Chapter 70

The sky darkened as enticing aromas wafted from the kitchen. Emily Smith focused intently on preparing ingredients, anxious not to keep William Johnson waiting. With deft movements, she deveined shrimp, completely unaware of the scorching gaze fixed on her back.

Suddenly, the familiar crisp scent of sandalwood enveloped her from behind. Before she could react, strong arms encircled her in a warm embrace. His palms burned against her skin as they trailed slowly down her waistline.

"Ah!" Emily's hand jerked, scissors nearly nicking her fingertip. The shrimp slipped into the sink with a splash.

William's lips brushed her ear, his heated breath tickling the sensitive lobe. "So focused? Didn't even notice me." His voice dropped to a husky murmur laced with unmistakable suggestion. Emily's legs weakened, the scissors clattering onto the countertop.

"Stop..." Her voice dripped like honey. "Dinner isn't ready..."

A low chuckle vibrated against her skin as his teeth grazed her earlobe. "I'm hungry for something else right now."

...

When it ended, Emily lay boneless on the couch watching William stride toward the kitchen in his robe. As water ran, she drowsily realized dinner plans had evaporated.

Thirty minutes later, mouthwatering aromas roused her from near-sleep. Dragging her aching body to the kitchen doorway, she froze at the unbelievable sight—

William stood at the stove expertly flipping ingredients. His slender fingers gripped the spatula with professional ease as glistening beef slices tossed in crimson sauce sizzled in the wok.

"You can cook?" Emily's eyes widened.

"Surprised?" William didn't turn, amusement coloring his voice.

Emily edged closer, swallowing hard at the perfectly seared beef. "I thought you only ate at Michelin-starred places."

"Ready to admit you're wrong?" William glanced sideways, mischief flashing in his eyes. "Go sit down."

Three dishes and soup soon covered the table. Emily's stomach growled as she admired the feast. Eagerly, she served William rice with both hands. "Your meal, Chef Johnson."

William looked up from his phone to find her bright-eyed like an expectant kitten. Deliberately slow, he set his phone aside and picked up chopsticks.

Emily watched impatiently as he selected a beef slice, biting her lip. The moment he started eating, she shoveled a large portion into her mouth.

"Mmm!" Spicy umami exploded on her tongue, making her eyes flutter shut. "This is amazing! Is there anything you can't do?"

William smiled at her stuffed cheeks, warmth softening his gaze. "Slow down. It's not going anywhere."