Read Online Tamed by the Billionaire (The BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES Series) by Judy Angelo - Free Book Online Page B

help.”
    “You?  How?”
    Roman chuckled into the phone.  “I’m an excellent chef, if I may say so myself.  I learned at the hands of the best.”
    “Would you…show me?”  Serena’s voice sounded hesitant but hopeful.
    “It’s only a little after eleven right now so if you can hang in there while I locate this file  and finish what I’m doing I’ll help you bake your cake.  Do you have all the ingredients or do I need to pick up something on the way?”
    “N…no, I have what I need.  Do you know where I live?”
    “Sure.  I had to check your file to get your home number and I see you listed at one of the apartments just a few miles east of the office.  I don’t mind swinging by.  In fact, I’d love to get my hands full of flour again.  It’s been a while.”  Roman smiled to himself as he remembered the last time he’d done any cooking.  It had been at the family Thanksgiving gathering three years earlier at his parents’ house.  He’d been appointed chef for the day.  Since then, though, he hadn’t had a chance to do any real cooking since he was always traveling and his housekeeper took care of his meals when he was at home. 
    But then he thought of something and his smile disappeared.  Was he being presumptuous to invite himself over to the girl’s apartment?  It was stupid of him to even make the offer.  
    “On second thought, maybe it’s not such a good idea,” he said, his tone apologetic.  “I’m sure you want to do this on your own-”
    “No way.  I’m not going to let you back out of this.  You made the offer and I’m taking you up on it.  You’ll come over…won’t you?”
    It was that hesitation in her voice, that soft hint of pleading, that got him.  Serena had always played tough but she was vulnerable in so many ways.  How could he say no?
    “Alright, I’ll be there in an hour or so.  That is, assuming I find the file.  I’ll give you a call before I head out.”
    “Great,” she said with a happy laugh.  “I’ll have everything ready and waiting.  Promise.”
    After Roman hung up he sat for a moment tapping his fingers on the desk.  He liked the sound of that.  Ready and waiting.  Maybe he liked it a bit too much.  Was he making a mistake in seeing Serena outside of the office, even if just to help her? 
    Roman sighed.  Maybe he was overreacting.  He’d been busy with traveling and the office for so long he could do with some down time.  Amusing himself with cake baking would certainly be different.  And with Serena nearby it would definitely not be boring.  It might even end up being fun.  He was looking forward to it.

 
    CHAPTER NINE
     
    Serena could not believe that she had just invited her boss over to help her bake a cake.  Which employee dared do something like that?  An employee like her, it seemed, one who was desperate.  It was not like her friends were anywhere near and could come over to help and the birthday celebration was this afternoon.  She’d grabbed at his offer and, nervous as it made her, she did not regret it.  If she had a delicious cake to take to her Grandma Sylvie’s house it would all be worth it.
    She busied herself tidying up the kitchen, getting rid of the burned cake and setting out the ingredients for the next one.  Then it was time to tidy herself.  With a grimace she got rid of the apron.  There was no way she wanted him to see her looking like a housewife.  A girl had her image to think about.  She got rid of the gray sweat pants and the oversized white T-shirt and changed into a primrose yellow shirt and jeans.  She wanted to apply some make-up but then thought better of it.  She didn’t want him to think she was getting all dolled up because of him.  Instead, all she did was apply a little lip gloss and put her hair up in a ponytail.
    The hour flew by and all too soon Serena heard the buzzer.  Ready or not, Roman was here.  She pressed the button to let him in then glanced