The Winemaker's Dinner: Entrée by Everly Drummond, Dr. Ivan Rusilko Read Free Book Online Page B

was it, wasn’t it? All he truly needed. His love for Jaden threatened to overwhelm him for a moment. Bending down, he busied himself with unzipping his suitcase and retrieving a small leather bag of toiletries.
    “Going somewhere?” Jaden’s voice was smooth and seductive as she joined him at the foot of the bed.
    “Just thought I’d freshen up before dinner,” he said, taking a deep breath.
    She raised her hand and cupped his face. “Is everything okay, babe?”
    “Couldn’t be better.” He smiled.
    “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”
    Damn! This weekend was supposed to help Jaden relax, not make her worry. He rested his cheek in her palm, then kissed her hand, luxuriating in the softness of her skin. Oh, what he would do for her—the love of his life, the gatekeeper of his soul.
    “Jaden, I would never keep secrets from you. I swear.” Taking a step back, he cocked his head to one side and offered a mischievous smile. “Well, maybe one.”
    “Ooh! You and your surprises!” She tackled him, bowling him backward onto the bed. She eyed him from above for a moment, then draped herself over him, snuggling in for a full-body hug.
    “You like it so far?” he asked.
    “Yes, I love it. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and you’re the reason,” she said, sitting up to look in his eyes.
    Only the sound of Marta calling to them from the bottom of the stairs saved them from working up an even bigger appetite. But there’d be plenty of time for that later. Eyes twinkling, Ivan led Jaden downstairs to the feast awaiting them.

Chapter 8
    “I Wanna Know What Love Is”
    “K UDOS T O T HE C HEF , M ARTA ,” Ivan said as their hostess passed by the door. She nodded appreciatively.
    Jaden smiled as Ivan sank back in the chair, seeming contentedly full and perhaps a little tipsy. They’d polished off a bottle and a half of wine with dinner. She stood and began to clear the plates from the table, thinking again of work despite her attempts to relax, but Marta reappeared to stop her in her tracks.
    “Please, miss, leave the dishes. I’ll tidy up before I go home.”
    “Really, it’s okay, Marta,” Jaden assured her, but with her mind preoccupied by an impending co-host, she didn’t notice the small rug on the floor by the fireplace. As she stepped past Marta, her toe caught on the rug’s corner and she fell ass over end, the plates smashing into white ceramic shards.
    “Oh! Miss!” Marta gasped.
    Ivan rushed to Jaden’s side. “Are you okay?”
    With Ivan’s hand on her shoulder, she regained her composure.
    “Has someone had a little too much to drink?” he asked, helping her to her feet. He looked her up and down, examining her body for any signs of injury.
    “No, someone has not had too much to drink. I just didn’t see the rug.” She playfully smacked Ivan’s hand away. She could feel his eyes on her, assessing her, and she tried to change the subject. “It’s a beautiful evening. Why don’t we go for a walk?”
    Giving her one final look, he agreed. “Sure, but let me get your jacket. It’s chilly out.”
    Jaden brushed herself off and continued to the sink to help finish the dishes.
    “Please, ma’am,” Marta implored. “The dishes are my job, and I don’t wish to anger Señor Shok. I’ll get to them right after I clean up this mess.”
    “Don’t worry, it’ll be our little secret.” Jaden smiled. “It’s the least I can do since I made the mess!” She took a pot from the dish rack and began to dry it. As she rubbed the towel over its surface, her thoughts again returned to One Hot Kitchen …and one ridiculous playboy.
    “Are you ready to go?”
    Jaden jumped at the sound of Ivan’s voice, almost dropping yet another plate. She turned to find him staring at her, grinning with a bag slung over his shoulder. She’d know that look anywhere: a wicked grin to match his wicked thoughts. At that moment she knew what the night had in store, and a familiar