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“Holy shit.” Aliana’s whispered curse makes me laugh, while the chef and owner of this place bites the inside of his cheek to hold his own amusement in. “You brought me here to—”
“Yes, sweet girl. Today we will learn how to cook paella.”
10
I’m in shock.
Happy.
Swooning a little bit.
Just a smidge, but there’s no stopping my reactions—the way my heart palpitates and body vibrates with excitement—with this surprise. It’s sweet and thoughtful, and Lord help me, I’m wanting to throw myself at him and kiss those lips that are spread into a boyish grin.
He knows he did good. He makes me forget the ugly. He makes me feel safe.
I know I shouldn’t be here. That he’s the type of man—powerful like my father—I told myself I’d never so much as entertain, but I’m being pulled in by an uncontrollable hurricane and stepping away feels unnatural. Every instinct in my body, my heart and mind, agree that he’s the epitome of danger, yet so much more beneath the expensive clothes and the gun he’s not concealing in his car.
What is it about you, Callum? Why can’t I say no?
Maybe it’s because there’s something special about someone taking the time to see you. To know your likes and dislikes—even if I know he’s pulled information on me, I’m still touched. Being of Spaniard heritage is the only thing I have in common with my family on my father’s side. They originally came to the US from the Northern area of Menorca. Fornells is a beautiful fishing village known for its lobster stew and glorious sunsets; I’d been a few times as a kid while my grandparents were alive, but now my father would rather focus on being seen in extravagant places—another social media attention-grabbing photo—than going to visit his parent’s grave.
I’m proud of where my family is from.
Turning, I move to stand in front of him and rise to the tips of my toes. “This is very thoughtful, Mr. Jameson.” My arms go around his neck, pulling him down just enough that I reach his chin with my lips. I breathe in his masculine scent: earthy and natural with just a hint of spice that most cedar-based colognes carry. Smells so good. “Some might even say sweet.”
“I aim to please.” His voice is husky, a low rumble that causes my walls to give an involuntary clench.
“You did.”
“Always, my…bloody fuck,” he hisses from between clenching teeth, his hands back on my hips with a tight hold. I’m biting his chin and then his jaw. “You’re dangerous.”
“I’m appreciative.”
“And I’m thankful.” Before I can nip his chin again, I’m turned to face the front of the building with his strong front against my back. His legs move mine forward, his hard length rubbing against my cheeks makes me blush.
It’s impossible not to feel him; the bulge behind that zipper is thick and long. Has been hard every time I look down.
Why doesn’t this bother me with him?
Anyone else I would’ve punched.
I have broken two noses before for much less.
“Welcome, welcome.” Chef Reyes steps aside, his thick mustache twitching beneath his smile as we pass the entrance. “We’ve set up a small tapas selection for your enjoyment while we begin to prep. Is that all right?”
“Of course. Please lead the way,” Callum answers after looking down at me and I nod. To be honest, I’m so excited about this. Paella is a dish I love but is scary to make. Especially when anything less than authentic is an insult to the country. I don’t want a derivative or a likeness, no.
His warm hand is on the small of my back urging me forward, and I follow the chef up a spiral set of stairs near the middle of the first floor. The space is light and airy, all white furniture and walls with a splash of color from the few art pieces hanging on the painted brick.
The second floor is completely different, and it takes my breath away.
This floor is open with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the lake just a little beyond the end of this lot. There’s a large terrace attached; it goes from one side to the other with one table near the center that is set for two.
“This is beautiful.” There’s no mistaking the excitement in my voice, and I turn my head toward Callum when he chuckles. “Don’t poke fun. I really love this.”
“I find you utterly adorable, Venus.”
There’s that name again.
