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

handbag for a tube of lipstick and a mirror. “Do anything you can to keep the owner because she’s going to be a star by the time I write this place up.”
    He folded his hands together and cursed under his breath. “Actually, Amadeus Schlittler will be opening up a restaurant here soon.”
    Vanessa froze, her lipstick hovering over her lips. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
    Before he had a chance to answer, two waiters came with the meat course. Vanessa, being the foodie she was, had demanded they order five different entrees so they could sample them all. Adam made sure Lia’s Chicken Milano was one of them.
    Vanessa put away her lipstick and placed her napkin back in her lap, but her glare was still firmly in place. “Adam?”
    He stabbed the filet mignon with his fork and cut into it, his knife sliding through the tender meat like it was butter. “You should try the chicken.”
    “Adam?” Her voice took on a feral growl, the one she reserved whenever someone got between her and her food. How she managed to keep such a trim figure amazed him.
    “Can I pour you another glass of wine?”
    She pried the bottle out of his hand. “What the fuck are you thinking?”
    He laid his utensils on his plate and leaned back. The battle was lost. “He’s a bigger draw that the current owner. If I can get him here, then I can increase the rent on the other spaces in this building.”
    “Amadeus Schlittler is a complete wanker who lost any culinary creativity decades ago. I wouldn’t be caught dead in one his restaurants, even if it was last place on Earth serving hot food.” She emptied the bottle into her glass and took a long drink. “You’re a fucking idiot if you think you’re better off closing this place down for him.”
    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Vanessa just confirmed the doubt that had been eating away at him all week. “Then what do you suggest I do?”
    “Tell Schlittler to piss off and marry this goddess.” She took a bite of the Chicken Milano and gave a moan of pure ecstasy that none of her lovers had probably ever extracted from her. “I’m serious.”
    If she only knew how close she came to striking a nerve. He’d lost count how many times he’d pulled his phone out and stared at the number Lia had entered on Sunday. The problem was he didn’t know what he’d say to her if she answered his call. And none of it had anything to do with business. “I think it’s a little late for that. She hates me.”
    “Now whatever gave you that idea?” a familiar voice said behind him. He turned around and found Lia standing there, holding a small plate in her hands.
    His tongue stumbled in his mouth like a drunken frat boy. Thankfully, Vanessa came to his rescue. She extended her hand to Lia, her posh accent back in place. “You must be the genius behind every delectable dish we’ve been served this evening.”
    “I am. Thank you.” Lia shook Vanessa’s hand, but remained cool and aloof. Her eyes slid to Adam as she added, “I’m very glad to hear you’ve been enjoying your meal.”
    He didn’t miss the thinly veiled message behind her words. If she wanted him to know her cooking was top notch, her point had been made this weekend. The crowded dining room just confirmed her skill.
    “And what do we have here?” Vanessa asked, pointing to the plate in Lia’s hands.
    “It’s a new dish I’ve been working on. I thought I’d let you two try it first and tell me what you think.” She placed the plate with two small golden brown pinwheels and front of him and waited.
    Vanessa wasted no time sampling it, praising it with another one of her sex kitten moans. “Oh my God, Adam, you have to try this.”
    Lia crossed her arms and lifted her chin, daring him to take a bite.
    He picked up his fork, his eyes never leaving her, and pressed it into the other pinwheel. The outside crunched, letting him know it had been fried, but the inside was soft and warm. He took a bite. The