Read Online Bachelor's Special by Christine Warner - Free Book Online

started.”
    “I think you’re counting your lucky stars right now, and you’re too chicken to add a new rule. Come on, Chet, we each get a freebie.” Her good humor echoed in each word as she tilted her head, giving him puppy eyes.
    “My mother didn’t raise a fool. I’m not risking my win. Looks like you cook steak with all the trimmings.”
    “Beginner’s luck. If this was actually the beginning for you.” Skepticism crossed her face in mock seriousness before she broke out in a smile.
    Chet hadn’t enjoyed himself with a woman like this before. The last female friend he’d had who he could laugh and joke with was way back in middle school. And even then their conversation hadn’t flowed this easily. In some respects he could be himself more around Jill than with one of his buddies.
    “How about we cook together?”
    “Are you taking pity on me?” Jill settled back in her seat, her focus on the screen, but her humor still showing by the twitch of her lip.
    “Never. I’m trying to put things in my favor yet again by finagling a cooking lesson at the same time I’m getting a steak dinner.”
    Jill laughed, and the sound bounced off the walls of the small theater. Her laughter was contagious and soothing at the same time. He couldn’t help but join in.
    “Chet Castle, I like how you think.”
    “And I like how you cook. So I’m glad you lost.” He nudged her shoulder with his, then sank down into his seat, smiling as they returned their attention to the movie.

Chapter Seven
    Three nights later, Jill had the kitchen humming. Pots were filled with an array of sauces, vegetables, and meats. In her element and in control, power pushed adrenaline through her body. As long as she could keep thoughts of Chet’s warm lips away and forget the feel of his hands caressing her skin.
    Stop it! After their movie night she’d congratulated herself for keeping Chet in the boss/friend zone.
    She tossed the fantasies from her mind. Ever since their latest kiss— hell, be honest with yourself, ever since the first— her thoughts had drifted to him at all hours, minutes, seconds of the day. To the point of insanity. Enough.
    Jeez, he’s just a man. Okay, a super-hot, sexy man with lips made for kissing and fingers that pleased.
    Shivers crossed her flesh from head to toe. She moved through the kitchen with quick steps, pinching the tender skin of her wrist to bring herself to focus.
    The clock showed six, and guests were due to arrive in less than thirty minutes. So far, the timing for all the dinner courses was perfect. She stirred the mango sauce one last time, tapped the spoon on the edge of the saucepan, then leaned back with a sigh. The bubble glass on the counter filled with her favorite red wine caught her eye. Time for a quick break and a well-deserved treat.
    Though she still didn’t know that much about Chet—his favorite foods, his passions, exactly what he did for a living besides being a businessman—she’d gained a new respect for him. She did know he woke early, stayed up late, and worked hard with a demanding schedule.
    Tonight, one of the charities he worked with had five representatives coming to dinner. According to the schedule, it was a children’s hospital—something to do with radiology.
    The buzzer on the stove let her know the chicken needed to be glazed. One last swallow of wine, then back to work. She opened the oven and the aroma filled the room. Jill brushed the last of the mango glaze over the roasting chicken just as Chet walked into the kitchen.
    Could he get any sexier? Jill lost hold of the oven door and it banged shut. His head jerked in her direction, his concentration broken.
    “Sorry.”
    “I’m sure it’ll survive.” He grinned, and she tried to return one of her own, not sure if she succeeded. Her whole face had gone numb.
    Damn, he was hot. His tanned, freshly shaven skin shined from his recent shower. Dark hair slicked over his head, drawing focus to his deep-set