"Mother insisted that I learned." He turned to put the skillet on, putting the fire on low. "It came in handy when I went out of the country to go to college." He came around and turned the stool, so she was facing him. "You look better in the shirt than I ever did."
"I'm sure that's not true." She liked the scent of him clinging to her skin.
"I should know." Cupping her face, he bent his head and rubbed his lips on hers. "I cannot get enough of you."
"It will pass."
He laughed softly. "You're quite the cynic, aren't you?"
"Just keeping it real." She lifted her hands and wrapped them around his neck. The kiss deepened, softened and had desire humming.
"The pot."
"Hmm?"
"You're burning the oil." She pushed him away and had to take several deep breaths to steady herself. The man was lethal, she thought wryly.
Stealing one last kiss, he went to rescue the pot.
"Did you always know you wanted to go into the family business?"
He nodded, tossing the ingredients expertly. Very soon, the stunning aroma filled the air and had her mouth watering. "My favorite board game was monopoly when I was only six." He flashed her a smile. "I used to play with my dad and was very competitive." Moving the pot from the heat, he went to bread basket and popped four slices into the toaster. The coffee was already percolating.
"By the time I was eight, I was buying and selling play properties." Going into the fridge, he took out a platter of fruits. Fat purple grapes, bright red strawberries and some blackberries. He plated the omelet and fruits and rescued the toast.
"Butter or marmalade?"
"Butter."
He slathered it over the toast and added it to the plate. Sliding it to her, he grabbed cups and poured the coffee.
"How about you?" Bringing his plate, he settled on a stool beside her.
"What?"
"Aside from the charity work, what else are you interested in?"
She cut into the golden brown omelet and avoided his quizzical stare. "I'm trained as an admin."
"Is that so?"
"Yes." At least with this, she could be honest. "I did business in college."
"Do you help with the clerical side of things at the shelter?"
"Something like that." She was uncomfortable with the topic and decided to change it. "I read somewhere that you bought a hotel and had it demolished."
He nodded as he picked up his coffee and took a sip. So, she didn't want to talk about herself, which was a novelty and highly appealing. The women he was accustomed to in his circle, could not stop talking about their favorite subject.
"The structure was weak and the electrical work a joke. It made better sense to tear down the entire thing. It was located in a prime area, which was why we bought it in the first place." He glanced at her. "Not everything you read about me is true." He added quietly. "I'm not some ruthless businessman out to get rid of the working man. We are fair in our dealings with people; that's something my father instilled in me. The Lancashire name is something to be proud of. I would never risk sullying it."
She was surprised that he felt the need to explain himself to her.
"You don't have to try and convince me."
"I just wanted to set the record straight. How's the meal?"
"Delicious. What else can you cook?"
