Pushing the covered cart down the hallway, Ynez cursed the lush carpet yet another time. When they designed this place, they forgot about the staff, that was for sure. How did the cleaners get their carts through this undergrowth? Ah, silly me, magic. She waggled her fingers and it floated up to the newcomer’s door.
She tapped lightly. “In-room dining, Mr. Graham.”
The door opened a crack and one sky-blue eyeball stared at her. “Could you leave it out here, please?”
“No, sir.” She straightened her shoulders. “I will not allow the quality of my food to decline because you leave it out here too long.”
The door flew open.
“What did you say?”
She stared into the face of the most beautiful man she’d ever met. Like a marble statue in the Louvre, all symmetrical proportions, cheek bones to die for, a gorgeous beard and a head of golden hair that screamed for her fingers to dive into and pull his lush ruby lips to her mouth.
Oh shit. He’s staring at me. He heard my thoughts, my foolish, lustful feelings.
Mortified, her face blazing, she said, “Can I bring the food into your room and serve it properly, please. It’s temperature controlled.”
He smiled, bowed, and swept his hand inside. “Yes, please do come in. Can you stay and keep me company while I eat? Do you have time?”
What the heck?
“Um, sure, the dinner rush is over, and the cleaning crew is on the job, so I’m pretty open.” Why was he acting as if he hadn’t heard all her inappropriate thoughts? Was this a trick?
“Thank you, I really appreciate it.” He pointed to the small kitchen. “I guess we can sit in here. Mind the cat dishes. Brutus is hiding under the bed.”
“Okay,” she pushed the cart in with her fingertip, allowing it to continue to float. What the heck. He knew what kind of place this was, didn’t he?
“Whoa. Neat trick. I wish I could do that.” He pulled up a chair. “Smells wonderful.”
Setting the table, she pointed to a wine glass. “White or red?”
“White, please.” Openly staring at her now, his gaze roamed over her face, hair, and arms, stopping at her tattoos. “Those are beautiful armbands. Are they flames?”
She nodded and continued uncovering dishes. “I’m an imp and a chef. My element is fire—specifically smokeless fire.”
“Nice.” Unlike other men, his gaze never lingered on her ample breasts. “Your hair—is it changing colors as we talk? Or is it my eyes?” He laughed. “I’m sorry I’m so curious. I mostly chat with people by computer. Lots of practice with my witty repartee—online.”
“Oh, yes, I can see that.” She shook her head and chuckled as she placed salt and pepper on the table. This guy.
“My brother tells me I have zero boundaries and even fewer people skills. It’s all so new to me. And I want to know everything.”
Thank you for hosting me on your lovely blog. :)
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