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“I want to see if you like it.”
I scooped my spoon in the creamy stew and took a bite, immediately tasting the culmination of several flavors that blended together without overpowering the dish. The chicken was tender. As with all the things she cooked, it was a delicacy. “It’s delicious like everything else you make.”
“Really? I was thinking of having this on the winter menu.”
“And I would order it.”
She smiled. “You aren’t just saying that?”
“No. If it sucked, I would tell you.”
“Really?” she asked, her eyebrow cocked.
“Yes.”
“You would look me in the face and tell me it sucked?”
“I would say it nicer than that, but yes.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“I want your restaurant to be a success. I wouldn’t let you make a fool out of yourself. But that doesn’t matter because this shit is good and you have a gift in the kitchen.” I took another bite then wiped my mouth with the napkin. “And the bedroom.”
“That’s awfully generous since I don’t do much in the bedroom.”
“Being sexy is your contribution.” I continued to eat, arms on the table, feeling the cold fade away as the warmth filled my stomach.
She watched me eat in silence. “So, did the Colombians agree to come back?”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“What do you mean, it doesn’t matter?”
“You said you wanted out.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m not curious.”
When I took another bite, I took my time getting it down, trying to decide how to play this. “They said they weren’t interested incontinuing a partnership. But Theo thinks they’ll change their minds.”
“Why would they change their minds?”
“Because they’ll realize they can’t substitute us with another client or several clients. We move far more product than anyone else, and they fucking know it. And they can’t take this territory themselves or partner with someone who can take this territory. After they bleed so much money, they’ll come running back.”
She gave a slight nod in agreement. “They need you more than you need them.”
“Should have just left it alone.”
“Men get greedy.”
“They get stupid is more like it.” I ate from the bowl until there was nothing left. It was warm and delicious, far better than anything my chef could make and better than anything I could order at a local restaurant. It shocked me that she had no professional training, that her approach to cooking was so natural and organic. No pun intended. “We should start looking around for a spot for the restaurant. Location is everything.”
“I was thinking close to the market. People get hungry after they do their shopping.”
“Then we’ll start there,” I said. “But first, let’s go to bed. I need to thank you for the dinner you made me.”
The flush moved into her cheeks again, but a smile was there too. “It’s late. Let’s go to sleep?—”
“No, I want some dessert.” I rose from the chair and came around the table to grab her. “Something sweet.” I scooped herinto my arms and lifted her from the chair to carry her to the bedroom. “Something pretty…”
