CHAPTER 22 — KISS THE CHEF

I sighed, drawing my curtains open to filter in the sunlight. Finally, an excuse to get up from my fitful sleep. Last night had to be the longest night I'd ever spent. It had dragged on and on, images of a shirtless Lennox bundled up on my couch playing in my head. I shook my head vigorously, as if it would throw off the sensual fantasies brewing in my head.

I forced myself up, walking toward the bathroom to brush and freshen up. As I thoroughly brushed my teeth, I convinced myself that I was doing so because it was the first thing I was supposed to do in the morning. But the truthful part of me knew that the last thing I wanted was for Lennox to have to experience the stench of my morning breath. My cheeks flamed in embarrassment as I imagined how that would go down. I would probably just leave the country and change my name or something.

When I was done, I fluffed out my blonde hair and gingerly made my way downstairs, putting on my best indifferent look. I wiped my palm on the material of my joggers as I neared the living room and swallowed.

My heart dropped in disappointment when I saw the blanket neatly folded and placed on top of the pillow, no trace of Lennox in sight. I scoffed, running my fingers through my hair. Of course he's gone already. What was I thinking? I laughed - a bitter one. That after last night everything would be fine? That it wouldn't repeat itself? Face palming, I scoffed again and made my way into the kitchen, wishing Val was here to pour my sorrows out to.

As I shuffled into the kitchen to cry over a cup of coffee, I bit my lip from screaming in surprise as my eyes made contact with a busy Lennox washing up the dishes in the sink he had apparently used to make the plates of toast, eggs and bacon, accompanied by small cups of coffee that sat prettily on the kitchen counter.

My mouth fell open in shock, and I wasn't sure if it was the fact that he'd actually stayed, or the almost unbelievable fact that Lennox Wilder could actually prepare a decent meal. I folded my arms in amusement and watched as he expertly placed the washed plates in their places and dried the sink with a small towel. He was quite a sight to behold too, in only his work pants and a measly apron wrapped around his hard upper body. In the moment, he didn’t look one bit like the billionaire with a reputable record of diminishing his competitors. With his tight torso in view and those well-built shoulders and arms, he could be easily mistaken for a model from an ad or adult rated film. Heat flooded straight down to my pussy.

"Well, well, well, who would've guessed. The Grinch happens to be a chef as well." I deadpanned.

He whipped around in one motion, his bottom lip curving in amusement. And somehow even with the purplish bruise underneath his eye, he still managed to look as breathtaking as ever.

"This may come as a surprise to you, Miss Brooks, but I can do a whole lot more than walk around in my favorite suit." He smirked devilishly. The underlying sinful tone in his voice nearly had me sprawling.

I blushed furiously, letting out a small cough. When he was done with the dishes, he pulled up a chair for me, gently sliding my plate to my side. "This is my official apology," he said huskily, sending a killer smile my way. "Enjoy."

I ignored the rush of the heartwarming feeling I felt at the moment, unsure how to feel about him being so gentlemanly. Picking up a piece of egg with my fork, I eyed him. "If this is your grand plan of doing away with me, it won't work." I announced, tossing it into my mouth and chewing.

I was unable to stop the soft moan that escaped my lips from how good it tasted. Well, shit. He was good in the kitchen. As I was about to toss him a light compliment, I noticed him staring hungrily at my lips, desire clear in his eyes. I blushed furiously. "What?" I muttered, averting my gaze.

He let out a small chuckle. "That good, huh?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves now."

We had the rest of the meal in companionable silence. After I was done, I muttered a thank you and made my way to the sink to wash up. While the water ran from the faucet ran down, my hand paused midair as I felt Lennox walk up behind me, his intoxicating presence throwing my senses haywire. My pulse raced. Just one small step backwards and I would be rubbing up against his groin. A delicious shiver ran through me as I dropped the dish carelessly in the sink and pushed backwards, the slightest, until his warm hard body was enclosing mine. The proximity filled me with a rush of consuming hunger and my former grievances abandoned, I began to rub up against him recklessly, his erection teasing my butt. The groan that escaped him edged me on further, his warm breath fanning my cheeks. In seconds, his arms were holding me in place to his skin and not even the devil could stop the pleasure that tightened through my core.

A second moan escaped me when his big hands found their way to the front of my thin nightdress. When his fingers located my taut nipples, he squeezed, teasing me. I gripped the edge of the sink, heat swarming my body and moistening my core. His fingers scorched my skin as he trailed down my hips, gripping my butt and placing me on the kitchen counter. As he widened my legs, standing in between them, my chest threatened to explode.

“Fuck, I’ve missed you. You’re so gorgeous,” he whispered in a voice rendered effective by the deep arousal laced in them.

He began to trail light kisses from my neck down to my chest, like he had waited so long to do that and needed to savor every second of it. Occasionally, he’d trail a finger up my thigh, sending waves and waves of hot warmth. I bit down on my lower lip, soft moans escaping my lips of their own accord. He reached out to squeeze my tits with one hand, his other hand inching its way up my dress and dangerously close to my throbbing core. As his finger lightly grazed my clit, we heard the front door push open.

As quick as lightning, we jumped apart, barely having time to smoothen out our clothes as we faced a shocked Val. She stared from Lennox to me and back to Lennox, and with a sudden rush of recognition, her hand flew to her mouth. As she stared at me, mouth agape, I'd never wanted to murder anyone as much as I did in that moment. I bit my lip to keep from crying out in disappointment. His fingers had been so close.

Lennox recovered first. "You must be Valery." He stretched out his hand, his voice going all business like. "I'm—"

"Lennox Wilder." Val finished for him. "Everyone knows who you are. And I must say, you look even more dashing in person."

I refrained from face-palming as Val sent an indiscreet wink my way. Of course, she had sworn to make my life a living hell.

"Oh..." Lennox managed, looking toward me as if he was asking for help. However, a hint of amusement swirled in his eyes. I bit back a grin, noting how adorably sexy he looked when he was out of sorts.

"Well, carry on." Val smirked. "I didn't mean to interrupt your... activity."

I sent her a sharp glare. Lord, help me, I would murder this girl.

"Don't you have something to do?" I asked, desperate to wring her neck.

She began to walk to her room, fixing me with a sly gaze. "Try not to mess up the counter too much. Some of us have to eat there."

With a not-so-discreet thumbs up, she was gone. I rubbed my neck in embarrassment, looking up at Lennox and letting out a small laugh. His blue eyes twinkled in mischief. "And I thought you were a bundle of joy.” He laughed.

After a while of awkward silence, he checked his watch. "I've gotta run. Thanks for last night," he whispered, his breath sending chills up my spine as the memory of what we'd shared a while ago came to mind, making my cheeks flame up.

"Sure." I nodded, watching him as he straightened up. He walked out of the kitchen, and I trailed quietly behind him. I watched him put on his jacket, comb through his tousled them with his hands and walk to the front door. My heart ached to stop him from leaving but I clipped my lips shut.

"Verity?"

I gazed up at him.

"I'm hosting a Christmas dinner in a few days. And I'd like to ask for a favor."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Lennox Wilder, hosting a dinner? For Christmas? Well, isn't that some Christmas miracle?"

He rolled his eyes playfully. "It's a business thing,".

"If you say so." I eyed him, folding my arms in front of my chest.

"Would you like to be my plus one?"

Heat fanned my cheeks, my breath hitching. I was not expecting that. “Oh…really? I guess, yes. I mean, since you insist.”

Lennox rolled his eyes playfully. “Friday, 8pm. I’ll pick you.”

I nodded, while my mind ran a marathon yard wondering what the hell I was supposed to wear to a fancy schmancy rich people party. Lennox stared at me from the door, his perceptive eyes digging deep into mine. His stare stirred my pussy and in a blink, he was in front of me. Before I could quickly understand what he was doing, he placed a soft endearing kiss on my lips - quick and somewhat satisfying. Something about it was warmer, filled with unspoken words and safety. I embraced it for all that it was - for all that Lennox was.

“Again, I’m sorry,” he whispered into my ears the second he pulled away from our kiss. My breathing was unstable. “I know that saying this would never be enough, but Verity, in all your messy glory, I can’t imagine having you hate me-”

“I don’t hate you,” I said quickly, pulling away from our embrace to stare straight into his deep conflicted eyes. “Not even a bit. I was just mad…and hurt, mostly. You could say that I cared enough to get butt hurt over the first guy I’m seeing in ages.” I laughed lightly. “And it doesn’t matter anymore now, I forgive you.”

My heart skipped a beat at the beautiful smile that took over his features. His entire face was lit up and the spark in his eyes couldn’t be disguised. He nodded firmly and placed a quick kiss to my forehead.

As he fixed me with one last smothering gaze and walked out the door, I was sure that this man would be the death of me.