Kitchen Affairs Read Online Free

with Stella silently wishing the driver would drive faster.
    “Kelly Clarkson fan?” he asked with a sly smile.
    “My ringtone per my roommate’s request,” I snorted back.
    “Who’s Michael?” Drake asked with a stern tone.
    Ummm, none of your fucking business.
    “My roommate,” I mumbled vaguely hoping he’d leave it alone.
    “Ahhh… boyfriend?” he intrigued.
    “No, he’s gay,” I barked, trying not to stare at him.
    “Good to know,” he bantered, looking directly at me. I tried avoiding eye contact with him, but I could see him out of the corner of my eyes gawking at me.
    “So what was your reason for stopping by l ast night?” I fumed, demanding answers.
    “I already told you. I wanted to see you.”
    “Yes, but why? We don’t know each other.”
    “But I want to know you,” he said a little softer. This is odd .              
    “ I’m flattered, Mr. Stagliano, but I’m not interested in getting to know you.” His eyebrows narrowed as he frowned. “Or anyone for that matter,” I finished so he didn’t think I was rejecting him. The truth was I hadn’t been interested in dating anyone since Liam. It’s been almost four years since he died and I still felt like I’d be cheating on him. I knew I sounded ridiculous to most people, but getting my career on the ground and taking care of Stella were my only priorities.
    “ Well, Miss Woods, I just want to know you as a friend,” he insisted, unconvincingly.
    “Fine, Mr. Stagliano. What do you want to know?” I urged, meeting my eyes with his. Let’s just get this over with.
    “What is your favorite position?” he asked with a straight face. Oh my god, what did he just ask me?
    Stunned, all I could do was give him a questioning look and reply, “Excuse me?”
    “In the kitchen. What is your favorite position in the kitchen when you’re working?” he clarified, although I’m sure he was trying to rattle me . Oh, thank goodness.
    “I love working with desserts and sauces. I love being able to make food desirable and appealing. It’s like art – but with food.” I gave a little smile hoping that was a satisfying enough answer for him.
    “Desirable and appealing,” he pondered. “That’s intriguing."
    Finally, the cab pulled over at my apartment. “Thank you again, Mr. Stagliano for catching my fall.” I reached for the handle and swung the door open.
    “The pleasure is all mine, Miss Woods,” he quipped, looking oddly suspicious. I nodded and stumbled out.
     
    “Michael! Have you seen my wallet?” I panicked. No, no! Of all days to be late and my wallet is MIA.
    “No, sorry honey. Did you look through your purse and coat?” Michael replied , worried for me.
    “Yes, three times already! It’s gone!” Where the fuck did it go? “Guess I need to call my bank and credit card companies.
    “Don’t forget your picking Stella up today. I have a hot date,” Michael bragged as he walked in to the kitchen putting his shirt on.
    “Yes, I know. Hot date, huh?” I asked curiously. Michael was a player, but as long as he didn’t bring his accomplices to the house, I didn’t care.
    “Troy. He’s fun. If it doesn’t go too well, I’ll be back by nine.” Michael approached me and tenderly kissed me on the forehead goodbye.
    “Stella, let’s go honey!” We left and practically ran to a cab. Of all days to be late and without my wallet! Good thing I had a secret stash of cash lying around the house for emergencies.
    “Welcome, Miss Woods. Glad to see your finally joining us today,” Mr. Cooper scolded looking pissed. I was fifteen minutes late and as much as I tried to sneak into the kitc hen; I was busted.
    “I apologize Mr. Cooper. It won’t happen again.”
    “Are you okay?” Blakely turned around with a puzzled look.
    “Yeah, just ran late. I lost my wallet,” I pouted.
    “I saw Mr. Stagliano leaving the tavern right after you left. Looked like he was up to something,” Blakely commented,