I remind you that you are not only the chef, but there are other duties that come with the position..."
Beth laughed, "I know. I know. The non-wife - wife duties, minus the sex."
Gabriel's face blanched at the wisecrack, but he quickly regained his composure and glanced over at her, his eyes roaming the length of her body, before returning back to the road. "I never said sex was off of the table."
Was he serious? Despite the colour rushing to her cheeks she glanced over at him trying to read his expression, but it was blank. Damn him, surely he was joking, but... Her mouth opened to speak, to say something - anything, but she snapped it shut. Sex with Gabriel? She wouldn't lie; she had envisioned the scenario more than once over the months' since she first met him. She had envisioned in her mind's eye what his body would feel and look like under those finely tailored designer suits. Amazing to both the eyes and to the touch, she had no doubt about that. She'd even masturbated to thoughts of him. Truth be told, Gabriel was normally the star of all her fantasies.
Finally, after what felt like close to an hour of awkward silence but amounted closer to a fraction of a minute, he grinned at her. "I'm teasing you Beth."
She released the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding until that moment with a loud huff. She wasn't sure what she was more of - relieved or disappointed. No, he's my boss now. I have to keep reminding myself of that. Off-limits! Period! Sadly, the reaction of her body to his close proximity seemed to disagree with her reasoning as she found herself squirming uncomfortably as wetness began to form between her legs from her desire for him.
"Sorry I-"
"Hmmm," he cocked a brow at her and grinned.
"How did you know my dress size?" She decided it best to change the subject, before she got herself more embarrassed than she already was.
It was his turn to flush. "I-um. Well, I had this planned and-"
"And you went snooping through my private things," she narrowed her eyes at him, pretending to be aghast at his actions.
"No. No-it wasn't snooping. You see I knew I was going to take you here and to keep it a surprise-"
"You went poking through my underwear drawer," she couldn't hold the stern look any longer, as a grin broke through ruining her facade.
"Nah," he gave her a wink, "I had Gerald do it."
Beth cringed. Gerald the older, stern looking butler was rummaging through her personal belongings? She prayed he didn't open the drawer with her vibrator in it. He did seem to have a hard time looking her in the eye all day today. Oh God! The whole idea was too mortifying to even consider.
"He didn't happen to mention anything else about what he found when going through my clothes looking for sizes did he?"
Gabriel frowned, "No. Why would he?"
Beth shook her head, attempting a reassuring smile. "No reason at all. Just wondering."
"Hmmm, sweet little Beth from the coffee shop, are you keeping secrets from me?" he flicked on the blinker and pulled the car into the parking lot of one of the hottest and most exclusive restaurants in town - The View. The dress made perfect sense now considering the ultra formal dress code the restaurant required. She'd always wondered what it was like there and if the food was truly worth the pricetag she'd heard was on it. She supposed she would find out soon enough.
Gabriel pulled the car up to the front door and turned it over to the valet while a second valet assisted Beth from the passenger's side. He immediately handed her off to Gabriel as he approached. Gabriel offered his arm to her, which she accepted, feeling like royalty, or some sort of superstar as they strolled - quite literally - down a red carpet into the very elegantly styled, modern restaurant. Oh, I could totally get used to this!
Chapter 4
"You know, Gabriel, this feels an awful lot like a date," Beth commented as he pushed her chair in for her. They were seated in a private room where one wall was actually a window overlooking Portland. Millions of lights sparkled in the darkness below them and if you looked far out you could see the water. It was nothing short of spectacular.
"Does it now?" he asked unbuttoning his suit jacket, shrugging it off and laying it across the back of his chair as he sat down across from her. "For the sake of argument. You don't start working for me until tomorrow morning, so technically, even if this were a date it wouldn't be a conflict to our working relationship."
A light knock came at the door.
"Come in," Gabriel called out.
Beth turned in her seat, expecting to see the waiter, but instead the head chef walked in closing the door behind him. "Gabriel, good to see you again."
"Pete." Gabriel stood and walked over to the other man. They shook hands and then did what Beth called a "man hug," one arm, with no lower body contact. The chef appeared to be about the same age as Gabriel; early thirties perhaps.
He waved his hand in the direction of Beth. "This is Beth; she's going to be your student for the next few weeks or so."
Student? Beth looked up at the handsome blonde-haired man, who was assumed to be a close friend to Gabriel.
"Ahhh Beth, it's going to be a pleasure teaching you everything I know," he gave her a wink that had her heart racing and colour rising to her cheeks as he extended his hand to her.
Beth took his hand, as she glanced over at Gabriel with a questioning frown.
"Peter is a world renowned chef and he is going to be teaching you the art of cooking. You know, something beyond... mac and cheese."
Beth's eye narrowed as she glared over at Gabriel. Oh God, could that have been more embarrassing.
Peter chuckled good-naturedly. "No need to be embarrassed Beth, a good many people should stay far away from the kitchen, but no worries, I will turn you into a master chef in no time."
Gabriel caught her gaze and grinned, unaffected by her penetrating stare. "So now, you won't be able to say you're not qualified for the job." Gabriel nodded towards Peter. "Pete here will ensure that you are."
While becoming a chef certainly wasn't her lifelong dream, to be tutored by the head chef of The View, was an opportunity that she couldn't refuse. Maybe he could whip her into becoming a great chef. Maybe this was the opportunity she needed? Anything was possible and she was determined to keep an open mind.
"I really appreciate you taking the time to teach me what you know Peter."
Peter smiled down at her and nodded. "My pleasure." Turning back to Gabriel, "I have your pre-order; a selection of your favourite dishes to sample."
"That would be great. Thanks."
"I'll be seeing you tomorrow Beth. And have a good evening, let me know if there are any problems. Your usual wine Gabe?"
Gabe? She hid her grin. Yes, they must be close if he's calling comfortable enough to call Gabriel, Gabe.
"That would be splendid Pete. Thanks."
With a final nod, Peter turned his head and left closing the door firmly behind him. Without the conversation, Beth's attention was shifted to the soft, sultry music that had been playing in the background.
She glanced over at Gabriel as he pushed back his chair and stood, extending his hand to her. "Dance with me until dinner arrives." It was more of an order than a request, his eyes saying he did not expect to be denied.
"Here? Now?"
He smiled softly and nodded, but his t
one was firm, "now."
Taking his hand, she rose from her chair and he led her to the small vacant area in front of the window. He pulled her tight into him, wrapping his arms around her waist. She found herself melting against him. As she slipped her hands up his hard chest and secured them around his neck, a voice in the back of her mind warned her she was going to get hurt. It warned her that he was way out of her league and that she was just a distraction until he started dating some new super model or actress. She pressed that voice to the deep recesses of her mind, as she gazed deep into his intense, dark eyes.
After all of the nights she spent dreaming of him, why couldn't she allow herself to pretend this could be real? Just for the night while dressed in the most exquisite gown she'd ever owned, being held in the arms of the most charming and gorgeous man she'd ever laid eyes on. She wanted to pretend she was the princess and this life was really hers.
He held her tight, the soft sway of his hips against hers lighting the fire within her. She leaned in closer to him, and the smell of his cologne came to her, a sweet, yet spicy musk that begged her to come closer, pressing her hips against his.
Damn, damn, damn, she chastised herself. It was so hard keeping her distance when all she wanted to do was get closer. How could she possibly work and sleep just down the hall from him? She shuddered at the thought of seeing him bring another woman home, and God forbid hearing him fucking that woman.
"Hey, what's the matter?" She was jolted for her thoughts by his soft voice and his index finger hooked under her chin lifting her eyes back up to meet his.
