Seducing the Chef (At First Sight #1) by Janet Lane-Walters Read Free Book Online

you leaning over the balcony I wanted you.”
    “I wanted you, too.” She picked up her case. “See you.”
    At the door he caught her hand. “Tonight we’ll talk. I’ve some ideas I want to run past you.”
    Allie stopped in the hall and blew a kiss. Ideas. About what? She ran upstairs to Steve’s apartment and headed to the guest room. She was in a bad way. She’d never met a man who made her consider a lifestyle change.
    She spent the afternoon completing notes from the Iberian meal. Tonight was France. What treats were in her future?
    With a shake of her head she saved her notes. The restaurant was as intriguing as Greg. Since she’d met him he’d been no further than seconds from her thoughts. What was she going to do? He said tonight they would talk. Though she’d planned to wind up the details for the spread by Monday morning she wasn’t sure she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave. Would he ask her to stay? How would she answer?
     
    * * *
     
    When Allie entered the French Room she studied the costumed dolls. A chuckle escaped when she saw the miniature ceramic loaves of bread. There must be a model of every type baked in France.
    A crisp rose arrived along with an individual cheese soufflé. A rich onion soup arrived next. Instead of a salad the entrée arrived. Allie tasted the mushrooms and chicken cooked in a wine sauce. She wanted to purr with pleasure. Asparagus and glazed carrots accompanied the main course. A green salad with a light vinaigrette arrived. For dessert she chose a strawberry tart.
    As she sipped the champagne and ate the tart an attractive middle-aged woman appeared in the doorway and scanned the room. Allie stiffened under the lady’s intense examination. When she turned and walked away Allie frowned. What was that about?
    The waiter presented the bill. Allie slipped a credit card into the folder. After signing she rose and entered the foyer. The woman who had appeared in the French Room approached. Her heels clicked an angry rhythm on the stone tiles.
    What did I do? Was there a problem with the card she only used for business expenses?
    “Just what are you doing here?” The woman’s clipped tone was low.
    “Enjoying a fabulous meal.”
    The woman scowled. “You’re a Blakefield.”
    “I am. Allie is my name. Who are you?”
    “Stella Ramsey. I won’t allow you to ruin my son’s restaurant the way your father destroyed my husband’s. Get out and don’t return.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about. My father never destroyed any restaurant.” Allie swallowed. Ramsey. The other half of the feud.
    “Just get out.”
    “Not until I know what this is about.” No way was this woman going to force her to run, especially when her father had been adamant about her not doing a feature on Five Cuisines. An old feud wasn’t a good reason.
    Stella Ramsey grasped Allie’s arm and dragged her toward the door. “If you publish one word about Five Cuisines in that rag your father owns, we’ll sue.”
    Allie shook her head. “Restaurants are thrilled to be featured in good Eatin’.”
    “Not this one.”
    “Mom, what are you doing?”
    Allie turned and stared at Greg. Why was he here? Then his words registered. “Five Cuisines is yours?”
    He nodded. “Yes.”
    Mrs. Ramsey fisted her hands on her hips. “Now you can see what I said was true. You sent her a letter refusing an article about the restaurant and yet here she is.”
    “Mom, I…”
    “What letter?” Allie asked. “If you’re interested to hear, my father forbade me to feature this place.”
    “Liar,” Mrs. Ramsey said.
    “I don’t lie.”
    “Allie, just go,” Greg said.
    The ice in his voice made her want to cry. “My reason for being here isn’t what she thinks.”
    “Don’t listen to her,” Mrs. Ramsey said.
    Allie strode to the door. Outside she edged around a group of people. Would he come to the apartment tonight or would he listen to his mother? Destroying Five Cuisines was the