The Perfect Dish by Kristen Painter Read Free Book Online

swallowed her club soda. “This is Celia and Vivian.”
    Viv held out her hand. “Viv to you, darling boy.”
    At the word boy, Meredith and Kelly’s gazes collided. She willed him to keep his mouth shut. He winked and pressed a kiss to the back of Viv’s hand. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Viv.”
    Celia laughed. “You just made a regular customer out of her.”
    “I try to please.” He shot Meredith a look that made her tingle. “It’s the least a boy can do.” He shook Celia’s hand before turning back to Meredith. “Can I talk to you about my sister for a minute?”
    “Sure. Be right back.” She followed Kelly to an uninhabited corner where they could be seen but not heard.
    “Shelby’s a no-show again.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what to do.”
    Meredith opened her purse and took out a card, reminding herself to be happy the night was coming to a close. “Do you have a pen?”
    He pulled one from his shirt pocket. “Been signing books all night.”
    “I wouldn’t say you’ve been signing books all night.” She took the pen without making eye contact and jotted her number on the back.
    “Thanks,” he said.
    She paused and looked up. “For what?”
    “For not being too sore at me for kissing you.” He grinned sheepishly.
    “If you can even call it a kiss.”
    The grin lessened. He crossed his arms. “Damn, woman. Throw a dog a bone.”
    Dog was certainly appropriate. She shook her head as she handed him the card. “My private number is on the back. Give Shelby the book and tell her to call me.”
    He didn’t take the card. “And if she doesn’t?”
    “You call me and we’ll figure something out.”
    Arms still crossed, he tipped his head. “Can I call you anyway?”
    “I think it’s best if we keep this professional.” She slipped the card into his shirt pocket, careful not to touch him. “So, no.”
    The remainder of his smile faded to a thin line and the sparkle in his eyes disappeared. “Whatever you think is best, Dr. Black.”
    She wanted to tell him not to call her that, but held her tongue. His pride was wounded. He needed to come out on top.
    Without another word, he twisted on his boot heel and headed back into the crowd, giving her one last glimpse of the most amazing backside she’d seen in years. As she rejoined the girls she wondered if keeping things professional was the best decision after all.
    Celia giggled like a schoolgirl. “I think the cowboy has the hots for you. Did you see the way he looked at you?”
    “He doesn’t have the hots for me,” Meredith assured her.
    Viv nodded. “Celia might be right. He did wink at you.”
    “He winks at everyone. It doesn’t mean anything.”
    Celia nudged Meredith with her elbow. “Maybe you’ll get to ride his—”
    “Celia!” Meredith glared at her friend.
    “What?” Celia giggled. “I was going to say horse.”
    Meredith rolled her eyes. “Crudeness does not become you. And he doesn’t like me, trust me on that, okay?”
    Viv shook her head. “I don’t know. You two looked awfully chummy over there.”
    A server interrupted, presenting Meredith with a small indigo box tied with gold-starred ribbon. She lifted the box to her nose and sniffed. Sweet and spicy chocolates.
    Celia smiled at the beautiful little package. “What’s that?”
    “Proof he doesn’t like me,” Meredith said, tamping down a twinge of hurt. “I’ve just been asked to leave.”
     

Chapter Five
     
    Meredith tossed her keys and the box of chocolates on the entryway table. Her stilettos followed, sailing down the hall toward her bedroom, and landing with a dull thunk on the hardwood. Men. Bah. Such simple creatures with such fragile egos. The girls were wrong. She did not need a new one in her life. Ever.
    She plopped down in her desk chair and fired up her laptop. What did Chef Spicer think? Just because he was handsome and sexy and young that she should fall at his feet? His attitude