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  Walking back to my station, I felt his eyes on me and wondered what a man like him was actually capable of.

  * * *

  I unlocked the door to my apartment and saw Michael and Stella playing a game of Twister. She’s laughing and Michael is losing terribly to a four-year-old. “Hello!” I greeted, placing my purse and keys on the kitchen island.

  Nothing beats coming home to my sweet little girl.

  “Mommy!” she squealed, running with her arms open to hug me. I felt so blessed to have such a remarkable daughter. She’s been through so much in her short, little life. She didn’t have a dad, but Michael did a terrific job making up for that. I didn’t know what I’d do without him.

  “What’s going on here, baby girl?” I grabbed her for a close hug and kissed her.

  “Uncle Michael is losing!” Stella grinned as she stuck her tongue out, clearly proud she was beating him.

  “That’s wonderful, baby.” I smiled. “What have you guys been up to? How was school?”

  Stella attended preschool while I was at school. She was exceptionally smart for her age. I gave props to her father for passing her that gene. Liam was in his third year of studying psychology when he died. I used to edit his papers for him while he studied and ended up learning more about psychology than I wanted to know. Although I teased Liam for studying psychology, I truly admired his hard work and dedication. He wanted to become an addictions counselor, since he came from a home where his mother abused drugs and his dad was too ignorant to notice. He wanted to make a career out of helping people . Secretly, I think he just wanted to make up for not being able to save his mother before it was too late. But I was always proud of him nonetheless.

  “Great, Mom! I drew a picture for you.” She ran to the refrigerator where her picture was hanging neatly. She brought it over to me, beaming with pride.

  It was moments like these where I truly wished Liam was around. As she grew older and developed her own little personality, I noticed characteristics of Liam in her. She would do ridiculous facial expressions that were identical to his. I would then scoop her up and kiss her senseless at the reminder of him.

  Stella played in her room while I helped Michael prepare dinner. He had been working so hard lately; we barely had time to chat anymore.

  Michael and I met the first day of high school. I was the quiet girl with braces and long, frizzy hair. My parents had just announced their separation and my mom moved to the other side of town, putting me in a new school district. Michael and I were in homeroom together, and when he first set eyes on me, he asked if he could give me a makeover. That was when I knew he would be my new best friend.

  “So what’s new, girl?” Michael asked cheerfully through his beautiful, bright smile. “Tell me the deets from your first day.”

  “Not much to tell. Pretty standard boring stuff,” I said, taking off my white chef’s coat and apron. “Got an easy assignment of creating a new sauce for a new entrée and then I was accosted by Drake Stagliano in the freezer,” I answered casually, hoping he didn’t notice that last part.

  “Um, I’m sorry. What?” he asked, staring at me, not letting it go. He stood with his hands on his hips, eyebrows arched and waiting for answers.

  “First, he asked if I was married and when I told him I wasn’t, he cornered me in the freezer and me to dinner. It was weird. Not sure what it was about,” I said, facing away from him so he wouldn’t see my flushed cheeks.

  “That’s my girl!” he exclaimed, smacking me hard on the ass.

  I glared at him. “No, thanks.” I turned and continued making dinner.

  As I was mixing the sauce for a basic pasta dish, I remembered a time I was cooking for Liam. He was at the kitchen table studying for his Freud exam and was reading Freud’s childhood history aloud. Freud was in love with his mother and felt a sexual pull to her. I remember laughing and teasing Liam for having to study theorists that were obsessed with sexual development and their mothers.

  “Babe, our daughter will know all about Freud before first grade!” Liam teased. He read his textbooks to my stomach almost every night. It was so adorable. However, I certainly did not want our child growing up knowing psychoanalyst theories before kindergarten.

  “Let’s just stick to numbers and ABCs.” I smiled back.

  Liam was so excited to become a daddy. He lost his mother when he was only thirteen years old, and it affected him deeply. His mother was a drug addict and his dad tried to be there for him, but he was also grieving his own loss. Liam was ready for the responsibility even though we were young. We were in love and ready to start our family together.

  * * *

  Stella was in bed by eight, so I poured myself a glass of white wine. Drake flooded through my mind. Confusion overwhelmed me as I thought about all the personal questions he had asked me. It’s not like there wasn’t an attraction—any female would be attracted to that man. What was there not to like?

  Well, physically, at least.

  I couldn’t tell Drake why I didn’t want to have dinner with him. Losing Liam was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my life. After the heartbreak I’ve been through, I’ll do anything to prevent myself from ever feeling that way again. And the only way to do that is to keep men out of my life until I am emotionally ready to take the risk.

  I was admiring the Chicago night skyline when a knock at the door startled me. Michael had already left for the evening, and I wasn’t expecting company. I pulled my fleece on, wine glass in hand, and peered through the peephole. My jaw dropped as I took in the view. There standing at my door was over six feet of pure perfection of a man. I managed to get the door open but didn’t realize I was staring until he asked if he could come in. I nodded and gestured him in, silently shutting the door behind him.

  “Nice glasses.” His lips turned up in amusement, his eyes fixated on my mouth.

  What a cocky son-of-a-bitch.

  “Had I known I was expecting you, I would’ve dressed up,” I snarled back, faking a smile. Jackass. To avoid my lenses from fogging up, I wore contacts when I worked in the kitchen.

  As he walked past me, I caught a hint of his cologne. His scent lingered in the air after he walked through the hall. It was strong and musky. It was inebriating, actually. I stood there for a moment, eyes closed, as I soaked up his scent.

  I offered him some wine and as I grabbed him a glass, my mind turned over possible reasons why he was here. I had nothing. This was a new one for me. As I handed him the glass, his fingertips slightly brushed mine. My teeth pulled my bottom lip in as I waited for him to say something—like perhaps why he was here—in my house.

  The air between us felt tense. Goose bumps appeared on my flushed skin and a shiver rippled through me. It was like an invisible yet tangible pull that I could not understand. Why was my body reacting like this? This feeling felt foreign, yet instinctual.

  He smiled at me as he took the glass of white wine and gestured for me to sit next to him at the table. I complied and waited for him to start talking. He made me extremely nervous. My heart was beating so rapidly that I could barely grab the chair in front of me and sit down.

  I tried to avoid his beautiful eyes, but they just sucked me right in like a wind tunnel. He wore a very fitted three-piece suit that looked positively delicious across his tone body.

  “Like what you see?” He asked as he caught me staring.

  “Excuse me?” I stumbled, shocked by his blunt comment.

  “I’m admiring the view as well,” he replied, my nipples hardened under my V-neck tee. I was suddenly aware of how the fabric of my bra rubbing against them turned me on. I hoped he meant the Chicago view, but I seriously doubted it.

  “You’re becoming quite the stalker,” I mocked, cocking my head to one side as I took him all in.

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” Drake defended. “I wanted to see you,” he replied with absolutely no regard for how inappropriate that sounded.

  I’d read my fair
share of lusty romantic novels in my day. Mostly when I was pregnant, and Liam was held up at school. I needed to distract myself from reality. So, I asked innocently, “For business or pleasure, Mr. Stagliano?”

  “Pleasure. Definitely pleasure,” he said, eyeing me up and down.

  I uncrossed my legs and was suddenly hyper-aware that I hadn’t shaved recently. “I’m sorry, I can’t help you there,” I smirked. I stood up to set my glass on the kitchen island, hoping he would read my cues. Instead, he followed behind and trapped me between the island and his rock hard muscles. I fought the urge to both push him away and lean in closer to him. His scent was riveting, and I secretly enjoyed him pressing slightly against me. I could feel the heat of his breath on my cheek as the smell of white wine wafted toward me.

  Dammit, Molly.

  “That’s a shame, Miss—err, Molly. I was really hoping to catch up.” He smiled, leaning closer to me than was necessary. I felt my palms getting sweaty against the island.

  It really was a shame. Damn, he’s hot. No—hot wasn’t even a strong enough word for what he is. Mesmerizing…yes, that’s it.

  “Catch up?” I asked, puzzled. “You have no idea who I am, and I have no idea who you are. Perhaps we should know each other first before we catch up?”

  “On the contrary. I know a great deal about you.”

  “And what is that, Mr. Stagliano? You know my academic standing? I’m sure you play some part in who gets to intern in your five-star restaurant after all,” I fired back in a snotty tone. I did not appreciate a virtual stranger thinking he knew who I was based on my GPA.

  He smiled as if he knew I was on to him. “You would be right, Molly. But I also do an extensive background check, call references, and go all the way to your high school records.”

  Well, if that wasn’t creepy.

  “So then you knew I wasn’t married?” I managed to ask, wedging out of his trap. His body was intoxicating me, and I could feel my heart racing as he inched closer into me.

  He laughed, amused by my speculation. “You would be right. I needed an opening,” he admitted.

  “What ever happened to hello my name is…?” I questioned, getting another glass of wine.

  “That’s too predictable. I like to stand out.”

  Oh, trust me Drake, you stand out.

  “Well, you do stand out in my kitchen…” I stopped as I realized Stella was sluggishly walking in the, room, rubbing one of her eyes.

  “What is it, sweetheart?” I asked as I knelt in front of her.

  “I’m thirsty,” she mumbled as she rubbed the other eye, slowly tilting her head all the way up to see the strange man standing in her kitchen.

  “Okay, baby. I’ll get you some water.” I filled her cup and led her back to bed. I was sure Drake was not expecting that.

  Well, maybe he knew with all the background crap, but still, he was probably surprised.

  I walked back expecting Drake to have bailed, but astonishingly he was pouring himself another glass, waiting patiently for my return. I smiled and downed the rest of my wine.

  “She’s adorable.” He beamed. “Looks just like you.”

  “The love of my life,” I said with pride. I hadn’t thought of introducing Stella to another man before. I had been so focused on school and raising her, it had never even crossed my mind.

  “Well, Molly,” he said, dragging out each syllable of my name. “It was a delight to see you and Miss Stella. I shall leave you to the rest of your night.” He gently grabbed my hand, closed his eyes, and kissed gently down on my right hand. My whole body quivered as his lips gracefully touched my skin.

  He swallowed the rest of his wine down and escorted himself to the door. “Have a lovely evening,” I said as I followed, waiting for him to leave. He nodded and out he went. Have a lovely evening? He was definitely causing sudden brain damage.

  CHAPTER 2

  The next morning, I help Stella get ready for school and asked Michael to drop her off at school. It was only my second day of interning, and I decided to take a little more time getting myself ready. Another look in the mirror and I was finally pleased with my appearance. If Drake traps me in the freezer again, at least I will look good when I tell him to fuck off.

  Or to take me right then and there.

  Still flustered with him showing up at my apartment last night for no real reason, I was determined to get some answers today. What does he want and why me? I’m not particularly special in any way. In fact, I still have stretch marks proving I carried a child for nine months. However, I was not ashamed of my appearance. With my long, naturally wavy brown hair and brown eyes, I was the spitting image of my mother, with a petite five-feet-four inch frame.

  Still unsure of my feelings regarding his intrusion, I argued with myself the entire way to class. I was positive he would use me for a catch-and-release game, but part of me hoped he was genuine. Drake was the first man I’ve felt anything for since Liam. I sounded crazy. I’d just met him, but somehow it felt different. He was different. Part of me wanted to run and push him away, but the other part urged me to go along with it.

  Mr. Cooper had us working in groups today. He made it fun by allowing us to compete. It was a way to allow us to feel comfortable in the kitchen and to interact with our peers. I wasn’t the competing type, but I was grouped with one other woman and three men, so it would be fun to show off my skills.

  “Oh geez, excuse me!” I squealed as I felt a hand brush down my back. I was smacked against a hard chest trying to keep my stance.

  “No problem,” he grinned, as I stood there looking like an idiot. I quickly backed up, nodding my apologies and continued walking toward the counter. Ugh, I need to watch where I’m going.

  “Brad. My name is Brad. It’s nice to meet you,” he greeted, catching up to me with his hand out.

  “Molly. Nice to meet you Brad,” I responded shyly. I couldn’t look him in the eyes considering my breasts were just smashed up against him. He was in my group after all, but we hadn’t even exchanged names.

  We continued our project and happily finished first. It felt amazing to know my skills and knowledge could finally be used in a real, state-of-the-art kitchen.

  Proud of our accomplishment, we decided to grab a drink after class. I quickly texted Michael to make sure he could pick Stella up at 3:45. I needed some sort of social life since I only socialized with a four-year-old and my roommate—who was often busy writing or hooking up.

  Michael had been my lifesaver ever since Liam’s death. He would lay with me in bed while I cried myself to sleep, and get up with Stella to feed or change her. There were days I could hardly get out of bed, and Michael never complained or rushed me to ‘get over it’. He would bring Stella in bed with me and let me snuggle her until we both fell asleep. I would wake up hours later with Michael putting her back in her crib or staying up to play with her. If it weren’t for Michael, I honestly don’t know where I’d be.

  “Where to, Blakely?” I asked the other woman in our group. She led us down to a tavern I didn’t recognize. Blakely was in her early twenties, with beautiful, thick blonde hair that swept her shoulder blades. She was extremely chatty but seemed sweet enough.

  The last girlfriends I really had were during my first year of high school. It was before I met Liam, and I was still doing gymnastics on the weekends. We used to try on each other’s clothes and walk to the mall after school. I haven’t had girl time since Liam and I got serious in our sophomore year.

  “To kicking ass on our second day!” Brad cheered with his beer held high. The rest of us clinked our glasses together and took a drink. Brad was next to the other two men in our group, checking the game, while Blakely and I stayed in the booth.

  “So who do you think has the best ass?” Blakely asked me as we watched the men bend over the bar.

  Well, she’s blunt.

  I laughed at her forwardness. She seemed like she probably enjoyed living the single life. She was beautifu
l, after all, but I sensed she had low self-esteem. I suspected that was the result of being used for sex.

  “Hmm… Brad has a hot body, but Anthony has a pretty fine ass,” I responded, giggling at how ridiculous I sounded.

  “I don’t know… Micah is pretty hot,” Blakely said while licking her lips, enjoying the view in front of us.

  We continued drinking and laughing. Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw the tavern door open. A tall, stunning Drake Stagliano stepped in, looking completely out of place. My laughter died as my jaw dropped open. Blakely noticed and quickly turned around to see the handsome figure sit at the bar. Her eyes widened in surprise as she turned to look at me.

  “Oh…my…God,” Blakely whispered.

  “Oh, dear God….” I mumbled back to Blakely, trying to hide my crimson red cheeks.

  “Isn’t he dreamy? No wonder every girl wants a piece of him. I mean, seriously, how much would it cost to have him for one night?” Blakely blurted. I’m not sure if she was speaking to me or just thinking out loud.

  I spewed my beer out as she continued talking about him and wanting to take him home. “Oh my God, Blakely!”

  If she only knew…

  “What? Don’t pretend you don’t see what I see, Molly. That man is gorgeous!” she said, biting her lip, and continuing to drool over him. She had a point.

  “Obviously, the man is good looking,” I admitted, rolling my eyes toward her. “But I’m sure his ego is big enough that you don’t have to keep staring.” I looked back at him. “Or drooling.”

  Brad, Micah, and Anthony walked back to the booth, and Brad squeezed in next to me. He casually wrapped his arm around me and took a swig of his beer, laughing with the other guys. He squeezed my shoulder as he smiled down at me.

  This was getting uncomfortable. And awkward.