Page 18 of Promise Me Ever After
“And finally, it’s the turn of Alex Kane from Anna’s Kitchen. Alex has worked there for several years, producing food of the highest quality. I even offered him a job tonight, but he turned me down.” Marcus threw his hands in the air, bringing a chorus of sympathetic oohs and aahs. “But my loss is Georgie Cavanagh’s gain. Congratulations, Georgie!”
I blinked. Had he really saidGeorgiewas the winner?
My gaze scanned the crowd, watching to see where Georgie would come from. I spotted her in the far corner, standing next to Ems who applauded wildly. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights, hazel green eyes wide. Ems shoved her in the back, and she started to weave unsteadily through the tables towards the stage. I followed her every move, focused on her body. The black sequinned dress she wore clung to her every curve, stopping mid-thigh and I admired her shapely legs, tapering down into a pair of traffic-stopping red heels. If I wasn’t careful, I’d have to adjust myself before anyone could seejusthow happy I was to be cooking for Georgie Cavanagh.
She stepped onto the platform and Marcus kissed her on both cheeks. He handed her the winner’s pack, before nudging her in my direction.
I froze. What was I supposed to do? Kiss her? With every fibre of my being it was exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to take her into my arms and kiss her until neither of us could breathe. But in front of this audience? Not a hope in hell.
Trying to make it less awkward for both of us, I moved towards her and brushed my cheek against hers. The subtle scent of her perfume tickled my nostrils and I breathed her in, the chattering in the room turning to white noise.
My only focus was Georgie.
“Congratulations,” I breathed into her ear. “I meant to tell you this earlier, you look stunning tonight.”
Georgie turned to face me, the pools of hazel green focused intently on mine. “Thanks.”
We stood there for what felt like hours, just staring at each other, time seemed to have stopped.
The official photographer broke into the moment. “Quick picture if you don’t mind?”
I turned to angle my body and pulled Georgie closer to me, a hand snaking around her waist and resting on her hip. She shifted slightly, resting against my chest. Her hair smelled delicious, coconut and palm trees. We posed for a few shots until the photographer was satisfied he had something he could use. Once he’d thanked us we stepped off of the stage, standing to one side slightly away from the rest of the guests in the room.
Then it was only the two of us. This was the opportunity I’d been waiting for all night, to ask her for a drink, to ask her what she wanted me to cook for her.
“Georgie, did you—”
Marcus broke in. “I’m serious about that job offer, Alex. If you ever think of leaving Anna’s Kitchen, make sure you contact me first, okay?”
Georgie’s jaw dropped, looking between Marcus and me. “You’re thinking of leaving the restaurant?”
I spun to face her. “I, no. It was just something Marcus said, he didn’t really mean it.”
“Oh, I meant it.” Marcus folded his arms across his chest. “But I know you won’t take me up on it. At least not yet.” He winked.
Georgie let out a hard breath. “That’s good,” she blustered. “Because Ellis and Tess would miss you.”
By her reaction, it would seem they wouldn’t be the only ones.
She glanced past me into the crowd. “I need to go and find my sister. I’ll see you at work.” Georgie leaned up and kissed my cheek. “And thank you.” She waved the winner’s pack at me.
I watched her walk away, shimmering and glittering in that dress.
“Uh oh, you’ve got it bad.” Marcus chuckled.
I didn’t dignify his comment with an answer. I already knew it.
7
Georgie
What the actualfuck had I done?
I’d bid on a hot chef because I was drunk, lonely and horny as hell.
I squinted at the winner’s pack Marcus had given me, staring at the bid I’d made on Alex’s Favour. I swear I hadn’t meant to bid that much and actually win. Sure, it was all for charity, but as I looked at the noughts on the page, I was sure they were multiplying. Could I back out? Tell the hotel they could go to the person who had bid second highest?
Outside reception, a queue of taxis waited for their occupants. I stood to one side, dragging heavily on a cigarette.
