by King, Imani
“I hate to bring this up when you’re hell bent on having a little fun, but have you given any thought at all to your visa agreement ?”
“Yes, I’ve been thinking a lot about that actually. And don’t worry…… I have someone perfect in mind for the job .”
I glanced down over the boat railing and smiled slyly as Chelsea Dixon came riding up on her bicycle. Rolande laughed and a wide-eyed look came over his face which instantly told me he caught my drift .
“I’ve got to have her, Rolande……one way or another .”
12
Chelsea
N ow what are those two clowns up to? I wondered. Blaize and Rolande were both staring down at me from atop the boat, with ridiculous smirks plastered on their faces. I took a step back and eyed the huge vessel from end to end. I don’t know what I had been thinking! When Blaize said “boat”, I did not picture anything like this. He didn’t even have to give me a slip number… He could have just told me to look for the biggest penis extension at the dock. This was no boat… This was a megayacht .
I started to lift the bags of groceries out of my bike basket, when Rolande yelled down, “Wait! Let me get those for you Chelsea !”
I liked Rolande. So far, I hadn’t heard him say anything the least bit questionable. It was reassuring that perhaps not all Frenchmen were sexual deviants. Speaking of which, Blaize helped me on deck and greeted me in his own debonair way :
“Welcome aboard Chef Dixon! My my, but you’re looking as enticing as always. May I ask, what is on le menu this evening ?”
“Braised turkey in Beaujolais Nouveau with prunes, warm goat cheese salad, and chocolate mousse for dessert. If you will steer me toward the galley, I can get started. With any luck, dinner will be ready in 2 hours .”
“Shall we escort her to the ‘galley’ Rolande?” They both laughed smugly as they walked me down below to what turned out to be a gigantic gourmet kitchen. Rolande set down the grocery bags and Blaize continued to tease me with his bad boy comments :
“I’m sure you’ll find everything you need in here. The menu sounds as scrumptious as you look in that stunning little dress. If you have any questions, just give a holler. I’ll be happy to give you a hand…….or both hands. You seemed to really enjoy them earlier, and of course, I could just as easily untie that halter top with my teeth …..”
What had I gotten myself into? I decided to just ignore his lame attempt at humor .
“No thank you. I’m here to do a job and I think my hourly wage is going to go up every time you interrupt me. You guys can just go back up on deck and leave me to my work!” I turned my back on them and started unpacking the dinner ingredients .
“Come on Blaize, let’s leave our obviously capable chef alone so she can do what she does best .”
“Thanks for getting him out my hair, Rolande. I really appreciate it.” I turned and smiled at him, to make sure he knew I meant it .
First, I familiarized myself with the impressive kitchen. It was a chef’s dream and lacking in nothing. Satisfied with the selection of cooking implements, I went to work on dinner: Browning the turkey pieces, peeling onions, simmering the prune/wine sauce and chopping cheese .
About half-way through the meal preparation, Blaize came back down and relayed the disappointing news that Rolande would not be joining us for dinner :
“I’m afraid he got called to an unexpected meeting with a potential client up in Malibu .”
I was really sorry to hear that for two reasons: The first one being that I was really wanting to get to know Rolande better. And the second reason was my fear of being alone with Blaize Simon. The risk was too great. He was a gorgeous, charismatic man with an innate ability of getting whatever he wanted. I had a feeling I was his true intended dessert, and the idea wasn’t lost on me when I’d picked out my outfit for tonight …
Only now I was having second thoughts .
I decided that I would simply make a polite excuse to leave as soon as I was finished cooking .
“Rolande asked that I make his apologies. He had really been looking forward to this… Not just the meal itself, but also sitting and chatting with you Chelsea .”
Before I could respond, my phone chirped and buzzed signaling a text message. It was Tiffany :
Wait till you see the surprise at home!OMG !!
Maybe that could be my out… I turned away from Blaize and began whipping egg whites into a frenzy for the mousse. Tiff’s text would be a perfect excuse for leaving early .
“Here, Chelsea. Have a glass of this excellent Cabernet while you’re cooking. I have to admit your California wines are every bit as good as ours in France. That Beaujolais you bought for the sauce is an excellent choice too .”
“I might have sampled the Beaujolais when I opened up the bottle. It’s really delicious .”
“I wouldn’t respect you as a chef if you hadn’t !”
Blaize poured us each a glass of the Cab and took a seat on one of the kitchen barstools. I preferred that he not watch me cook but I had no choice in the matter. I felt the heat of his stare .
“Everything smells fantastic! Can I help you with anything? Seriously, I know my way around a kitchen. I simply choose not to cook because I enjoy dining out, especially with all the wonderful restaurants around here. Tell me what you need me to do …..”
“Well okay, I guess you can stir the chocolate so it doesn’t burn .”
As I relinquished the wooden spoon over to Blaize, our hands touched and he gazed deeply into my eyes. I quickly turned away hoping to dash over to the fridge for some cream, but he quickly snatched my hand and pulled me back over to him .
“Chelsea, I just want to sincerely thank you again for cooking dinner. I’ve been looking forward to dining with you all afternoon.” He brought my fingers up to his mouth and kissed them with his sensuous French lips. I felt a rush of warmth run through my entire body and a definite sexual tingle south of the border. I needed to make an escape as soon as possible .
“You’re going to burn the chocolate,” I said, returning his attention to the pan .
“I don’t think I’ll be able to stick around for dining. Tiffany says there’s some big surprise at the house. I need to run soon as I finish cooking dinner .”
Blaize poured a little more wine into both of our glasses .
“I had no idea witnessing the delivery of a new baker’s oven could be so urgent !”
“You bought us a new oven? Blaize, Tiff and I are perfectly capable of buying our own appliances without your help .”
“Chelsea, please don’t make more out of this than it is. I didn’t mean to imply anything by it at all. I’m sorry if it came off as patronizing or presumptuous. It’s obvious that you are both extraordinary business women in your own right. I simply wanted to convey my thanks and offer a gesture of goodwill to the two of you for making our first book signing event an over-the-top success… And I wanted to ensure we wouldn’t be running short on delicious treats at my next signing. A new oven should facilitate that… Please Chelsea, accept the oven as a small bonus. You and Tiffany deserve it… And please, stay and have dinner with me this evening. We have much to discuss …”
I agreed to stay against my better judgement. Blaize lit candles and set the table while I finished the food preparation, and then we both sat down and had a surprisingly delightful dinner together .
My nerves started to subside a bit with the relaxing warmth of the wine. Our conversation flowed naturally and Blaize kept his French sexuality to a minimum. He raved over my cooking and demanded two helpings of everything including the extremely rich mousse .
His appetite seemed insatiable, which was a pointed reminder of all the tabloid headlines I had read; if even half of those were true, his appetite for women was even harder to quench than his sweet tooth. I knew I needed to make my getaway before he charmed me into staying longer. I liked him… But why did he have to be such a jaw-droppingly attractive jerk? I definitely ne
eded to leave .
When I tried to get up from the table after dinner, I got dizzy and my head started to spin. I was afraid that might happen; I had lost track of how much wine I’d been drinking. Blaize walked me over to the sofa and helped me lie down. He kissed my forehead and then went about clearing the table and cleaning up the kitchen. I was amused watching him. For some reason I had him pegged as a sexist pig who preferred his women pregnant, barefoot, and chained to a stove. I couldn’t help but be suspicious. Was this an act? Was Blaize Simon actually a gentleman underneath his over-the-top exterior, or was he just pretending to be one ?
Eventually Blaize returned to the sofa, sat down, and gently placed my head in his lap. He ran his fingers through my hair and stroked my cheek. I was so sleepy, I struggled to keep my eyes open. What an embarrassing lightweight I was. Worst of all, I had stupidly put myself in a vulnerable and precarious position .
“I’m sorry I’m not very good company.” I yawned, unladylike in his face .
My fatigue got the best of me and I let my heavy eyelids close .
“Nonsense. You’re perfect company. You’ve had an exhausting day. Just lie here and relax .”
“Are you going to kiss me, Blaize?” I asked quietly .
I felt Blaize’s lips on mine. His kiss started out tentative but it soon became strong, deep and demanding. I knew it was a mistake to kiss him back, but it was too late. I felt myself surrendering to him. He enveloped me in his muscular arms. My resistance faded, but just a quickly as the kiss had began, it ended. I let out a little sigh as he let me go, and I drifted off to sleep .
13
Blaize
C helsea looked like an angel, sleeping so peacefully in my bed. I stared at her for a couple more minutes before I decided to open the curtains and let some light into the room. She was having a dream, and if her quiet little moans were any indication, it was a good one. I almost hated to wake her …
The sunlight hit her right between the eyes and put an end to her sweet dreams. She shielded her face from the glare with her arm and furrowed her brow in annoyance. She sat up slightly and scrunched up her face as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. An expression of horror gradually spread over it as she realized what must have happened last night .
“Oh my God! I knew I should have went right home after cooking dinner!” She was rubbing her head like she had a massive headache while she visually scanned the room for her clothes .
“Where’s my dress, Blaize? Wait. No, don’t tell me…….you hoisted it up the ship’s flagpole as evidence of your latest conquest ?”
“I’m deeply wounded by your accusations, Chelsea. If you look down, you’ll see that you are wearing the dress in question .”
She pulled the covers away from her body and peered underneath them. The huge sigh of relief that followed confirmed her discovery of the same sexy dress she arrived in .
“I don’t understand. We didn’t have sex last night ?”
“First of all let’s get one thing straight: If I had fucked you last night you would have woken up with a big smile on your face instead of that scowl! And believe me, you would not only remember it, you’d still be throbbing from it! You may have wanted something to happen, but I would never take advantage of a woman under the influence… When we take that step, I fully expect you to be in control of your decisions .”
“I’m sorry… I just remember a kiss …”
“A kiss you asked for… One that left me desperate for more, but, regrettably, you missed out on what could have been an amazing night. I carried you here and poured you into bed. I certainly hope you feel well rested .”
“And where did you sleep? Were you in bed with me ?”
“I hate to disappoint you again, but no, I slept in Rolande’s aft stateroom .”
“Rolande? What happened to him? He didn’t come back after his meeting? Oh my God! I totally forgot to message Tiffany back. She must be worried sick. What time is it? After 9?! She’s going to kill me! I should have been at home baking with her 3 hours ago! SHIT SHIT SHIT !”
Chelsea was darting around the room, squawking like a headless chicken. I had to grab her firmly by the shoulders in an effort to stop the ridiculous hysterics .
“Settle down! I’ve taken care of everything. I got ahold of Rolande and had him contact Tiff regarding your whereabouts. I also told him to get his ass over your house this morning and make sure the new oven was working properly. He’s been assisting Tiffany with the baking all morning. I dare say he may be hopeless in the kitchen, but she seemed excited to whip him into shape .”
“Tiffany is never going to believe I just slept here …”
“And Rolande probably has his own thoughts, but we need not concern ourselves about such things. I want you to relax. Take a nice hot shower and then go up on deck and enjoy the beautiful ocean breezes while I make us some breakfast .”
Chelsea tried to talk me out of indulging her, but I would not be swayed .
A keen-eyed seagull watched me from the bow of the boat as I brought out a breakfast tray laden with omelets, bacon, coffee and guava juice. Chelsea appeared from below, wearing only a fluffy white guest bathrobe. I loved the way her prominent cheekbones were bronzed and glowing. She had a raw natural beauty. It was such a hot combination of innocence and sexuality, it baffled me how she could seem so completely unaware of it .
“Mmmmmm. This breakfast looks wonderful, Blaize. Looks like you really do know how to cook…… I’m starving too .”
I pulled her chair out for her and placed the folded napkin on her lap; her sweet sexy lap. I wanted to bury my face between her legs and devour her deliciousness. I knew what was under that robe: Her freshly scrubbed, orchid scented, heavenly, mouth-watering body .
“Chelsea, I need to speak with you about something very serious…..” I began my rehearsed speech, but she interrupted me .
“I know Blaize. I know exactly what you’re going to say. That we need to trust each other as business associates, and as friends. You’ve been nothing but generous… And I’m sorry if I thought maybe something happened last night .”
“You’re right about us needing to trust each other. But there’s no need for you to keep beating yourself up about this morning. Your feelings were completely understandable. My reputation precedes me. It comes with the territory. Let’s just forget it, shall we ?”
“Thanks Blaize. You’re too kind, really.” Chelsea kissed me on the cheek .
“I have something else I need to ask you, though. It’s a rather huge favor. I don’t even know where to start ……….”
“You seem to be at a loss for words, Blaize. That’s not like you at all. What is it? It can’t be that bad, can it? Just ask me. The worst I can say is no .”
“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of!” I had to laugh at the thought of my crazy predicament. Would she even believe it? I hesitantly began telling Chelsea my tale of immigration woe .
Over the remainder of our breakfast, I relayed the entire story of what happened at LAX regarding my visa and my potentially shortened stay. Chelsea sat in complete silence, slowly chewing her food as she listened intently. When I got to the part about the requirements for securing a more permanent solution, she froze for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, she spoke …
“So let me get this straight: You need to get married to an American before your visa expires ?”
“I’ve got less than sixty days …”
“And let me guess……..I’m the American you had in mind ?”
“Only if you’re open to the idea… I do believe we have a bit of a, connection…” I replied .
“One kiss is a far cry from walking down the aisle, Blaize. I barely know you !”
“In that case, perhaps an appeal to your business side would help remind you of just who I am… How does one million dollars sound to you, Chelsea ?”
14
Chelsea
M y kitchen was barely recognizable
. Everything was covered in flour, chocolate drizzle and sliced almonds. It was a complete disaster area, which was not at all the way Tiff and I normally worked. The only thing that wasn’t a total mess was the sparkling new bakery oven in the corner. Rolande looked like a little round powdered sugar cookie. He was wearing an apron, but I could barely see it through all the flour. He was incapable of greeting me intelligibly because his mouth was stuffed with chocolate macaroon cookies .
“Hi Rolande. Thanks for filling in for me this morning. It looks like you’re really learning the ropes, here. Where’s Tiffany ?”
Rolande finished chewing his cookies and swallowed .
“Hey Chelsea. Sorry I missed having dinner with you last night. Blaize said the food was amazing. Tiffany is in the bathroom, trying to get all the almonds out of her shirt……….it’s a long story .”
Tiffany suddenly came laughing down the hallway, looking like the Pillsbury Doughboy .
“Sorry the place is such a mess, Chels! Rolande here is kind of a sloppy baker !”
“Oh my God Tiffany! Right now, you look more like WHITE chocolate, girlfriend !”
“Never mind me . What’s with you not coming home last night? You guys did the deed didn’t you? I can always tell. You look different today .”
“Did the deed? Excuse me? What are you 12? Is this a middle-school slumber party ?”
Rolande was busy sprinkling sliced almonds on the cakes, throwing every other handful into his mouth and pretending not to be listening to our conversation .
“Sorry to disappoint you, but I drank too much wine at dinner and fell asleep. Nothing happened .”
“That’s it, huh?” Tiff was clearly skeptical, evidenced by her exaggerated eye-rolling .
“Well there was one more thing,” I said teasingly. “He asked me to marry him ……..”
