“All right, then. Let’s eat.” He unlocked the front door and allowed Dana to pass through. “Make yourself at home.”
The foyer led directly to a living room that was awash in light, thanks to another set of enormous windows at the back of the house. Through these windows, she spotted a gorgeous pool, the sort often featured in landscaping magazines. She hurried forward to take a closer look. A number of decorative boulders and shrubs dotted the edge of the pool. At the far end, the boulders were built higher and water spilled from the highest point, creating a waterfall. It created a curtain-like effect, making her think of their nook at Covet.
Alex walked up behind her. “What do you think?”
She turned to him. “I’ve never seen anything like it in someone’s backyard. It’s amazing.”
“I guess it’s nice. I don’t spend a lot of time out there, though.” A muscle ticked at his jaw. “Where would you like me to set up your laptop?”
“Oh, um, wherever it’s convenient.”
“There’s a seating area in the kitchen. You could start your work there while I cook for you.”
“Are you sure I can’t help?”
“No. I want to do it, and I don’t want you to be stressed about your work.”
“Okay,” said Dana, relinquishing herself to the lunacy of this situation. “I’ll work in the kitchen. Let me know if I can open any jars for you.”
“Will do.”
Alex showed her to a bright kitchen with all the latest appliances and neutral granite countertops. He even had one of those refrigerators that made coffee. She closed her gaping mouth and took a seat in the breakfast nook. Plugging in her laptop to the nearest outlet, Dana clicked on her document and reviewed what she needed to do.
It wasn’t long before her attention strayed back to the chef.
Although normally of a serious disposition, Alex lightened up in the kitchen. She caught him humming as he prepped his ingredients, and almost laughed when she realized what he was humming.
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham.
He bobbed his head, unaware of her appraisal. He moved slowly, taking care not to use his right hand if it could be avoided, and never once asked for help. She almost got up a few times to take over, but knew he would only shush her and send her back to her seat. With tentative movements, he mixed up a few ingredients in a blender. He closed the lid, held it down and shimmied to the music in his head.
Dana had to put a hand over her mouth so she wouldn’t laugh.
At that point, she didn’t even bother to pretend she was working. “It’s not fair that I’m toiling over here and you’re having fun with George Michael.”
He looked over his shoulder. “You heard that, huh?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“If you tell people, I’ll deny it.” He winked.
Who was this new Alex?
As he fiddled with the blender, she offered her help again. “I’m worried you’re going to hurt your hand.”
“I’m fine. Awkward, but fine. You worry too much.”
“I have been accused in the past of smothering people.”
“Who said that?”
“My sister.”
“No comment.” He was trying not to roll his eyes, but she caught some movement at his lashes. “You just sit there and relax. I’ve got it covered.”
While he finished with the blender, he prepared some coffee. After rummaging in the fridge, he produced a plastic container filled with chopped up green pepper. Returning to the stove, he sautéed the peppers. His blender ingredients then went in the pan and he pushed them all around with a spatula. After a couple of minutes, he put the whole thing into the oven.
Pouring out two mugs of coffee, he joined her at the table and placed one in front of her. He returned with the other for himself. “There. Let me know if it’s strong enough.”
