Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
I kept his pace. “What was your favorite lunch?”
“Hmm.” He pressed the down button. “Can I be brutally honest?”
“Definitely.”
“I never thought I would get an erection from eating a chicken salad sandwich.” Chase gestured for me to get in first when the doors opened. I laughed and then blushed at the realization of him having an erection while he ate that sandwich across from me.
“I’m sorry.” He smirked. “Did I make you uncomfortable?”
“No.” God yes. “And that wasn’t just any chicken salad sandwich. That was chunks of honey roasted chicken combined with shredded smoked Gouda, sundried tomato aioli, candied walnuts, and sliced fresh grapes between two slabs of crusty French bread.”
He flashed me a concerned look. “Did you memorize the menu description?”
I raised my eyebrows as the elevator lowered. “Would that be weird?”
“Yes. That would be unsettling.”
“Then no.”
He chuckled to himself. “Wait. Should I press your floor’s button? Do you need to get your purse?”
“No.”
“Where do you put your money and keys?”
“Here.” I tapped my cleavage and then immediately regretted it.
I don’t think you’re supposed to fondle your breast in front of a new boss.
“Good place to put it.” He stared at the area longer than he should have. Since I’d been ogling his behind every morning I pretended I didn’t see.
He cleared his throat. “So what were your plans for tonight?”
“Just hanging out with my friends.”
“Is there a new boyfriend in there somewhere?”
“No. I told you during the interview I was single.”
He placed his hands in his pockets. “You did, but there’s no denying a woman as enchanting as yourself would be able to nab a man in seconds.”
I snorted. It burst from my lips and bounced off the walls. “Sorry, but I’m no seductress.”
“Maybe not.” He titled his head my way. “But you’re definitely more than I’d expected. You’ve definitely got my attention.”
I don’t want your attention. I swallowed. More than expected? Maybe next week I’ll ruin his lunch meals.
“So where are we going for dinner?” he asked. “Don’t spare the cost.”
“Really?” My discomfort vanished at the thought of food.
The elevator halted.
The doors slid open.
Cool air breezed in from the lower garage.
“Give me your car keys. I’ll have Oscar drive your car to your apartment and we’ll take my limo to dinner.” Chase planted his hand on the middle of my back. An area I preferred only dates and lovers to touch.
“Okay.” I eased away from his sly fingers. My two keys and all of my credit cards lay on my right breast, underneath the top of my bra. I slipped my fingers in, pulled them out, twisted his way, and handed them to him.
“Do you ever lose your keys or money?” he asked.
“Never.”
A massive bald-headed black man stepped out of the shadows.
I jumped.
Where did he come from?
“Oscar, take Ms. Montgomery’s car to her home. Here you go.” Chase handed the keys to Oscar and placed his warm hand on the same, sensitive area of my back. “So where are we eating, Jasmine?”
“What type of food do you want?”
“It doesn’t matter. You pick. Like I said, don’t worry about the cost.”
I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt. “Then I would love to go to Lan.”
Chapter 7
Not Giving Up
Lan restaurant exemplified superior fine dining.
Crimson circular lamps hung from high ceilings and bathed the space in a red glow. The place only had five tables because seating was exclusive. Not even Chase could get us reservations. Luckily, I’d called the sous-chef and asked if we could be fit in. I don’t know how he did it, but he called me back and told us to come on over.
“How do you know the sous-chef again?” Chase slipped his soft fingers from the center of my back to my hip as the host guided us to our table.
“He and I grew up in South End together. His name is Gabe. He’s really cool.”
So many lovely scents hit me at once—melted sugar mixed with cream, the savory aroma of fresh herbs being cut for a meal, the smoky fragrance of meat as it hit the fire. I let my eyes explore the dishes on each table.
I’m in heaven.
Colorful ingredients adorned square porcelain plates. Each dish appeared like the portrait of a dedicated artist.
Saliva drowned my tongue. My stomach groaned in complaint. The urge to interrupt conversations and ask the people what they were eating surged in me, but I forced myself to walk forward as an exhilarating sensation flowed in my blood.
I’m finally going to eat here!
Although I grew up with Gabe, I would never allow him to sneak me in and serve me for free. If the restaurant manager caught us, Gabe would’ve been fired or at least had to pay for the meal himself.
Entrees started at sixty dollars and rose to over a hundred. A person could reach a bill of three hundred dollars by ordering an appetizer and two meals.