Page 83 of Corporate Escapades

“Hey,” said Paris. She was standing in the doorway to Vic’s apartment as he feverishly chopped and prepared the dinner salads. “I knocked, but you didn’t hear me.”

“It’s all good. You were actually invited this time.” He laughed. “Come on in and pour yourself some wine,” he motioned toward a bottle and some glasses.

“Okay, but I’m not planning on a repeat of Friday night,” she said. “As a matter of fact, we should probably discuss that.”

Vic nodded in agreement. “You found my ulterior motive for the dinner invitation.”

“Oh?”

“We agreed to work through things, and this is one of those things we must face,” he replied.

“Yeah. I’m with you.”

“Let’s wait until after dinner, though. I want to enjoy the food and company before we delve into such a serious matter.”

Paris cocked her head at him. She wasn’t sure why he wanted to wait. Was he planning on upsetting her? Did he think she wanted more? Did she want more? No, she knew she had to let it go. He didn’t want more, and besides, Tom was still interested. She wanted Tom. Tom had always been the one to make her heart flutter. Her mind was spinning out of control. She needed to stop and take a breather.

Walking over to the island, Paris grabbed the bottle of Prosecco and poured them each a glass. “I didn’t realize you like Prosecco,” she mused. “Isn’t it a little too sweet for you?”

“You know I picked it out for you, but it pairs well with fish. This particular Prosecco is less sweet than others.”

“Thoughtful,” she said as she further considered the bottle. “Why would you pick it for me?”

Finished searing the tuna, Vic placed it atop the salads he’d made and added tomatoes and fresh parmesan. As a final touch, he drizzled them with balsamic vinegar. “Here we are,” he said, placing a plate in front of Paris. Walking around the island, he pulled out a chair to seat her at the table. Scooting her chair in, he then took the seat next to her. “To answer your question, it goes well with the meal, but since you’re Italian, I figured it might be a nice gesture.”

“A sweet consideration,” she replied as she lifted her fork to take her first bite. The flavors erupted in her mouth. She closed her eyes and savored. “This is unbelievably good. I don’t recall the last time I actually tasted such a perfect combination.”

Vic smiled. “It’s my job to know how to do that.”

“Did you enjoy culinary school?”

“Very much. Honestly, there have been many days lately where I think maybe I would rather go off and run the restaurants. Food speaks to a person’s soul. I enjoy making others feel good with my culinary creations.”

“Wow, careful, Vic, people might think you have a soft side after all. I’ve never heard you speak like this before.”

“Like what?” he asked.

“With passion and love. With heart,” she replied.

“Well then, hold on to your knickers, cause it’s about to get real in here.”

“Oh, really? What will Vic say next?” she asked with amusement.

“Well, for starters, I want you to know that I have feelings for you.”

“Sexual. I know,” she stated.

“No, you don’t know,” he replied pointedly. “You don’t. This is different, Paris.” Reaching out, he caressed the top of her hand with his pointer finger. “I feel more for you than I’ve felt for anyone. Ever. This isn’t about the sex. I think I’m falling for you.”

Paris set her fork down and took a drink of her Prosecco. She needed a moment to think. She paused briefly. “You’ve never had a committed relationship,” she replied. “Are you sure you know what it is to truly love someone?”

“Wow,” he replied. “That’s kind of harsh, don’t you think?”

Raising her hand in defense, she said, “That may have come out wrong. I don’t mean to offend, but I question the reality of those feelings. Is it because we’ve been through a life-changing ordeal together? Could it be because we’ve known each other forever, and now we feel safe with one another?”

“Why does it have to be any of that?” He could feel his face flushing. She was treating him like a teenager.

“I’m still seeing Tom.”

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