Chapter 287
Madison
“This sea bass is transcendent,” Hazel moaned, closing her eyes as she savored another bite. “I might need a moment alone with it p>
Alexander chuckled, swirling the wine in his glass. “The chef has a particular talent with seafood. He sources it directly from fishermen he’s worked with for decades p>
“Of course he does,” Hazel said, shooting me a look that clearly said ‘Is this man for real?” “Let me guess, they call him personally when they catch something exceptional p>
“Actually, yes,” Alexander replied without a hint of irony. “Last month, he flew to Japan for a particularly rare bluefin tuna p>
I nearly choked on my wine. “You’re making that up p>
“I never joke about food, Madison.” His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Ask him yourself if you don’t believe me p>
“I believe you,” I said. “That’s what makes it ridiculous p>
Hazel pointed her fork at me. “This from the woman who once ate ramen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for an entire week p>
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Really p>
“I was saving for my mother’s birthday present,” I defended myself. “And I varied the flavors p>
“How adventurous,” Alexander teased, his foot brushing against mine under the table.
“Not all of us can jet off to Japan for fish,” I countered.
“I’d take you,” he said simply, the casual offer hanging between us.
Hazel’s eyes widened. “Um, yes, please? Can I be your third wheel on that trip p>
“Sorry, Hazel. That would be a private excursion.” Alexander’s gaze never left mine, the implication clear.
Heat crawled up my neck. “We should try the next course before it gets cold p>
“Smooth subject change,” Hazel muttered, but she returned to her food with enthusiasm.
The waiter appeared with our next course, a perfectly seared duck breast with a cherry reduction. “Compliments
of the chef,” he announced. “He’s prepared something special for Mr. Knight’s table p>
“Does everyone just fall all over themselves for you?” I asked after the waiter left.
Alexander leaned closer. “Jealous, Ms. Harper p>
“Curious, Mr. Knight p>
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“It’s not about falling over themselves. It’s about mutual respect and adequate compensation.” He cut into his duck with surgical precision. “People respond to clear expectations and appropriate rewards p>
“Is that your philosophy for everything?” I couldn’t help asking.
His eyes darkened slightly. “Not everything. Some things defy such simple arrangements p>
Hazel glanced between us, clearly sensing the subtext. “So, Mr. Knight, Madison tells me you’re working on a major development project p>
“Several, actually.” He accepted the subject change gracefully. “Madison is managing our most ambitious one in Manhattan p>
“She mentioned that! Sounds impressive p>
“She is impressive,” Alexander said, his tone matter–of–fact. “Madison identified several critical issues that our previous team missed p>
I felt a flush of pleasure at his praise. “The structural concerns were pretty obvious once you knew what to look for p>
“To you, perhaps.” Alexander turned to Hazel. “She saved us millions in potential repairs and delays p>
Hazel beamed at me. “That’s my girl! Always the smartest person in the room p>
“Second smartest,” I corrected, nodding toward Alexander.
“Debatable,” he countered, surprising me.
The dessert arrived – an elaborate chocolate creation that looked more like art than food. The waiter described it in loving detail, but I was distracted by Alexander’s hand on my knee under the table.
“This is insane,” Hazel declared after her first bite. “I’m ruined for all other desserts forever p>
“Worth it,” I agreed, trying to focus on the chocolate instead of Alexander’s fingers tracing patterns on my leg.
“Madison has quite the sweet tooth,” Alexander commented. “I’ve never seen anyone approach dessert with such… enthusiasm p>
1 narrowed my eyes at him, recognizing the reference to our kitchen encounter. “I appreciate quality when I find
it p>
“As do 1.” His thumb traced small circles on my inner thigh, sending shivers up my spine despite the warmth of
the restaurant.
I took another bite of chocolate, using the moment to compose myself.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Alexander murmured, his fingers inching higher. “Dessert got your tongue p>
I shot him a warning glance. “Just enjoying the atmosphere p>
“It is rather… stimulating,” he replied, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
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I shifted in my seat, causing his hand to slide even higher. His eyes darkened as I placed my hand over his, stopping his advance.
“Careful, Mr. Knight,” I whispered. “We have company p>
A hint of a smile played at his lips. “I’m always careful, Madison p>
Hazel glanced between us, her spoon halfway to her mouth. “Am I interrupting something p>
“Not at all,” I said quickly, removing my hand from Alexander’s. “Just discussing the… chocolate p>
“Right,” Hazel smirked. “The chocolate. That’s definitely what has you two looking like you’re about to devour each other p>
Alexander chuckled, withdrawing his hand. “Your friend is perceptive p>
“Annoyingly so,” I agreed.
Hazel raised her wine glass in a mock toast. “It’s a gift p>
The waiter approached with the check, which Alexander handled with his usual efficiency. As we prepared to leave, he placed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me through the restaurant. The simple contact felt possessive, marking me as his in a way that words couldn’t.
Outside, his car was already waiting. We slid into the backseat, Hazel settling across from us with a contented
sigh.
“This was the best night ever,” she declared. “Broadway, Le Bernardin, and watching you two make heart eyes at each other all evening p>
“We weren’t making heart eyes,” I protested.
“Please.” Hazel rolled her eyes. “You two have more chemistry than my entire college science department p>
Alexander’s lips twitched. “Is that your professional assessment, Ms. Foster p>
“Absolutely.” She nodded firmly. “And as a certified best friend, I’m qualified to make such judgments p>
“I wasn’t aware friendship came with certifications,” he replied, amusement coloring his tone.
“Oh, it does. Very rigorous testing process. Had to rescue Madison from at least three terrible dates, supply emergency ice cream, and listen to her rant about work.” She winked at me. “Speaking of which, how’s the new office working out p>
“It’s great,” I said, grateful for the change in subject. “The team’s been surprisingly supportive p>
“Of course they are,” Alexander interjected. “You earned that position p>
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.