“Would you like somemore?” His stomach muscles clenched being in such close proximity,and his blood pumped harder through his veins. Warmed by her skin,the familiar floral scent of Chanel wafted towards him, titillatingand enticing. God I want to kissyou.
“No, I’m good.” Chloeblinked and turned back to her task. “Oh dear. It’s not working.The rice is supposed to be absorbing the liquid.”
He observed the pot of bubblingrice soup and tried very hard not to smile. “Did you put all thestock in at once?”
“Yes, I thought itwould be quicker. Is that bad?”
“Well, it’s not idealif you want good creamy risotto. Do you want me to have a try …huh? Or would you rather keep going?”
“No. I’d rather havesomething edible. I’ll bow to your expertise. Here you go …” Shehanded him the wooden spoon.
“How about you spreadsome more of those crackers with pate and I will try to save yourrisotto. Deal?” He needed some breathing space to clear his head,and concentrate on the matter at hand.
“Deal.” She steppedaway from the stove top.
Chloe plucked a cleantea towel out of a drawer. She came up behind him and wrapped itaround his waist to protect his clothes, tucking the end in theback of his waistband. He stiffened, his back muscles tightening asher fingers brushed against them, heat radiating through him fromthe slight touch. You are killing me,woman!
He worked on the risotto, addingsome more rice to the liquid and stirring continuously. Once theadjacent pan of sautéed onions, garlic, chicken and mushroom cookedthrough, he added it to the rice in the pot. “Could you grate someof that Parmesan cheese? I don’t want to stop stirringthis.”
Chloe came to stand beside him,quickly grating the cheese and adding it to the pot. “Is it goingto be okay? Or do I have to get out some straws?”
“I think it will befine. Here, taste.” He held the wooden spoon out to her and shedelicately nibbled at the rice.
“You saved the day.Thanks.”
“Better sit down andeat this now while it’s hot. Risotto is better eaten right away.”Todd served up two plates, pulled off the tea towel, and joinedChloe at the table.
“Hey, it’s not toobad. It tastes good and the parmesan made it creamy.” Chloe liftedher wine glass. “Here’s to a nice home-cooked dinner.”
“And good company.”Todd raised his glass and waited for her response.
“And good company.”Chloe took a sip and smiled over the rim of her glass.
Once dessert had been eaten,Chloe cleared up the plates and tidied up the kitchen. Todd helpedher load the dishwasher. The conversation easily segued into thetopic of the Portsea renovation. They made themselves comfortableon the new couch.
“So you’ll take thejob then?” Todd waited patiently, his fingers mentallycrossed.
“Yes, I’ll take thejob, thank you. I want you to know I am very grateful for thechance. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“I have no doubtyou’ll do a marvellous job. I wouldn’t have asked you otherwise.It’ll be a couple of weeks before the builders finish the plumbingand the plastering on the extension. Then you can take a drive downand get a feel for the space.”
“I’m rather excitedabout the whole idea, to tell you the truth.”
“It’s great to see youlooking happy. The old carefree Chloe I once knew.” He grinned ather. I’ll do whatever it takes to get theold Chloe back.
“Not so much of the‘old’ thank you,” she said teasingly. “Would you like another wine?I’m going to get a refill.” Chloe stood in front of Todd and tookhis glass.
“If I do, I’ll have toget a cab home and leave the car, and I need it early tomorrow. I’dbetter not.” The words hung ominously in the air. His heartbeatsounded deafeningly loud in his ears. Askme to stay.
“Coffee it isthen.”
“Coffee would belovely.” He looked up at her. The overhead light reflected off thetiny butterflies in her hair. God you arelovely.
The doorbell rang, startling themboth.
“It’s late for avisitor.” Todd glanced at his watch, and hoped she could get rid ofwhoever was at the door quickly. Greattiming. There had been inroads madetonight, and he didn’t want to lose it.
“I wasn’t expectinganyone. I’ll be right back.” Chloe put the wine glasses on thebench and headed down the hall.
When she opened the door, thetall well-dressed gentleman on the doorstep could not have beenmore of an unpleasant surprise.
“What are you doinghere? How did you get my address?”
“That’s not a verynice welcome after all this time, Chloe. You were easy to find.Remember we still have mutual friends in Paris. They told me youvisited recently, and supplied me with an address.” The man smirkedat her, looking her up and down. “You’re lookin’ good, darlin’. Imust say you haven’t changed much in the last few years. Ifanything, you look much better with a few extra pounds onyou.”
“I want you to leave,and I don’t want to see you back here again.” Chloe took a stepback to close the door.
He moved towards her and grippedher forearm, stopping her in her tracks.
“Get your hands offme!” Her quiet voice contradicted the anger boiling in herblood. You have no control over menow.
“Come on now. We’reold friends. That’s not how you treat an old friend, is it?” He letgo of her arm, but didn’t back away.
“The lady says shewants you to leave. I would do as she asks.” Todd’s voicereverberated up the unlit hall. He came to stand behind Chloe andplaced his hands on her shoulders, reassuringly.
“Oh, so your boyfriendhere is going to play the big shot and make me leave is he? Don’tworry, I’m going. I’m performing at the casino for the next fewweeks. I thought I would just look up an old friend. Drop by if youchange your mind and want to catch the show. I’ll leave you mynumber if you need some free tickets.” He pulled a business cardfrom his jacket, leant forwards and quickly tucked it into thebreast pocket of her shirt, patting it, his fingers lingering onher breast for
