Before I Knew (The Cabots #1)(53)

“I’m never satisfied. But we can build on this.” He leaned forward then, elbows on his knees, eyes alert. “Tell me what went wrong in the front of the house.”

Oh God. He’d performed his role to perfection, while she’d basically failed to do the one thing he’d asked. She braced for one of his spectacular temper tantrums.

“For the most part, people seemed pleased with everything.” She smiled, hoping he wouldn’t push.

“I noticed one untouched pork croquette. And the Grey Mullet with Pickled Mushrooms didn’t look like a favorite.” He frowned. “Did I miss anything?”

“The pork dish was Gentry’s boyfriend, who never tried it because he stormed off after he and Jenna got into an argument.”

“Oh, well, that’s good.” Alec smiled.

“Good?”

“If he tasted it and didn’t like it, that would concern me. But if he didn’t even eat it, then I’m going to stick with it. The others who ordered it cleaned their plates.” He nodded. “What else?”

Here goes nothing. “I got sidetracked by a variety of family quarrels.” She chewed her lip. “I’m sorry. I know you were counting on me for better information.”

He stared at her, his face impassive except for a tic of his jaw. She waited, nerves sparking painfully beneath her skin like they had anytime she suspected Mark might erupt.

Alec slouched deeper in his chair and stroked its arms. “It’s okay.”

It was?

“Are you going easy on me because I’m your boss?” She crossed her arms.

“I knew it’d be hard for you to focus when family and friends were vying for your attention. You’ll get better.”

She’d expected him to bellow—had imagined his brow furrowing and his face turning as crimson as the lava that spewed out whenever he thought his reputation was at stake.

Instead, he swigged the last bit of champagne, set down his glass, and stood. When he reached beside her to the photo she’d given him earlier, his nearness made her body temperature spike. She reminded herself this was only Alec, but somewhere along the way, Alec had come to mean much more than she’d ever anticipated.

“Besides, I’d never scream at you, Colby. If anything, I’ve been trying to make you laugh more.” He grinned. “Have the videos helped?”

“Nightly YouTube links to babies sucking on lemons and ‘Bat Dad’ are a step up from your grade-school jokes,” she conceded, trying to suppress a broadening smile.

“My favorite was the little boy running from his shadow.” His expression turned more contemplative as he held up the framed picture she’d given him. “You’ve always wanted to comfort others and see them happy. I just want that same thing for you.”

“Oh?” Part of her wanted to back up so he wouldn’t see the way her heart was pounding in her throat. But even if she wanted to, she couldn’t. The desk was at her butt. He looked at her with such intensity she couldn’t tear her gaze away. The sizzle of his attention traveled through her limbs and to her core. She hadn’t experienced this full-body buzz in ages.

She froze, waiting. Waiting for what, she couldn’t say. Every time she thought she had him figured out, he surprised her. Now she almost wished he’d flown into a rage so she’d remember why she shouldn’t look at him this way. Why this desire consuming her was unwelcome and dangerous.

He cocked his head, as if sensing her interest. How could he not when her body throbbed with it?

Alec didn’t move. Like her, he seemed to be waiting—that or toying with her. Had Alec Morgan become a master of seduction when she wasn’t looking? The anticipation of his touch stoked her hunger, even as she believed inviting it could well be a huge mistake.

Slowly he set the picture back on the desk and inched a little closer.

His hip now leaned against the edge of the desk so that their shoulders nearly touched. He didn’t even need to make contact for her insides to quiver, and yet her eyes remained locked on his.

Spellbound. Deliciously, dangerously magnetized.

“The only real question now is whether or not you’re happy.” He nudged even closer. “Was the evening everything you hoped for?”

“It was.”

It had been. The night had passed in a flurry of conversation, twinkling candles, beautiful views, and even prettier plates. The tinkling sounds of china and crystal had sounded as lovely as any quartet she’d ever heard. And most important, everyone but her dad and Jenna had left smiling. It was exactly the environment she’d envisioned, and she owed its success largely to her perplexing chef.