Kitchen Affairs (25 page)

I inhaled slowly. “Okay fine. Liam’s birthday is this weekend. I was planning on spending the day with Stella.”

“Oh, Molly, I’m sorry. Anything I can do?” He looked so heartfelt. I didn’t talk about Liam much around Travis, or anyone for that matter.

“No, no it’s fine. Stella wants to bake a cake and blow out candles now that she knows about him. She’s been making birthday cards all week. It’s pretty cute actually,” I smiled at the memory of watching her color pictures for her daddy.

By Friday, I was exhausted from rounds testing and ready for the weekend. I couldn’t stop smiling as I unlocked my apartment door. Walking in I realized my life had finally fallen into place where I was happy and content. Stella knew about Liam, Drake and I were happily in love, and I had Travis back as my friend. Life was finally normal again.

Weeks after Liam’s birthday, Travis and I were working side by side in the Riverside Restaurant kitchen. We had great working chemistry, which made us a great duo.

“Hi sweetheart!” Drake brushed my shoulder as he leaned in to kiss me. “How’s your day going?”

Drake visited me periodically throughout the day. Most of the chef’s in the kitchen were men and ruthlessly drooled over me. It was pathetic, but the fact that Drake felt like coming to my rescue was adorable. In fact, it made me love him more.
If that was even possible…

“It’s great! Staying busy. Travis saved me once again from face planting into the floor,” I admitted embarrassed.

Drake chuckled a little and looked towards Travis. “Thanks for saving my girl!” He patted him on the shoulder. “As usual,” he teased looking back at me.

“I
t’s not my fault this time!” I whined. “Someone spilled sauce all over the floor and didn’t clean it up.” I leaned into Drake’s chest looking up for sympathy.

“You are just too cute,” he kissed the top of my nose. “I hope Stella doesn’t get your clumsy traits,” he teased once again.

Me too. I was clumsy enough for the both of us.

I pressed my body into his, feeling
him hardened against me. I had the sudden urge to take him right then and there. He grabbed my hand and lightly kissed it looking around at how he could sneak us out.

“I want you right now,” he whispered into my ear lightly blowing on my skin.

“Let’s get out of here. Now,” I demanded edging my lips up to kiss him.

“I’ll see you at five. Don’t keep me waiting,” he said brushing my lips once more with his and patted my ass.
Ugh, I hate when he leaves me high and dry.

“You are an evil man, Mr. Stagliano. Leaving your lady all wet and bothered around a bunch of horny men,” I teased letting him realize what he was doing.
So horny. Damn him.

He took a moment to think about it before responding. “I’ll take that chance,” he smiled knowing no one else had a shot anyways. “Love you.”

I kissed his mouth. “Love you more.”

“Molly, I would like you to come with me this weekend to the charity benefit my family is hosting. Would you do me the honors?” Drake asked sweetly, giving me the chills. The Stagliano family was wealthy and well known. Anytime they sponsored an event, many powerful and rich people attended making it a huge press event. Being there on Drake’s arm would make for a lot of publicity that I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

I bit my lip and rubbed my ear a few moments before saying anything. I was nervous and wasn’t sure if I would be good enough to be on
his arm. I’ve never been to an exclusive event before but being that photos were all over the magazines and social media the following day, it was no secret how huge of an event it was.

“Molly?” Drake aske
d breaking the silence.

“Yeah… sorry. Of
course, I will. I just…” I stumbled over my own words.

“What? Do you not want to go?” he asked disappointed
.

“No, I do! I’ve just never been to such an
elite event before and don’t really have anything to wear or idea of what to expect I guess. I’m just nervous. I don’t want to embarrass you,” I finally responded shyly hoping he would understand.

“Baby, you would never embarrass me. I promise. I can help get you something to wear if that will make you feel better, but honestly, you have nothing to worry about.” He lifted my chin up to look deep into my eyes. “You are beautiful. No matter what,” he
said lightly kissing my lips and giving me a squeeze.
Wow… this was certainty going to be interesting to say the least.

“Oh my goodness, Drake, this is stunning!” I gushed as the limo door opened. I stepped out onto the red carpet waiting for Drake to come to my side. I swung my arm into his and grabbed my clutch purse as we started walking down the carpet. There were paparazzi on both sides, flashing their cameras directly at us. Being that Drake was an only child and the only heirloom to the business, he
was like a celebrity at these events.

“Mr. Stagliano! Drake! Who’s your date?” I heard from the crowd. I wanted to impress Drake with my appearance tonight
so I had Michael put my hair up in a side up-do and do my makeup. I wanted to show him that I could live up to the expectations of the media.
Though I doubt it really matters to him.
But I still wanted to impress him.

We stopped f
or a few pictures where I gracefully stood by his side and smiled. I felt awkward and out of place, but I wanted to do it for Drake. He looked so good in his black Versace tuxedo and his wild curls were perfectly tamed. His bright smile reflected off the flashes as they continued to blind us.

“You. Look. Incredible,” Drake whispered slowly into my ear as we headed inside the hotel still linked in his arm.
“I adore you.” He brushed my lips lightly with his as we were entering into the ballroom. I felt a spontaneous combustion between my thighs as my body yearned for him.

God, I love this man.

My jaw dropped as I stared into the crystal ballroom. It was beyond stunning. It was brightly lit with white tulle hanging from the ceiling to the chandelier. The centerpieces were tall, crystal vases with white pine stems of white orchids. I have never seen something so amazing. It was like a picture in a magazine.
I got lost in the room and collided with Drake as he stopped walking in front of me.

“Molly, there’s going to be several people I’m going to introduce you to. Don’t feel intimidated, okay?” he said trying to reassure me. I just nodded keeping a smile plastered to my face
staying close to him.

After an hour of meeting numerous people and being introduced as Drake’s girlfriend, we were finally allowed to sit down at our table in the front
of the room. Drake was going to be speaking and introducing the beneficiary and cause. What Drake and his family were doing was absolutely amazing. They were not only a hard working family, but they gave back in anyway they could. They funded benefits and events for children’s charities, cancer and illnesses, homeless shelters, and feeding the hungry. It was an honor to just be in the same room as all of these people.

“Molly, is it?” Kendra was standing
elegantly behind me smiling.
Oh fucking great.
I faked a smile and nodded as I shook her hand to formally meet her.
What is she doing here?

“You look stunning,” she complimented as she stood towering over me. I was still seated waiting for Drake to return with our champagne. As I looked around searching for him, I saw two glasses in his hands as a young couple stopped and started talking to him. I could see that he was eager to get back to me, but Drake was not the type of person to ignore anyone that wanted to speak with him.

“Well, thank you.” I smiled again at her odd compliment. “You look lovely as well,” I said trying to reciprocate. I suddenly remembered Drake mentioning how wealthy her family was which was probably the reason she was there.
Does this mean she’ll be at all of these damn events?

She lowered herself so her mouth was just brushing my ear. “You look nice on his arm now Molly, but you won’t last.” I tensed up a bit as she continued. “He will always be mine.” All I could do was stare at her surprised at her forwardness.
Bitch.
She gazed into my eyes for a moment and slowly walked away. I imagined other women being jealous, but knowing Kendra already had a past with Drake made me uneasy.

And pissed off.

“Sorry, sweetheart.” Drake apologized as handing me a glass. “That was Mr. Stone and his fiancé. He owns some condo complexes in downtown.” As Drake was telling me about the people at the event and whom he had run into, Kendra’s words kept replaying in my head. I knew she just wanted to upset me, but apart of me didn’t want to be naïve.

Drake stood up and buttoned his jacket as he walked up to the podium. Applause flooded the room as Drake was
making his appearance. I smiled as I thought of how proud I was for my man. He looked so calm and at home as he stood giving his speech. Butterflies ran through my body just looking up at him and watching his gestures. I couldn’t believe I was the one he chose to go home with each night.
He is mine.

As the event came to a close, we posed for a few more pictures. I was exhausted by the end of the evening of continuous smiling, meeting new people, sipping on champagne, and linking to Drake’s arm. The event had an amazing turnout and I could tell Drake was very pleased. As much fun as it was being his date, I was eager to get my man home.

“Exhausted yet?” Drake whispered into my ear teasing the lobe with his tongue. My body tensed at his touch, and I was ready to leave and have my way with him. Seeing him tonight made everything about him make sense. He was not only a businessman; he was a charitable man that gave back to his community.

“Yes, but not too exhausted,” I teased back as he helped me ba
ck into the limo. The party subsided and we were able to leave without cameras flashing in our faces.

“Good, I was hoping you’d say that,” he said through his bright smile. The driver shut the door behind us and Drake immediately pushed the window up between the driver and us. I eyed him down as I sensed he was on
to something.
Something naughty I hope.

“Thank you fo
r bringing me. It was seriously… amazing!” I said as I sat closer to him, wrapping my legs over his lap. I leaned in for a kiss, but right before our lips touched, there was a slight knock on the tinted window outside.
Who the hell?

Drake lowered the window to reveal Kendra standing there. She was obviously wasted as she could hardly stand up without leaning on the door.
Fabulous.

“Kendra? What do you want?” Drake asked stunned to see his ex.
Good, he’s just as shocked as I am.

“Oh Drake. You know you rather have me in that limo th
an her. Just admit it!” she exclaimed slurring her words and obviously through liquid courage.

“Kendra, what are you talking about? We haven’t been together in years. You’re really going to pull this?” After what she did with our photos, it didn’t surprise me anymore to see what this girl would do to grab his attention.

“Don’t act like you don’t know, Drake. Tell her.” She nodded her head towards me. “Tell her you really want me.” My face was beating red. Now I was pissed. I felt like pulling her hair through the window and giving her a piece of my mind. Before I could do anything, Drake cursed her off and rolled the window back up. He yelled to the driver to leave and as we did, I could see her hand smear against the window as we drove away. Clearly, she wasn’t ready to let go.
Was she like this with all his girlfriends or just me?

“Molly, I’m sorr
y. She’s drunk, just ignore her.” He tried to calm me as he could see the heat in my face and my eyes tear up.

“Is she right?” I asked out loud subconsciously.

“God, no! Molly, believe me, please. Kendra is a possessive nut job. She goes after all my girlfriends no matter who they are. She thinks because she has money that we belong together.” My expression didn’t change and as he tried to reassure me, I kept playing our conversation over and over in my mind.

You look good on his arm now… you won’t last… Ugh, I wanted to knock her out on her face.

“She told me at the event that I looked good on your arm now, but that it wouldn’t last.” I finally turned to face Drake to check his reaction.

“She did what? Hell no! Molly, I swear to you. You are not just a fling. You are the only woman I have ever loved. Kendra can clearly see that and is intimidated by you. She doesn’t understand why I don’t want her, but that’s her problem, not ours, okay?” He looked so sincere in his dark eyes that it just about melted my heart.
“Molly, with you it’s different. You’ve always been different.” He placed his hands on my face leaning his forehead against mine showing the sentiment in his words. I couldn’t believe I ever doubted this man.

What is wrong with you, Molly?

“I’m sorry Drake. I’m just insecure when it comes to this.” I waved a hand between the two of us. “You’re amazing and you have my heart. I’m just scared,” I finally admitted.