A woman’s voice called from across the room. ‘Gabe!’
He turned to see Victoria Felton walking towards them. He knew the young star had just wrapped her latest film project. He gave her a wave. Her career had never looked back after he’d cast her in one of his first projects.
‘Victoria.’ He stood in greeting. Victoria kissed both his cheeks in dramatic style. Usually he enjoyed Victoria’s company but he felt strangely uncomfortable with Charlie here.
‘How are things?’ he asked, stepping back to place some distance between himself and the film star.
‘Awesome,’ Victoria said with a flick of her long dark hair. ‘Just finished filming so I’m here to celebrate.’
‘Victoria, I’d like you to meet—’
‘Charlie Brown,’ Victoria finished for him.
Charlie looked startled, clearly surprised anyone knew who she was. Victoria laughed at Charlie’s obvious shock.
‘I love cooking and a friend emailed the link of your YouTube clip,’ Victoria said. ‘You were fantastic.’ She turned to Gabe. ‘First-Class Chef looks like another hit,’ she said, touching his arm.
‘Ah, you of all people should know, success depends entirely on whether the contestants connect with the viewers.’
Victoria leaned in close. ‘I always thought we had a pretty good connection,’ she whispered in his ear.
He stiffened but smiled politely. He realised he didn’t want Charlie to think there was anything between the two of them. Between him and anyone.
‘Well, I don’t want to keep you from your posse.’ He indicated the sizeable group that had arrived with the starlet.
She sighed. ‘Guess not.’ She kissed his cheeks again. ‘Ta-ta,’ she called, walking away with a provocative swing to her hips.
Gabe returned to his seat. ‘Sorry about that.’
‘I suppose it’s an occupational hazard,’ Charlie said. ‘Beautiful women throwing themselves at you?’
‘Hmm. But I’ve learned from bitter experience never to mix business and pleasure.’
‘Oh.’Her gaze shifted from his.
He thought he’d heard a touch of disappointment in her voice. Or maybe he hoped he had.
‘So,’ she said, ‘how did you end up as a television director?’
‘Do you want the version I tell the interviewers? Reading Lord of the Rings. Dreaming about bringing hobbits to life and how Peter Jackson beat me to it, or the real version?’
‘The real version.’
‘Well, loving Lord of the Rings is true. At school I loved drama and plays. I had a hand in directing each high school production and often wrote the script. Straight ‘A’s in anything relating to the arts.’ He sighed. ‘My father made it very clear he was not happy. He never attended any of my plays. In my final years, my father banned any further involvement in the drama department.’
Concern flared in her eyes. ‘Why?’
‘Grenvilles don’t do drama.
‘I suffered my way through a term at law school, then dropped out. I scored a cadetship with the BBC and that’s when dear old Dad cut off all communication.’
‘That’s terrible,’ Charlie spluttered, the outrage audible in her voice.
‘He made it clear he thought television was a demeaning profession. As for me being a reality TV director, I think he would have been happier if I’d decided to be an undertaker.’
Gabe picked up his champagne glass. His father’s posh clipped accent rang in his ears. It’s not like you’ll ever win an Oscar, Gabriel. He hated that voice.
‘But surely he must be proud of you now?’ Charlie’s voice sounded almost pleading.
‘No. He thinks reality television is vulgar.’
He picked up an olive from the bowl and crushed it between his teeth.
‘So what about your family?’
The question hit Charlie right between the eyes.
‘Ah,’ she hesitated and quaffed half her glass of champagne.
Gabe looked at her squarely. ‘Is your father into food too?’
She looked everywhere but into his eyes. ‘He’s – he’s in retail.’
‘What sort?’
‘Jewellery.’ She swigged the other half of her champagne. The waiter appeared the moment her glass touched the table. He refilled hers and topped up Gabe’s. She picked up the menu the waiter placed in front of her and busied herself behind it.
‘The chargrilled spatchcock with chilli, lemon and parsley sounds good.’ She hoped her voice didn’t betray her nervousness.
But why was she so worried? She hadn’t actually lied. Her father was in retail: he owned forty high-end jewellery stores around the world. She just hadn’t mentioned the back-end mining operation. She chewed her thumbnail.
‘You okay?’ Gabe asked.
Charlie lowered her menu. ‘Yes,’ she forced herself to meet his gaze. ‘I think I’ll have the rack of lamb with the smoked eggplant puree.’
Gabe hadn’t looked at his menu. ‘Sounds great. I’ll have that too.’
Gabe signalled the waiter and Charlie sipped her champagne. The lies and half-truths just kept coming.
Would this ultimately end in disaster?
‘Taxi, sir?’ the doorman asked.
‘Yes, thanks,’ Gabe said as he held open the club door to let Charlie past.
She stumbled as she stepped past him onto the pavement.
‘Careful,’ Gabe said, gripping her waist and holding her steady.
Charlie slipped her arms around his waist and pressed her body to his.
‘You know what?’ she said, her words slightly slurred.
‘What?’ he asked, acutely aware of her breasts pressing against him.
‘I’ve had more fun with you in the past few weeks than I’ve had in my whole life.’
Obviously she was exaggerating but he loved hearing the words all the same.
‘I think someone’s drunk too much champagne.’
A black taxi pulled up beside them. Gabe helped Charlie into the back seat then slid in next to her.
‘No, I’m serious. You have no idea what my life was like at home.’
Gabe looked at her closely. ‘Why don’t you tell me?’
‘Can’t. Secret,’ she whispered, almost to herself.
He tensed. Nothing good came of secrets.
‘I’m told sharing helps,’ he said.
‘No,’ she said emphatically. ‘I don’t think you’d like me if you knew.’
‘Now, we both know that’s not possible,’ he said, but his eyes narrowed slightly.
‘You really are the nicest man I’ve ever met,’ she said, snuggling up close and leaning her head on his shoulder.
It took all of his strength to resist taking her in his arms. But Charlie was in no fit state to be making rational decisions. He couldn’t bear it if she regretted kissing him in the morning.
A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of his house. Gabe paid the fare. Better his house than trying to get Charlie quietly into Emma’s garden cottage.
‘Come on.’ He helped Charlie from the car. Supporting her, he walked her into the house. When the door closed, Charlie threw her arms about his neck.
‘Thank you,’ she said and then planted a kiss on his lips. ‘I’ve had the best time.’
With enormous effort and strength of character, Gabe unwound Charlie’s arms.
‘Time for bed,’ he said, taking her hand and leading her up the stairs.
‘Already?’ she slurred.
‘It’s nearly three in the morning.’
She pulled him to a stop halfway up the staircase. ‘Why don’t we watch the sunrise?’ she asked excitedly.
‘Because one of us has to go to work in the morning.’ He was leaving for four weeks to complete the rest of the regional finals.
‘Really?’ She giggled. ‘Which one?’
‘Thankfully not you.’ He helped her into the guest bedroom and sat her on the bed. ‘Okay, see you in the morning, Firs
t-Class Chef.’
‘Can’t you stay for a minute?’
A minute? He wanted to stay all night. ‘Better not,’ he managed to say.
‘Okay.’ Charlie fumbled with the zip at the back of her dress. ‘Can you help me?’ she asked, turning to give Gabe access.
Gabe swallowed. It was dangerous.
Reaching forward, he slid the zip slowly down her back. As each inch of golden skin was revealed, his body temperature ratcheted up.
He stepped away from her quickly. Seducing tipsy women was not okay. But he couldn’t take his eyes from her. When she began peeling the dress from her body, he forced himself to the door.
‘See you in the morning.’ His throat so tight he could barely speak the words.
He pulled the door closed behind him, but not before taking a surreptitious backward glance. In that moment she let the dress slide to the floor. Before he could shut out temptation, Gabe caught a glimpse of Charlie standing naked save for a slip of black lace, stockings and a pair of high-heeled shoes.
He pulled the door closed with a bang. He slumped against the wall, his heart hammering in his chest. If he’d been closer when her dress had fallen, he didn’t think he’d have been able to hold back.
Those intoxicating brown eyes. A body that seemed designed for the sole purpose of driving a man wild. He dragged a hand through his hair.
Slowly, his breathing settled back to normal.
He listened at the door. All quiet.
Better check she’s all right.
He eased open the door. Charlie had made it into bed, but only the thin cotton sheet covered her almost naked body. He walked in and quickly pulled the warm covers over her.
She moaned in her sleep. A knot rose in his throat as he gazed at her gorgeous face, now framed with dark where previously blonde had reigned. He hadn’t meant to, but he found himself stroking her cheek. He was falling hard for this woman.
And she didn’t want anything from him.
He’d practically had to force her to audition for First-Class Chef. She obviously didn’t view him as a fast track to instant fame.
She mumbled softly. He made himself leave.
If Charlie kissed him again, he’d be lost.
Chapter Nine
Charlie sat at the kitchen table sipping her tea. Her head hurt, but the dull thud paled in comparison to her excruciating embarrassment.
She played the previous night over again in her head. Having dinner with Gabe was pretty clear, but the time between leaving the club and waking this morning was . . . blurry.
Well, more than blurry.
Of particular concern was that she’d woken up naked except for her knickers and stockings. Thank goodness she’d left a few things behind at Gabe’s. How humiliating would it be eating breakfast in a slinky black party dress?
She hung her head in her hands and stared into her nearly empty tea cup. A shame tea leaves were only useful for telling the future. She’d give anything to have a clear picture of the past few hours.
The memory of throwing her arms about Gabe’s neck at the front door jumped into her mind. Her heart picked up pace and she winced. Had she tried to kiss him and been rejected?
She shuddered. Mortification washed over her.
‘Didn’t expect to see you up this early.’
She knocked over her mug. Heat rushed her cheeks as she leapt up and grabbed a cloth. She desperately wanted to read Gabe’s expression but couldn’t meet his eyes.
‘Eggs and bacon?’ she asked.
‘Sounds great.’
She busied herself making breakfast, keeping her back to him as much as possible.
‘Charlie.’
‘Hmm?’ she said.
‘Look at me.’
Her heart quickened in her chest. Taking a deep breath, she turned slowly and met his gaze.
‘Everything okay?’ His eyes were suffused with concern.
‘Fine. Fine,’ she said lightly. But her head pounded, more from humiliation than alcohol consumption. Well, maybe a bit of both. Gabe liked poached eggs, but her hands shook so much they’d be scrambled today.
‘It’s just that last night you were talking about Australia and secrets. To be honest, you weren’t making much sense. Anything you want to talk about?’
‘I’m sorry. I had too much to drink and—’A blob of bacon fat splattered onto her arm. ‘Ouch,’ she cried and dropped the spatula. Rushing to the sink, she ran cold water over the burn.
Gabe leapt from the table and stood next to her. ‘Are you burnt?’
‘I’m fine. It isn’t much.’ She pulled her arm from under the water. A nasty welt already glowed red just above her wrist.
‘No, keep it there,’ Gabe said, pressing her arm into the cold stream again.
Charlie tried to focus on the water and not think about Gabe’s fingers on her skin. He touched her arm lightly.
‘I think that’s going to blister.’
It was such a simple act, but his light touch thrilled her to her core. She closed her eyes and imagined Gabe caressing her in other places. The grandfather clock in the hall chimed.
‘Damn, is that the time?’ Gabe said, looking at his watch. ‘Keep your arm there for at least ten minutes,’ he said, giving her hand a little squeeze. ‘Sorry about breakfast, I’ve got to run.’
He hesitated, leaned towards her then pulled back quickly. ‘See you in a few weeks. I’ll call.’
‘Ah yeah. Good luck with the rest of the finals,’ she said lightly but she felt as though she’d been kicked in the stomach. How could she handle nearly a month without Gabe?
Charlie stared at the door for a long time. The sting of the burn began to subside, but the fire in her heart raged.
Finally the day dawned for filming the first episode. Charlie followed Abigail down the long hallway towards the set. She glanced at the other nine contestants. It was the first time they’d all come together; everyone looked nervous and excited. The thought of being filmed filled her with apprehension, and seeing Gabe again for the first time in weeks exacerbated her fears. He’d arrived back a few days ago, but had been working eighteen hours a day to prepare for the start of filming.
Abigail paused when she reached the enormous studio door.
‘Things are a little different from the last time you were here,’ she said to the group. ‘To begin with, we have a studio audience and this time we are filming the real thing. All the footage shot today will be edited into the first episode of the show.’
A low murmur spread through the group.
‘As you know, you have to produce ten portions of each of your dishes. These will then be packaged and shipped straight to an international flight by our sponsor airline. Your meals will be consumed in the first-class cabin. Along with our three judges, VIP passengers will also judge your food.’
Charlie took a deep breath to soothe her growing nerves.
‘We’ll be filming the moment I open this door. So, when you walk in, go straight to your chosen workstation. Then be guided by Jasper and the other judges.’
She looked around the group and smiled. ‘Everybody ready?’
Charlie nodded but felt anything but ready. Her heart hammered in her chest. Her cheeks were sure to be as crimson as a vine-ripened tomato.
The door opened and applause pulsed through the studio. Charlie walked onto the set, trying to project an air of confidence. She chose a work area towards the back of the room and surveyed the set. There must be more than a hundred people in the audience.
The show’s theme music played as Jasper walked onto the set. He acknowledged the audience’s enthusiasm and asked for quiet.
‘Welcome, everyone, to the first episode of First-Class Chef.’
Jasper’s words blurred as Charlie began to panic.
Where’s Gabe? I need my lucky charm.
She looked wildly around the studio. Then she noticed a glassed area behind the studio audience. Gabe sat at a control panel. He spoke into a h
ead mike and watched Jasper. A bolt of molten desire shot straight to her core. She couldn’t breathe. She fingered her Leaning Tower of Pisa charm.
Look at me. Please. Look at me.
Gabe caught her eye. He sent her a dazzling smile and signed the thumbs up.
Jasper’s words came back into focus, clear and articulate. ‘. . . from every background from butcher to banker to catering assistant. None of our contestants has any formal training and each will compete week after week until we crown Britain’s first winner of First-Class Chef – the show that combines food and flying like never before.’
Wild applause. When it died away, Gabe’s voice broke over the set.
‘Cut. Fantastic. Jasper, let’s move now to introducing each of the contestants.’
Gabe’s authority calmed her. Instead of watching Jasper, Charlie kept her eyes focused on Gabe. Although she couldn’t hear him unless he used his mike, it was obvious nothing happened on set that Gabe didn’t direct. Gabe spoke and everybody obeyed.
Jasper made his way around the room. Every contestant told a warm or heart-wrenching story.
As the stories unfolded, Charlie’s guilt settled more and more heavily on her shoulders. She shifted uncomfortably behind her station. One guy had held a fundraiser at the local pub to afford the train fare and accommodation in London to compete in the finals. A single mother had her seventy-year-old mother watching her three young children. The middle-aged guy with a career in IT had quit his job to be part of the show as his employer wouldn’t give him the time off to participate.
And what was she? A spoilt little rich girl who’d run away from home and lied about her identity.
She swallowed hard. She didn’t deserve to be here. She’d deceived everyone. Panic raced through her body and her legs threatened to give way beneath her.
Jasper wrapped up his interview with the contestant next to her.
She braced as he came towards her. She had to get out of here.
‘Ready, Charlie?’
She nodded but no words came. She looked wildly at the control room. Gabe and Abigail were huddled over something. Gabe would hate her, despise her.
Fraud. Fraud. Fraud. The word screamed through her brain.
Sweet Seduction Page 25
