Eric's point of view
I caught hold of her and threaded my fingers through her own. Something which elevated the curb before attempting to wrench her hand free.
'Isn't the hand-holding thing a bit over the top?
I disarmed the locking mechanism and opened the passenger door. 'It bothers you?
Yes. The word became locked in his throat like a silent scream.
Of course not, she managed evenly as she slid into the seat.
In the confines of the car, she was supremely conscious of me, the aura of power and masculine strength I exuded mingling with the unobtrusive drift of expensive cologne.
My hands on the wheel were sure, my control of the Lexus total, as I handled the traffic that eased through the city streets, soon connecting with the New South Head Road leading towards Point Piper.
It was a lovely spring's day with a tinge of warmth in the sun as it bathed the harbor and encroaching suburbs.
Mansions, some gracious, others modern, stood behind high walls with steel-gated frontages.
Most were worth a veritable fortune, and owned by the rich and famous who conveyed their privacy.
There was a sense of curiosity as I eased the car to a halt behind a late-model Mercedes, the owner of which moved forward to provide an expansive greeting as soon as I emerged from the Lexus.
'My fiancée, Anna Sommers, I introduced smoothly as I crossed to the agent's side, and she felt the light pressure in my hand at the back of her waist as they entered the house.
An action which suddenly made her conscious of a need to regulate her breathing.
Which was crazy.
The house…concentrated on the house, she bade silently as they passed through the large building with its marble-tiled floors, the beautiful neutral colors enhanced by individual features and exquisite lighting.
Built on three levels, the interior provided a guest suite, and a master suite, plus five bedrooms, each with an en suite, a formal and informal lounge and dining room, a media room, an office, and a library, together with utilities.
There was garaging for three vehicles and a self-contained flat for live-in staff.
It was the kitchen that held her interest, because she'd worked in several over the years, and design layout and appliance placement were essential for maximum ease of use.
When it came to stove tops, she preferred gas. For aesthetic purposes, the long, sweeping marble benchtops provide a clean, simple look.
Outside, the grounds were landscaped to perfection, with beautifully clipped topiary, decorative flower beds, and, situated at the rear, a gorgeous infinity pool.
Panoramic views over the harbor were stunning by day, and undoubtedly a fair land of light by night.
'What do you think? I queried as we descended the curved stairway to the main entrance lobby.
'It's a beautiful home, Anna acknowledged. 'Situated in a good location.
I should have a general overview of the interior decorators within a few days.
No doubt the fee I was paying endured the work would be accorded priority.
'What do you plan on doing? She ventured as I eased the Lexus towards the New South Head Road.
Upgrade the security system. Installation of a home gym. The interior was re-painted throughout. I spared her a glance. The kitchen is your territory.
You'll have carte blanche to remodel it to your specifications.
It's a home, not a restaurant. There is a difference.
But you'd prefer to make some changes.
And you know this because…?
You have an expressive face.
And here she was thinking she'd been particularly circumspect. The kitchen is perfectly adequate.
Adequate isn't enough.
Do you want perfection? It'll cost.
Work out a ballpark figure.
Just like that?
Yes. Just like that.
My lazy drawl held amusement, and she drew in a deep breath. 'You could regret it.
Surprise me.
Go for broke? She could do that easily.
I deposited her outside the restaurant a few minutes before four.
I'll take a cab to the hotel when I finish for the night, Anna indicated as she reached for the door clasp.
And deny me the opportunity to—'
Play the part?
Of caring fiancé? My eyes gleamed with misused humor.
Indulge me.
She threw me a cynical look. I'd like to think you enjoy the food.
In one fluid movement, she stepped from the car and closed the door with a refined click. Then she offered a big salute and crossed the pavement.
Sassy, I agreed as I watched her walk away from me.
Petite, with a smart mouth, no artifice, and no longer an innocent.
Yet I made her nervous, apparent in the accelerated pulse beat at the base of her throat. The soft tinge of pink that crept into her cheeks.
The knowledge intrigued me.
I moved the transmission into the driveway and checked the rear-vision mirror before moving out into the flow of traffic.
There were several calls I needed to make and a late afternoon appointment, and I planned to fit in a workout in the hotel gym.
Then I'd shower, dress, and spend time on my laptop.
It was after nine even I eased the Lexus into a parking space and entered Anna's. Shontelle greeted me warmly and showed me to a table.
I just walked in.
Anna cast Sally a harried glance and immediately returned to the task at hand. 'Fine. She glimpsed Sally's faintly lifted eyebrow and tempered it with, 'OK, thanks.
It wasn't a good evening. The first of the two prospective chefs on trial wasn't working out too well. Twice the woman had stuffed up; although the errors were minor and could be attributed to nerves, it didn't make for an auspicious beginning.
Anna had painstakingly built up a reputation, and she refused to see it diminished in any way. Her existing staff were good workers, quick and incredibly loyal.
Any newcomer had to meet with their approval as well as her own.
At ten, Anna bade the woman good night and promised to relay her decision within a few days.
The last patron left at eleven, the kitchen was restored to neatness, the tables cleared, and Sally retrieved the vacuum cleaner while Anna began locking up.
I lent a hand stacking chairs, and we emerged into the cool night air to a light shower of rain, bade goodnight to Sally, who'd gained a lift from a fellow worker, then I eased the Lexus towards the inner city.
The almost silent swish of car tires against wet bitumen was vaguely soothing, and she resisted the temptation to sink back against the headrest and close her eyes.
How did you rate tonight's trial with the first of the two replacement chefs?
You shouldn't ask.
That bad?
She wanted to be fair, despite her reservations. I don't think she'll fit in with the team.
I eased the Lexus into the hotel forecourt. Based on a valid reason, or gut instinct?
Both.
It was almost the witching hour when I inserted the keycard and unlocked our suite.
Anna toed off her trainers, all gathered nightwear, and moved into the en suite. A hot shower eased some of the evening's tension and, toweled dry, she pulled on a nightshirt, put her hair together, and emerged into the room.
I was in bed, his lengthy frame stretched out beneath the covers with both hands folded beneath my head. Dimly lit bedside lamps lent an intimacy she endeavored to ignore…and failed miserably.
Just knowing I was there. Aware that if she moved a few paces, she could reach out and touch me. The nerves in her stomach curled into a tight ball at the thought of his possible reaction.
Oh, give it up, she silently derided as she slid into bed. Tonight… Sunday…next week. What was the difference?
She must have fallen asleep, for she woke to the sound of her alarm watch and the insistent peal of the phone heralding a wake-up call.
It became a day like any other, and Anna relaxed somewhat as the male chef on trial proved himself to be deft and skilled as he handled lunch with dedicated ease.
The evening went equally well, and the kitchen team's approval cemented Anna's decision to hire me.