The Sweetest Seduction, Breakaway Hearts by Crista McHugh Read Free Book Online

what can I do?”
    “Help me create some new dishes that will have people talking.” She opened the office door and saw her kitchen staff already prepping for the day’s meals. “Maybe we can even contact one of the local news programs and do a cooking demonstration.”
    “Or maybe you can go on the news and get the people upset by telling them we’re being forced to close,” Julie suggested.
    She stared at her kitchen, her gaze panning from one end to the other. This was her home, her dream, her true love. How far would she be willing to go to keep it? A lump rose into her throat. “If I have to do that, I will. But for now, let’s try to be civil.”

Chapter Four
     
    Lia sprinkled thin ribbons of basil into the sauté pan while she flipped the linguine in the white wine and olive oil sauce. The Thursday night dinner rush was in full swing, and she wanted to make sure that every tiny detail was perfect. “Is that halibut ready?” she asked Julie.
    “Coming off the grill now.”
    Lia shimmied the pasta onto a clean plate, waited for Julie to top it with the fish, and then drizzled some of the remaining sauce on top. A few more shreds of basil for garnish, a quick wipe of the plate’s brim, and it was ready to go. “I need a runner.”
    A member of her wait staff snatched the plate and disappeared into the dining room.
    Dax appeared as the door swung back in. “You’ll never believe who just showed up and asked for a table without a reservation.”
    Lia tossed the dirty pan in the sink and grabbed a clean one. “I don’t have time for guessing games.”
    “Oh, but I think you’ll enjoy this.” He dragged her over to the window looking out into the dining room and pointed to a couple sitting at a corner table.
    Lia didn’t recognize the woman, but there was no mistaking Adam Kelly. They were sitting next to each other, their heads bent in deep conversation. “He brought a date here?”
    “That’s some nerve,” Julie said from over her shoulder while she whisked a fresh batch of vinaigrette. “Why did you seat them, Dax?”
    “Because we had a last minute cancellation.” He pushed them away from the door as a waiter approached. “Don’t you two see? This is Lia’s chance to wow him with her cooking and make him look like a total shit in front of his date when she learns he’s closing this place down. It’s brilliant!”
    Or I can just walk out there and whack him in the back of the head with this frying pan . The idea tempted her more than she cared to admit. She spun the pan around in her hand and weighed the consequences of her actions.
    Unfortunately, Dax had the better plan. “Okay, fine, let him eat. In fact, I’m going to prepare a special treat for him and his date. Luis, take over on the pasta station.”
    Dax dashed back into the dining room while Julie followed Lia over to a small workstation. “What do you have in mind?”
    Lia held up two large prawns. “I have it on good authority that Mr. Kelly isn’t fond of shrimp. Maybe it’s time I changed his mind.”
    ****
    “So what do you think of this place so far, Vanessa?” Adam asked as the waiter cleared the plates from their prima course.
    She wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin before replying in her posh British accent, “I would describe it as bold and inventive.”
    “Tell me what you really think.”
    All pretense dropped, and the food critic next him relaxed into the girl from Ipswich he’d befriended years ago at Oxford. “It’s bloody good, that’s what it is. I almost need a cigarette after that orgasmic risotto. Where did you find this place? It should be a must eat for anyone visiting Chicago.”
    Adam shifted in his seat. If he could survive this conversation without admitting that he was in the process of shutting La Arietta down, he’d have to go out and by a lottery ticket. “I own this building, remember?”
    “Well, it was a brilliant idea to open this place.” She fished around in her