AllFreeNovel
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CRESS, the first of the group of restaurants started by Cress, INC., was a beautiful, massive restaurant in hues of chrome and ivory with modern detailing and lots of lighting. A true showpiece.
Having been flown to New York, executive chefs from all eleven Cress restaurants had been put up in suites at a nearby five-star hotel. Phillip Senior and Nicolette were preparing a decadent seven-course meal for the gala dinner. It was a Monday and, with the restaurants closed, it was the perfect night to celebrate and motivate their chefs.
As she looked around the small crowd, Jillian was impressed by the attendees, including the stunningly handsome Lorenzo León Cortez. He looked so gorgeous in his light gray tux, matching silk tee and Native American neckpiece of black-braided leather and chunky turquoise. His long hair was pulled back from his handsome face.
“He is exquisite,” Jillian said, remembering Cole being bothered by Lorenzo’s attention to her the night of Gabe’s restaurant opening.
“Zo?” Monica asked. “He’s Gabe’s best friend, so I plead the fifth.”
“You could have just said he’s not exquisite,” Jillian reminded her.
“I’m not built to lie,” Monica said, giving her a little wave before walking away with a wink.
Jillian cleared her throat and pressed her free hand to her belly before easing through the multitude of people toward Zo, who was standing at the L-shaped bar. He turned and did a double-take as she approached. She gave him a beguiling smile. He gave her a curious look.
Two can play Cole’s game.
“Hello, Lorenzo,” she said, looking up at his towering height.
He took a sip of his beer and eyed her with amusement. “Can I assume from the stares Cole is shooting at us that you’re over here to make him jealous?” His deep voice seemed to rumble.
Jillian instantly felt childish and rightfully so. “Yes,” she admitted, leaning her elbows against the edge of the bar.
Lorenzo chuckled as he bent a bit at the waist. “It worked,” he said before walking away.
Moments later, she felt heightened awareness—like a shiver. She knew before Cole stood beside her that he was there.
“What games are you playing?” he asked.
The cool scent of his cologne teased her.
“So now you know me?” she asked before taking a sip of her champagne.
“I never knew you to play games, Jillian, but then I realized too late I never knew you at all,” he said, his voice low enough for just her ears and cold enough to chill her to the bone.
Sadness waved over her, but she stiffened her spine and turned sideways to face his profile.
He’s so damn handsome. And I miss him. I want him. I... I... I...
Jillian gasped at the realization of the depth of her feelings for Coleman Cress.
I love him.
Cole turned his head to look at her.
Their eyes met. She shivered and had to close her eyes to break the connection before her feelings for him tumbled from her mouth.
I love you, Cole.
“Jillian?”
The sound of her name on his lips was her undoing. She opened her eyes to turn and walk away from him as fast as she could on her heels without falling. Her heart beat faster. Her pulse sped up.
Missing him? Desiring him? Wanting to sex him?
Fine.
Falling in love?
