dding day

ck. I'm so sorr

same spot he's been in all night. He's got one leg cocked at an angl

nd on guard at the same time. Like he's fully aware th

for being here at a

ng with you? She's looking at me as thou

calms me down. I feel posi

ir opinions barely touch me. No one can. I'm ma

st, I'd l

resting on the corner of the spice shelf over the stove. I'm vaguely aware of the displ

ge of their shock. "We're still going to use the fish, but I'm goin

r you wa

it any longer. "Can you repeat your names

nswers th

ems to take offe

nions. Tell me when they turn golden brown. Molly,

ll three courses are moving along. I was told dinner needed to be served at eigh

th interest-and some wariness mixed in,

little finer, please?" I ask t

right?"

der

sorry.

e other man. "A

an. He seems to prefer quiet whi

enne instead of ravioli. But don't wor

something when we hear footsteps on the gleamin

he door. His eyes find me instantly. "

in surpr

ds. "

e's a lot of money on the line. But I don't want

not the kind of guy who

n the stock pot. Steam pours out, followed

utes then ladle out two spoons into each soup bowl. Once those onions h

ith a crisp nod. But her e

upstairs behind Yulian. "Was there something wrong

four. There was so much fresh seafood and so many choices. I have a tendency t

look over his shoulder. "Hardly. Those were t

ight.

brazen praise, I let him lead me through

k glass. But it's not enough to hold my attention when I set eyes on Anton. He's

, giving his brother a dismi

ed anything," Yulian says bef

that we seem to be alone. Then I reme

on a reality TV show. When I turn back to Anton, he gives me a lazy smile and starts wa

deck," I tell him, most

at inclu

s got my tong

apes were extraordinary, Jessa," h

ody instantly. "Thank you,

catering and one-time gigs. You should

railing. "That's the dream. But it's

y pro

it al

ers. "Less so for others." Then he offers me t

t's fi

Jessa." It's

f accepting the glass and placing my lips against the

ich liquid slides dow

, staring at the

rignon. Good

ust be fucking joking. Because if I remember my wines course from culinary school co

hell is

and one questions, I just

s. I find myself wishing he'd do it more, if only to give me

sometimes," he remarks. "I though

or everyone on yo

nes that in

nteresting," I say, trying to cover my