Logan looks at me and I nod.
“Yes please. That sounds great.”
We settle ourselves as Alicia leaves, and then Albert comes over with a decanter of wine. Logan nods as the wine glasses are filled before handing one to me. I take a sip and it’s like pure joy on my tongue. Sweet and delicious.
“Wow,” I breathe. “This is amazing.”
“It is, isn’t it? Thank you, Albert,” Logan says. “Great work.”
“Certainly sir,” the server nods before disappearing into the kitchen. I look around, amazed at how the dining room has been transformed.
“I was just here earlier today when I walked Newton. How did you do all of this so fast?”
Logan chuckles.
“Lots of people,” he says. “We worked like mad men.”
I nod with appreciation.
“Well, I think you might need to give them a raise because this is incredible.”
The handsome man reaches over and takes my hand in his, running his thumb over my knuckles.
“I’m just glad you like it, sweetheart. I was worried you’d be disappointed we weren’t technically going out.”
I shake my head.
“No because this is even better. This way, I get to try your restaurant without having to share you with everyone around us all night. I can’t imagine you get a lot of quiet time to yourself when you’re at the restaurant.”
Logan chuckles, his blue eyes sparkling.
“Yeah, I don’t have much time to myself when I’m there. It’s all hustle bustle, push push push and that’s why I put this together. I didn’t want anyone interrupting us because tonight, I just want to focus on you and me.”
My heart flutters. Is he trying to say something? I can feel myself blush and squeeze his hand.
“I like the sound of that.”
But at that moment, Alicia returns carrying a tray adorned with multiple appetizers and carefully sits them in the center of the table for us.
“Our truffle fries and sriracha shrimp,” she introduces. “Please enjoy.”
She leaves again and I inhale with bliss. “Goodness, they both smell amazing.”
Logan puts some on our plates, but he doesn’t start eating right away. Instead, he watches as I dig in, trying them both.
“Oh my God, these are amazing.” I point to the shrimp. “And these fries I could eat as my meal. No need for a main, they’re so good.”
A satisfied smile stretches across his handsome face.
“I’m glad you like it, sweetheart. It means the world to me to hear those words from your lips.”
I giggle.
“Yes, but you’re a world-renowned chef and restauranteur, not to mention the CEO of an empire with dozens of employees reporting to you. Meanwhile, I’m just a nobody! Why would my opinion matter?”
He takes my hand, looking into my eyes seriously.
“Because you’re you, Emory,” he says in a soft voice. “And I value you more than you know.”
My heart starts racing because OMG, is this really happening? Is Logan going to tell me he loves me next? Happiness floods my veins, and suddenly, this is the best meal I’ve ever had.
8
Logan
As I gaze into the beautiful woman’s upturned features, my heart contracts. There’s no one more special to me in the world than Emory, yet I’m not sure if I should say anything. After all, she’s young and she’s my neighbor too. She literally lives next door with her parents, so I’m definitely the old lech who’s been using her body every which way to my heart’s content.
But that’s what I love about Emory. My girl is just like me: filthy in the sack, and we’ve done things that people only see in porn videos. She’s twisted like a pretzel most nights, wailing with pleasure while demanding that I give it to her hard and nasty. And I mean demanding because my girl isn’t the type to politely ask when she wants an orgasm. Emory’s got a bit of a Domme in her, and I love it when she gets feisty like that.
But it’s more than just fun in the sack, for me at least. I want her to have a good time, and I want her to enjoy herself. Even as an experienced restauranteur, I was still nervous for Emory to sample my food because even if I’m not the one technically at the stove, everything is based on a recipe concocted by yours truly, and I want her to love it all.
But now, gazing at the beautiful girl as she clearly enjoys the meal puts me at ease. Emory’s gorgeous in a little black dress that hugs her curves, and now I’m sure I made the right decision by staying local.
“So, I’ve been curious,” I venture.
The beautiful brunette looks at me and pats the corner of her mouth with her napkin, wiping away a trickle of sriracha sauce from the shrimp.
“Ask me anything,” she coos with a giggle. “I’m at your disposal.”
I chuckle.
“Why dog walking? I mean, I’m just curious how you chose that profession. Is it something you love or something you’re just doing for now?”