by Danni Rose
She asked, "When did you decide you wanted to be a chef?"
"When I was a young boy, we had a cook, Mildred, who took care of me and let me help in the kitchen."
"How did your parents feel about that? I mean your father doesn't seem happy with your career choice."
"Dad had his work and Mom had her charities. Mildred took care of me when I wasn't in school." He laughed. "One day, I wanted to cook breakfast. To reach the stove, I stood on a chair. Using eggs and my favorite chocolate, I was making omelets when Mildred arrived."
Amber snickered. "Chocolate omelets?"
"It sounded like a good idea." He snorted. "Mildred's face was bright red when she pulled me away from the stove. When I was older, she told me the story. I didn't notice that the room had filled with smoke and set off the fire alarm. The pan I used to cook my omelets was black with burnt chocolate and eggs."
Laughing, Amber wiped her eyes.
Mason scolded her. "It's not that funny. A woman chased by chickens shouldn't laugh at others."
"You have a point." She asked, "How old were you?"
"I was a very mature eight. That was when Mildred started my cooking lessons. I think she did it to save the rest of the pans." Mason laughed. "A farm must have hundreds of temptations for a child. It's your turn to tell me a story from your childhood."
Amber scratched her ear. "I'd been watching my parents milk the cows for years. They took me with them to the barn in the morning. While they worked, I played. When I was six, I wanted to help with the milking. I went to a cow and tried to hook the teat cup but got frustrated that it wouldn't stick. Dad saw me and laughed so hard he couldn't talk."
"He laughed at you?" Mason frowned.
"Mom explained the cow I was trying to milk was a bull, and we didn't milk them."
Mason and Amber laughed.
A short time later, the plane landed. The driver Mason had hired met them and collected their baggage.
She whispered, "We have a chauffeur?"
"In New York, it's easier to hire a car, take a taxi, or use the subway."
Amber's head swiveled as she looked out the car windows. "I'm such a tourist, but who cares. You've seen all this before, but it's new and exciting for me."
She was right. Mason's opinion of the city had become distorted by his cynical, jaded view of the life he'd lived here. He tried to see New York through her eyes. The crowd moved as though they performed the intricate steps of a dance, and the city hummed with a throbbing pulse making music for the dancers.
"I'd love to bring you to New York when we can stay for a week or two." Mason frowned. "I guess you'll have time to see the sights when you move here."
"I am looking forward to it."
"I'm hungry. For your first meal in New York, I thought you'd rather go to a real deli than a gourmet restaurant."
Amber's head bobbed as she nodded. "Oh, yes. Please."
He asked the driver to take them to the Stagedoor Deli. At the restaurant, they ordered borscht, potato knishes, and a Reuben sandwich. Although they shared the food, there was too much to finish everything.
After they ate and had an espresso, Mason asked, "Have you had enough to eat?"
"I overate, but it was so good." Amber rubbed her stomach. "I think it would be easier if you rolled me out."
Back in the car, Mason said, "How did you like your first New York delicatessen?"
"I loved it! The food was delicious, and the Rueben was huge."
"You should go back and try their other sandwiches."
The driver pulled the car over to the curb and parked.
Amber looked at the brownstone townhouse. "What are we doing here? This isn't a hotel."
"Rather than stay at a hotel, I thought we'd stay here."
"You rented this?"
"No. I own it."
"You never mentioned you have a house here."
"This is where I lived before moving to Serenity Bay. Now I stay here when I visit or come to the city for business."
Mason stepped out of the car and helped Amber. When they reached the door, it swung open. His butler welcomed them with a bright smile. After introductions, Mason led Amber upstairs.
"I hoped you would stay with me." He said, "If you'd rather have your own bedroom, the housekeeper will prepare a guest room."
"Thank you for offering, but I've grown accustomed to sleeping next to you."
"Good." Mason yawned. "Are you as tired as I am?"
"I'm tired but restless. If I don't relax, I'll never sleep. Have any ideas that will help me relax?" She kissed his cheek.
"A hot bath?"
She glared at him with her hands on her hips. "A bath. Are you serious?"
He pulled her close and waggled his eyebrows. "It will be my pleasure to help you relax."
It was nearing ten o'clock when they woke Monday morning. After breakfast, Mason prepared the desserts he wanted for the show and did another run through with the wild rice stuffing. He measured and cooked the ingredients. With just ten minutes to demonstrate the preparation, there wasn't time to do the prep work on the show.
According to the information Mason had received, he was to arrive at the studio by nine o'clock on Tuesday morning. Jasper Dodd would introduce Mason and give him the award. Mason had ten minutes to put together the game hens and rice, describing the ingredients and preparation.
While he worked, Amber studied for her exam and got ready for the interview. Mason hadn't told her, but he had an appointment with a friend who was on their board of directors. He hoped to get Jason Richards to recommend her for the position.
Cooking kept Mason busy but still left him too much time to consider life without Amber. When she left town, he'd miss her support, quick mind, and determination. What he dreaded most, though, was the loneliness of living without her.
When they got involved, she'd been honest and explained her dream to move to New York. They'd agreed their relationship wasn't permanent, but he hadn't known he'd fall in love. Watching her leave would be harder than he ever thought possible.
Mason had returned to Serenity Bay to live his dream. He had to help Amber live hers after everything she'd done for him. As much as he wanted her to stay in Serenity Bay, he didn't want her to give up her dream.
They woke early Tuesday morning to have enough time to prepare and packed the food into coolers and load them into the car. Mason checked each item off the list he'd made not wanting to overlook an essential ingredient.
He looked around the kitchen. "Have I forgotten anything?"
Amber hugged him. "Not possible. You've gone over that list so many times, even I know it by heart."
When they arrived at the studio, Jasper Dodd greeted Mason. Not only was Jasper a food critic and show host, but he was also the owner and chef of a well-known restaurant in the city. He and Mason discussed the latest trends in cooking and the challenges of managing a restaurant. By the time filming began, they were friends.
Mason's segment went better than he'd hoped. Jasper loved the Cornish game hens and wild rice, but the hit of the show was the Heaven's Delight. During the show, Jasper tasted the dessert and complimented Mason on his creation. When they finished filming, Mason served the torte to the crew. Fifteen minutes later, there was nothing left but the plates.
After they said their goodbyes, their driver helped carry their bags to the car. Before they got in, Mason lifted Amber in his arms and kissed her until they gasped for breath. Back at the townhouse, they dropped their bags in the kitchen, and Mason pulled Amber to his bedroom. Too agitated to go slow, their loving was wild and fierce.
Hours later, he said, "I made reservations for dinner to celebrate."
She mumbled, "You shower first."
He smirked. "Tired or comfortable?"
She pulled the sheet over her head. "Both."
Mason laughed and went to the bathroom.
Later, while he waited in the living room, he sipped cognac. Amber walked out of the bedr
oom in a long, halter style dress. When she bent to straighten her skirt, he realized the dress was backless. Every cell in his body stood up and howled. "Maybe I was wrong. We could stay in, and I can cook."
Amber looked at him. "Do I look that bad?"
"Darling, you look so good I want to stay home and lick every inch of your delectable body."
"Oh no. We're going to the restaurant." She shook a finger at him. "I want to see the city lights."
"I can arrange that. Let's go drive the male population of New York crazy." He laughed. "We have early reservations at the River Café. With your interview tomorrow, I didn't think you'd want a late night."
"Thank you." She cupped his cheek and kissed him. "Keeping busy today helped me to stay calm. But as it gets closer, I am getting more rattled."
"You'll be great. Tonight we'll relax and get a good night's sleep. In the morning, you can review your notes again and impress them with your knowledge and charm."
"Do you think I will?"
"Amber, you are an amazing woman. You can accomplish any goal you set. Look at what you've done at the Inn." He brushed his hand over her back. "Shall we go?"
Mason had reserved a table next to the windows at the River Café. Amber was in awe of the restaurant. It was in Brooklyn with a marvelous view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. The food was delicious. Mason ordered duck, and she had the lamb. Then he ordered a bottle of Dom Perignon to go with their meal.
She gasped. "Isn't that expensive?"
"Darling, it's a special occasion, and we're celebrating."
Amber smiled. She was in New York having dinner at a restaurant open after eight. But, it was Mason's presence that made the night magical. He captivated her with his wit, charm, and his ability to make her laugh. He was as comfortable in New York as he was in Serenity Bay.
When they returned to the townhouse, she said, "Thank you for taking me to the River Cafe. The restaurant and view were amazing, but it was the company that made it special."
"I'm glad. Now I need to follow through on my promise to get you to bed early."
"But I'm not tired."
Mason grinned. "You're not tired yet…"
She laughed and ran to keep up with him as he rushed to the bedroom.
The next morning, while they laid in bed, Mason tightened his arm around Amber. He enjoyed this time of the morning. The moments just before she woke with her body against his. As he lay watching her, one thought raced through his mind—today could be the beginning of the end of their time together.
She slipped from his hold and stood. As she stretched and lifted her arms over her head, his breath caught in the back of his throat. Beautiful. He loved her body with its curves, full breasts, and luscious ass. Her body captivated him, but it was the woman inside he loved.
Amber grabbed his robe at the foot of the bed and left the room. Mason closed his eyes. When she shut the bathroom door, he took a deep breath and prepared to face the day.
After he'd showered and dressed, Mason took a cup of coffee to Amber. She sat in the office and was so engaged in reading her notes, she didn't see him. He set the cup on the desk.
Amber jumped. She looked at him and smiled. "I didn't hear you."
He laughed. "I noticed."
Her nose flared when she inhaled the smoky aroma of coffee. She lifted the cup and took a long drink. "You make the best coffee."
"Come and have breakfast."
"If I eat, I'll get sick."
"If you don't eat, your stomach will growl during your interview," Mason teased. "I made a vegetable omelet. It's light but should carry you through your interview."
"All right, but I'm not making any promises. My stomach is in knots. I might force down a piece of toast with my coffee."
Although she didn't want to eat, Mason got her to try a few bites.
"Oh, my goodness." She grinned. "Well, it would be a shame to waste this food."
Mason laughed as she dug into her omelet. By the time they finished breakfast, it was time for her to dress. When she was ready, she walked into Mason's study.
Amber, wearing a fitted black suit with a white silk blouse, did a pirouette. "How do I look?"
"Like a self-assured, professional businesswoman."
"That's what I was going for, although it would help if I believed it."
On the ride to the bank, he handed her a small jeweler's box and smiled when she gasped. He'd given her a silver charm bracelet with a four-leaf clover hanging from it. She handed it to him, and he put it on her wrist.
"It's lovely." She kissed him. "Thank you."
The car parked in front of the bank, and with one last kiss, he sent her to the interview. As she walked away, he watched her hips swing in a rhythm that had lusty thoughts racing through his mind.
From there, he went to the offices for Ziron Corporation to see his friend, Jason Richards, the company's CEO. They discussed a project Ziron was working on and whether there was an investment opportunity for his father's firm. Mason told him about Amber and the work she'd done for him. Before he left, Jason had agreed to make a call on her behalf.
Mason checked his watch. It was time for lunch with his parents and Jared. His father insisted they eat at home where they could talk in private. He knew it was an excuse to hammer him into returning to the firm. Ashton never gave up when he wanted something, and he wanted Mason in New York.
During lunch, Mason tried again to make his father understand. "Grandfather chose to live in a small town instead of the city. That's the kind of life I want."
"You're a grown man, Mason. It's time to give up childish fantasies."
"Why are we discussing this? You gave me two years, and I still have a year. The restaurant is doing so well, I'm adding staff. After yesterday, we'll have more reservations than we can handle. I am adding another lunch and dinner seating."
"What happened yesterday?"
"Raison D'être received a five-star award from The Epicurean, and I was a guest on a show which will air next Wednesday."
His mother clapped her hands together. "That's wonderful! I'm so proud of you."
"Yes, that's quite an accomplishment." His father asked, "But what about the bed-and-breakfast?"
"Amber and I have drafted a marketing plan. She's placed ads in vacation and bridal magazines, and she's sent press releases to the newspapers about the award and my television appearance."
His father said, "But in the meantime, it's not bringing in the money you need to make a profit, is it?"
Mason huffed. "We have a deal. Are you going back on your word?"
"I don't want you wasting time on a pie-in-the-sky dream that will never happen."
"The Inn is not wishful thinking." Mason grimaced. "When will you accept that I can make my own decisions?"
"Son, my concern is what's best for you."
"I know, but you need to understand, I'm not you. Living in this city would drain me dry. Serenity Bay is better for me."
Mason looked at Jared who flashed a thumbs up in support. He smiled when his mother winked at him.
"Mother, you have a new cook."
"Yes, but how did you know?"
"This soup should be made with cream of coconut, not coconut milk."
Ashton heaved a sigh. "Good grief!"
Jared choked on his laughter, but couldn't swallow it.
They had just finished lunch when Mason's phone vibrated. Amber had sent a text. Her interview was done. She offered to take a taxi if he was busy.
Was she kidding? Her timing was perfect. Mason said, "I have to leave. Amber needs me."
His parents looked at each other. It was the look that struck dread into the hearts of children everywhere.
Mason frowned. "Don't go there. We're friends and are helping each other."
"Yeah?" Jared asked, "How are you helping each other?"
Mason rolled his eyes. "Give me a break. Amber wants to move to New York, and I'm helping her find a job. Until she moves, Amb
er is helping with my marketing and bookkeeping."
His mother nodded. "We understand. It's a business friendship."
Jared covered his mouth and coughed.
"I have to go." Mason kissed his mother's cheek and shook his father's hand. When Jared gave him a smarmy smile, Mason punched him in the arm before he walked out.
Amber didn't return Mason's smile as she got into the car. "Thanks for coming for me."
"What's wrong? Was it bad?"
"No. In fact, it went better than I expected."
"Tell me."
"I interviewed with three people. At the end of my interview with the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Albright, he said I had excellent references. He said if the background checks came through without a problem, they would contact me with an offer."
"That's great. Why aren't you happier?"
She frowned. "It seems too easy, too fast."
"What?"
"The job is what I wanted." Amber rubbed her chin. "This company hires employees from prestigious colleges. Harvard and Princeton graduates compete for entry-level positions at this bank. Why would they hire a graduate from a little-known online college with no impressive references?"
"Hey. I'm one of those references, and I like to think I'm impressive."
"You're right, you are impressive. I'm creating problems where none exist." She laughed. "How was lunch?"
He released a heavy sigh. "The usual. Dad ranted, I argued, Mother tried to calm us, and Jared laughed."
"You don't seem upset."
Mason pulled on his ear. "I'm not. I realized, no matter what Dad says, I decide how to live my life. Nothing he does will change that."
"Good." She smiled and squeezed his hand. "You know what I want to do?"
He cocked an eyebrow. "Does it involve chocolate and whipped cream?"
"What?" Her face blushed a bright red. "No! I want a ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty."
"Oh." With a pout to make a five-year-old proud, he said, "I'd rather have chocolate and whipped cream."
Two days after their return to Serenity Bay, Amber pulled on her skirt and tucked her blouse in before buckling her belt. She looked at her clothes in Mason's closet. She enjoyed spending time with Mason but needed to wash her clothes and look through her mail. She'd go home tonight.
