***
Being in Luke’s house had my nerves on edge, but I played it off well. There was no reason to overthink it. I was there because his daughter wanted me there. Not him.
I sat on the edge of Emery’s bed while she settled in. Her whole room was ultra girlie. Frilly lace everywhere, floral patterns on the sheets and curtains. And everything was a shade of pink. I imagined Luke walking into a store and buying all this. I would have paid money to be a fly on the wall for that.
“You can play with my toys if you want,” Emery said, her voice filled with sleep.
I shook my head softly. “Maybe another time. You need to get some rest.”
“Okay. You know, you’re a nice lady.”
“You’re nice, too, cutie.”
“Do you like my daddy?”
I shrugged. “Sure, when he’s not being an a—I mean, yeah. Of course.”
“Good. He likes you, too.” Her smile widened.
“Sure,” I said, even though I didn’t believe that for a second. But I wasn’t about to argue with a child.
Luke walked into the room. Had he heard what Emery said? If so, he made no indication one way or another. “You ready for bed, sweetheart?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Okay, time to tuck you in.” He moved toward the bed.
“No! I want Amber to do it.” She gave him a look of defiance.
I pulled her covers up to her chin. “There you go. Sleep tight. And feel better, okay?”
“Good night,” she said and closed her eyes. She was asleep almost instantly.
Luke and I padded quietly from her room and went back downstairs.
He turned to me, his voice so soft. “Thank you. For everything. You made a sick little girl very happy today.”
“It was my pleasure, Chef Harrison.” I nodded, not sure what the hell to think about everything. Was I really in his house? With him being decent? Shit. Him being nice was not helping my desire to reach out and offer him anything he wanted for the night.
He held up a hand to stop me. “Please, I think you can call me Luke at this point. At least when we’re not at work.”
“Okay. Luke it is.” I paused for a moment, wondering if I should say something else. I had a habit of saying things that pissed him off, and I knew it was a touchy subject. Screw it.
“Listen, I know it’s not my place to say this, but Emery really needs a mother in her life.”
Luke’s face darkened. “She had a mother. She doesn’t need another one, and you’re right. It’s not your place.”
I decided to be ballsy. I’d racked up a few points with him that night; time to cash them in. “Can I ask you what happened?”
“She’s not here. That’s all you need to know.” His eyes narrowed a little as he pursed his lips.
“Look, I’m not trying to butt in where I don’t belong. It’s just, I know what it’s like growing up without a mother. It’s hard on a kid. That’s all.”
Luke looked at me. “You seem to have turned out all right.”
I shot him a teasing smile. “Fuck me. Was that a compliment?”
“Absolutely not.” But the slight smile on his face told me otherwise. “And were you asking me to, or just being vulgar?”
My body jolted. “Being vulgar,” I whispered roughly.
“Guess you’re in good company for that, hmm?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
I had to get back on track. All I was seeing was him fucking me senseless in my mind. Not a good place to be when we were alone together downstairs. I had to change the course of this conversation, and fast.
I shook my head. “God, a joke and a compliment all in the same day? Did I win the lottery? Is this a dream?”
He laughed softly. It sounded like a low rumble in his chest. Then the smile faded from his face, replaced by a pensive look. “Am I really that much of an asshole?”
“Uh, yeah. Yes. You’ve scared the hell out of me from the moment we met. In fact, I can’t even believe we’re talking like this.”
“Don’t let it go to your head. You know, I push you because I know you can do better. You’ve got talent and potential. Two things money can’t buy. I’m trying to turn that potential into greatness.”
My heart pounded in my chest. He’d never been so open and honest with me. It was shocking. And here I thought he hated me when it was really was just the opposite. He was hard on me because he cared.
“That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
“Don’t get used to it. I’m gonna be the same mean bastard tomorrow.” He paused. “Tomorrow. Shit. I don’t know what I’m going to do with Emery. She’s still sick, and I don’t want her stuck at work all day. She needs to be at home, resting.”
“I can take care of her,” I offered.
His eyes narrowed. “Are you just angling for a day off from work?”
“Are you kidding? After that rousing speech you gave me? I’m more fired up than ever.”
He shook his head and laughed. “I should have kept my mouth shut.”
“Too late now. I’m going home right now to type it out and put it on an award.”
“Christ, no.”
I spread my hands out above my head like I was printing out a sign. “The Chef Harrison Award for Talent and Potential.”
“That’s not even funny.”
“Then why are you smiling?” I gave him a cocky grin. God, he was gorgeous. Why didn’t he have a woman with him? Obviously, he wasn’t an asshole all the time, right?
“’Cause you’re insane. But I’m serious though. Nothing is going to change in the kitchen. I expect nothing short of perfection from you. From everyone.”
I nodded. “I know.”
“And as much as I appreciate everything you’re doing for Emery-- and I do appreciate it more than you’ll ever know--it doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you.”
“I know. That’s not why I’m doing it. She reminds me of me growing up. So, I’m happy to help.” I looked at his lips and imagined what it would be like if he kissed me just then.
Not a chance.
“That sounds great. Now go home and get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.” He walked me to the door and moved back. “And don’t be late. ”