Cover Up (Cover #2) Read online

  “Alright then Ms. Roberts, I want you to present me with your best dish. You have two hours,” he commanded, before turning on his heel and sauntering out of the kitchen, leaving me completely dumbfounded.

  The other chefs stared at me. I turned away and headed straight for the freezer. I hadn’t the faintest idea how I knew where the freezer was, but the fact that it just came to me sent a jolt of excitement through me. According to Suzie, I hadn’t had the opportunity to show Mr. Gordon what I was capable of in the kitchen, so this was my chance.

  Two hours, a torn apart kitchen, and a burnt hand later, I presented my dish to Mr. Gordon. My stomach churned as he raised his eyebrow, examining my plating techniques with his critical eye. I cleared my throat and began my presentation. “I have for your eating pleasure today, Mr. Gordon, a Grilled Elk Tenderloin with vanilla butternut squash sauce, brandied cherries, roasted cipollini onion, and stuffed crimini mushroom. Enjoy!” I announced as I handed the man a fork.

  I had no idea how much had been riding on that single thrown together dish, but here I was two days later standing in the most spectacular kitchen I’d ever seen and leading my own team of line cooks. It was surreal to say the least. I had somehow impressed Mr. Gordon to the point where he insisted I lead his evening shift.

  Thomas hadn’t been thrilled with the idea of sharing the Sous Chef position with me and nearly choked when Chef Gordon made the announcement during our morning roundup. Initially, I hadn’t a clue as to which of the many stunned faces in the sea of chef jackets was Thomas, but just as Mr. Gordon finished his announcement my eyes fell on a very furious man standing to the far right of the kitchen. He didn’t even attempt to hide his anger. His puny, boney chest rose and fell rapidly as he burned a hole into me with his eyes. I couldn’t make out their color, but honestly, I didn’t care what color his eyes were. I was just happy that something had finally gone my way since waking up from the coma, and couldn’t help the excitement coursing through me. I stuck out my tongue at Thomas and made funny faces, which successfully pissed him off even more.

  I never told Mr. Gordon on Monday that I hadn’t the faintest idea what the menu was. I didn’t want to chance telling him; for fear that he would take my promotion away from me just as fast as it was given to me. Instead, I spent the next two days going over the menu I had swiped during my Monday shift. I used it as a guide the whole day and took it home with me so I could study the menu; trying my best to imagine the recipes, based on the vague descriptions the menus held. Most of the dishes were classics, but it was the specialty dishes, created by Mr. Gordon himself, that twisted away at my stomach. Apparently, I had been doing something right because the customers seemed pleased with my variation of the specialties, often sending their thanks via the wait staff.

  I was exhausted after a fifteen-hour shift and, after making sure that the kitchen was spotless, I bolted for the door; wanting to desperately get home and soak in a long, hot, bath. My body ached, mostly my feet, and I needed to relax. I had the day off tomorrow and planned to spend the day with Suzie at the spa, but until then my little old shower would be my godsend.

  As I locked the doors to restaurant, I stared down at the keys marveling at the symbolism. The small silver key in my hand meant so much to me. Mr. Gordon had given it to me the day after he promoted me, informing me that all of his Sous Chefs possessed one. To most, it would be a small gesture, him handing me the key to his restaurant, but to me it meant that I he finally noticed my talents.

  Tucking the key into my chef’s coat, I turned on my heel to head to my car. I hadn’t even taken two steps before I stopped dead in my tracks in complete surprise.

  Shit, I thought as I stared at one of the many people I had been trying desperately to avoid. What the hell is he doing here?

  He stood in front of a beautiful Mercedes with what seemed to be over a dozen white roses in hand, and a smile that instantly made my panties wet. God, he looked good.

  His perfectly tailored suit couldn’t contain his sexy broad shoulders and chest, and I subconsciously licked my lips as I stood gaping at him unable to make a move towards or away from him. I knew I should turn around and flee, but for the life of me, I just couldn’t. Instead, I drank him in, letting my gaze roll over his perfectly sexy body, remembering the feel of him on top of me, in me.

  His smile widened, obviously loving the way my eyes molested him and he slowly closed the gap between us.

  You’re so not ready to see him, Em’, I thought while willing my legs to run away. Instead, my traitorous legs remained planted as he stood mere inches away from me.

  “Mon cœur. My love. I have missed you,” he whispered he pulled me into a warm sensual hug and I almost melted at the sound of his sexy, French, voice. His musky sent assaulted my nose instantly, pulling me deeper into him.

  What was it about this man that made my body call to him?

  “What are you doing here, Julien?” I whispered breathlessly, once I finally pulled away from him.

  He towered over me, looked deep into my eyes, and brought his right hand to my cheek, softly caressing it and making me weak in the knees. His touch sent shivers down my spine as a warm sensation began coursing through my body. No other man had ever brought my body such pleasure with just a touch, and I couldn’t help but want him at that moment.

  “I’ve come for you Emily.”

  JULIEN

  I knew that had to convince Emily that we belonged together. We had been apart for far too long and I was not going to take no for an answer. Tonight I would show her a glimpse of what we could have together. I had hurt her so many times before, but not anymore; she would come first and we would finally be together. All she had to do was give me inch and I would handle the rest. I knew that she felt something for me even if she couldn’t remember most of our relationship; our chemistry was still undeniable. The pull we experienced in each other’s presence was simply electrifying. That pull… that tug, was not something to be easily forgotten or pushed aside, I knew that ― more now than before, and deep down, I knew Emily knew it too.

  “I’ve come for you Emily,” I informed her when she asked me what I was doing at her place of work.

  I took her by surprise, showing up at her work, which was exactly what I wanted. Emily was guarded and I needed her to not have a chance to prepare for our meeting, a chance to really feel the inexplicable connection that charged between us without the impenetrable walls she has managed to build around her heart.

  When I stared into her big brown beautiful eyes, I sighed in relief. Suzie had been helpful by supplying me with Emily’s work schedule when I called her earlier. I chuckled inwardly as I recalled her last statements.

  “Hey, Belmont, you better not fuck this up or you’ll have to deal with me,” she threatened before hanging up the phone.

  I knew that she meant every word and was determined to do anything but fuck up this chance with Emily, should she give me one. I had given her time to process everything, but now I had to claim the woman I loved ― the woman I craved more than any other. Emily was like a drug to me. Since the very first night, she caught me under her spell reducing me to an addict, one that never wanted to be sober again. I needed her like I needed air to breath and tonight I was determined to make her mine again. I needed to claim her once again as my own as I made love to her until she was breathless and completely spent.

  It had been too long since I had her in my arms. Memories of her scurrying out of my arms flashed through my mind, urging me to turn away and give up, but I couldn’t. We had played hide and seek for too long, and it was time that we fought for what we deserved; and we deserved each other.

  I knew Suzie meant every word and was determined to do anything but fuck up this chance with Emily, should she give me one. I watched while she fiddled with the keys in her hand a moment longer than necessary as I rounded the car with flowers in hand. I was a huge ball of nerves as she turned away from the restaurant’s double doors and began walki
ng in my direction.

  She looked up and locked eyes on me trying to figure me out. She was breathtakingly beautiful, even in her Chef uniform. Her black chef’s hat was tucked underneath her arm and her silky hair flowed on her shoulders. The sight of her, after all this time, caused my breath to hitch in my throat.

  I missed her.

  “Just one date?” I whispered as I tilted her head up and kissed her softly. She didn’t protest, although I could feel her hesitation. Still, I forged on, demanding entry with my tongue and silently begged her. When she granted me the access I desired, I groaned and devoured her lips, enjoying the feel of her soft, plump, wet, hot, lips against mine. Excitement coursed through my body, radiating from my steely erection. I needed her. I needed to be inside of her at this very moment.

  Sweeping her up into my arms, I carried her to my car, never breaking our kiss. She was mine and I intended to show her that over and over tonight.

  EMILY

  I still hadn’t the faintest idea how I first met Julien Belmont, but one thing I did know for sure was that I couldn’t be around the man and not want to rip off his clothes with my teeth. Shit, I sound like some horn-dog teenager.

  He did everything with such intensity that it was hard to think clearly when he was near, my body often coming into traitorous submission each time he was in my presence. It was both super fucking hot and completely frustrating at the same time. Good God woman, hold it together?

  I knew I should have pushed him away when he kissed me, but the hunger in his kiss drew me deeper into his incredibly skilled French kiss. His roaming hands made me come completely undone in his arms, as he tugged and pulled at my body both softly and firmly. The urgency in his assault on my lips made my panties wet for him. I wanted him desperately. I couldn’t deny it. I wanted to feel him all over me, under me, on top of me, and filling me up with his deliciously thick erection. I wanted to ride the sweet waves he would undoubtedly create as we came together again. The thought only further inflamed me as he carried me away in his arms, never breaking our connection, until after we reached his car, causing me to whimper in disappointment. His lips curled up in a smile. God, I loved that smile. I thought as he placed me upright, allowing me to slip into his car.

  “Patience, mon amour, we have the whole night,” he teased only shutting the door after I was buckled in. Then he rounded the car to get into the driver’s side, and wasted no time starting up the luxurious machine and taking off into the night.

  It hadn’t taken long to get back to Julien’s house. He parked the car in front of his home and leapt out of the car to open the door for me, his excitement barely contained. A twinge of guilt snaked up my spine as I recalled running out on the man the last time I was here. It was no wonder he was eager. He’s afraid you’re going to leave again.

  Taking his hand, I got out of the car and he practically dragged into his home. He said nothing as he closed the doors behind him with his one free hand, his other still firm against my hip.

  He turned to face me; his unique grey-golden eyes were now cloudy and dark with desire as he lifted his hand to my cheek, stroking it softly with his thumb. “Ma belle, close your eyes,” he said and brought his soft fingers to my lips, tracing them and causing a moan to escape my lips while I stood trembling before him.

  I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his breath on my neck and the mounting desire growing within me. He cupped my breast, stroked my fully erect nipples with his thumbs, then he kissed, nipped, and suckled my sensitive skin. He pulled away from my neck and I groaned in frustration, my body yearned for him. I couldn’t remember every feeling so wanted, so lustful, so… Horny!

  I wanted him desperately and every second he spent torturing with his kisses and caresses made me want to scream. How could one man make me come undone in his strong, capable, sensual hands?

  Moving his lips to my ear, I could feel the warmth of his breath caress by my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “Tanked … Three weeks ago … You … Pink dress … dancing …” he whispered sensually, breaking the words up as he nipped away at my sensitive lobe with each word.

  “Hmmm…” I simply responded, as flashes of that night came to me. I knew what he was doing. He was trying to give me back what I had lost, our meeting. I smiled and he spun me around, his chest now against my back as he sought further access to my neck. I tilted my head slightly, granting him more access.

  “Girls night,” I responded softly as he suckled my warm flesh, earning gasps and moans from me. God, I loved his talented lips, I thought as the memory of a kiss flashed through my mind.

  “May I have this dance, cheri?” he whispered before breaking away from my neck and spinning me back to face him. He stood with his hand extended, waiting for my response. His eyes were intense as he stood before me, and I remembered thinking about how powerful those eyes were. I was remembering…

  I smiled and pulled my gaze from his, and recalled how desperately I wanted to find something else to focus on instead of his unique, soul penetrating, eyes. Flashes of our first night together came back full force, making me feel lightheaded and weak. “You drive a Porsche,” I whispered as he leaned in closer to me, his musky masculine scent filling my nose and making me weak in the knees. I closed my eyes and inhaled his intoxicating scent. I wanted him then and I wanted him now.

  He lifted my chin with a finger, bringing my gaze back to his. He peered down at me with his smoldering, sexy, eyes and curled his lips into a smile, “I’ve missed you, mon amour.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  EMILY

  Last night was perfect, I thought as I awoke to the chirping of birds outside the opened windows. Julien’s strong protective arms circled my waist and I felt his warm breath against my neck, which aroused me, instantly. Was this how it would always be with him? Every touch, every whisper, everything about him sent my body on fire.

  I smiled at the thought and shifted my body to face him. He was breathtaking and he slept so soundly. I watched as his nostrils flared, his chest rose and fell in the sexiest way. Good grief woman, you can’t possibly find breathing sexy, Em?

  I couldn’t help it. Something about Julien made every inch of him desirable. I found everything about this man fascinating. From his pouty lips to his golden, radiant, skin - I loved it all.

  Last night, Julien was incredible. Though we hadn’t had sex, he gave me something even better than that; he gave me back a piece of me, Words couldn’t express how much that meant to me. I knew he wanted to take me into his bed once again; instead, he focused on what I needed and gave me just that. Although I couldn’t say that all of my memory was back, I had recalled enough to know that I had deep feelings for Julien, although I already had suspected as much.

  Each time he spoke, touched or kissed me, he triggered another memory; all the while deepening our intimacy. It was incredible, really. He was incredible.

  A pang of guilt twisted at my insides as my thoughts drifted to Adam. He had been so raw and honest with his feelings for me, and I hadn’t even called him afterwards. Instead, I shared an intimate night with Julien; and though I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong, I still felt guilty. If anything, Adam was still my friend. And I needed to make sure he would come to terms with my relationship with Julien. Are we in a relationship? We hadn’t discussed it, of course, but I was sure that was what Julien wanted. Why else would he take the time to give me the gift he had given last night? Most men would have gone straight for the bedroom. Instead, he walked me through the parts of me I had forgotten, giving me back a piece of myself.

  “Admiring me again, I see,” he murmured as he slowly opened his eyes, pulling me away from my thoughts.

  “Fat chance, Frenchman!” I quipped as I swatted at his chest, remembering the morning after our meeting. Flashes of our delicious morning sex came crashing into my mind, making me instantly aroused.

  He must have read my mind because he swiftly shifted so he straddled me, and pinned my hands on top of
my head as he peered down at me with a mischievous sexy grin. “Care to take that back, ma belle.”

  Before I could respond, his lips were on my mine, prying my lips open with his dangerously skillful tongue. I groaned into them as the pressure between my legs grew steadily with each passing moment. He deepened the kiss even further, releasing his hold on me and allowing me to explore his body, taking in the solid feel of him beneath my fingers. He groaned at my explorations, encouraging my exploits. So strong, solid, and smooth…

  His own hand found my breast and he slowly descended, first nipping at my neck, then shoulder and finally reaching my fully erect nipples. He took his time as he explored them, almost as if he was savoring them after a long journey away. My body sang under his assaults and my skin came alive. My now dripping mound throbbed in anticipation, as he licked and sucked on my needy breasts, making sure to circle around my nipples with that wonderful tongue of his. I shivered underneath him as he continued his torment, and I arched my back to give him greater access. He felt so fucking good!

  I bit my lips as he slowly shifted from one breast to another, making sure to give both equal attention. I tugged at his hair with one hand while the other scratched at his thick, strong, arm. A guttural growl escaped from him before he suddenly he pulled away, breaking our smoldering, sensual, connection and I grunted in frustration. What the fuck?

  “Not yet, ma belle, patience…? We shall be together again soon,” he simply said as he rolled off me. My breath was still heavy as I watched him pick up his robe from behind the chaise and head to the bathroom.

  Way to leave a woman hanging, I thought and slowly rolled out of bed, my legs still weak from our passionate kissing.

  I need a cold shower.