Enticed by Amy Malone Read Free Book Online

live day by day. In the big city, full of appointments, and obligations, and social engagements, that just wasn’t possible.
    After he got out of the shower, Mark called Alana for the third time. On the other end, Alana eyed the phone suspiciously as she watched it ring, finally deciding to pick up.
    “Hello, Mark,” she said a little standoffishly.
    “Hello, Alana. Listen, I’m sorry I cancelled on you yesterday. I had something pop on me by surprise. Trust me, I really wanted to go eat with you.”
    “What ‘popped up’?” Alana asked it knowing the answer. She wanted to see if Mark would tell her the truth.
    “Well, it’s complicated. To be honest, I really don’t want to involve you.”
    Well, it’s not exactly the complete truth, but at least it isn’t a lie, Alana thought.
    “Mark, what are you doing right now?”
    “Sitting at home, recovering from an afternoon nap. Why?”
    “I’m coming over in an hour. Get some food in your house so I can cook because, unless something’s changed, I know you can’t.”
    Mark smirked on the other end of the phone, trying not to reveal his excitement neither to Alana nor to himself.
    When Alana walked up the stairs to Mark’s grandfather’s place (though, she supposed, it was now his place and she should treat it as such) she could hear the soft serenade of bossa nova music lilting in the lazy afternoon.
    She brought a bottle of wine, hoping that Mark had gotten simple ingredients with which an actual meal could be made. If I’m cooking it, the least he can do is shop. This is his apology after all. She knocked softly on the door, but hearing no response, tried the knob. It was open.
    Immediately she heard sounds coming from the kitchen. There was also a delicious smell wafting through the house. She smiled. Just what was Mark up to?
    The scene in kitchen made Alana burst into laughter. First, the counter was covered in pieces of greens and bits of flour. Second, so were Mark’s hands and face. But his expression was really the best part. Here he was, this lion of a man, a billionaire who wielded power and determined destinies, proud of himself for having cooked a simple meal for two. She supposed his normal life hadn’t really allowed for cooking lessons. On the other hand she’d been busy too, and she’d managed. Either way she was curious, if not a little concerned, about what the meal would taste like. It looked to be mashed potatoes, greens, and pork chops. Alana’s favorite meal, and one her aunt had prepare for her often during her visits.
    Alana helped Mark clean the kitchen, wiping the counter and Mark’s hands and face with a clean kitchen rag. She gave him a light kiss on the cheek.
    “Thanks handsome. You know, I might just accept this apology of yours.”
    “Who says I’m apologizing?” he said. Alana gave him an expression that read “don’t push your luck,” and Mark laughed and relented.
    They prepared their plates, poured their glasses of wine, and moved outside to have their meal. There was a small table on the patio that their grandfather had used to play poker with neighbors after church, usually for money. Poker after church. Mark smiled wryly. He missed his grandfather.
    They enjoyed their dinner together as the sun set. Alana was surprised to find that Mark had actually done a good job. The mashed potatoes were made with parmesan and garlic, and the pork chops and greens were cooked to perfection. When Alana asked him how he’d done such a good job (especially since he was and had always been a klutz in the kitchen) his answer was simple:
    “Youtube on my smartphone.”
    At which they both laughed.
    After dinner they put the dishes in the dish washer and sat on the couch, finishing their bottle of wine, talking, and listening to music. Alana snuggled into Mark’s arm for the second time that week, surprising him yet again. No, Mark. You shouldn’t play games with Alana. If you care about her, then act like it. This is just