Black Light: Celebrity Roulette, page 38
I’d heard that mothers had some sort of innate radar that alerted them when their children were threatened, but I’d never actually witnessed that skill being used until now, though it had nothing to do with babies. Her eyes flew open, the violet color flashing as she lifted her spoon in a move to block that of Chase’s as he attempted to dip his into her dish.
“Mine!” she snapped, pulling the bowl closer.
“Whoa, she’s quick,” I said. “Who knew she has the reflexes of a ninja.”
“And the skills of a master swordsman when it comes to chocolate,” Jaxson quipped, sitting back in his chair, amusement on his face as he watched the two people he loved more than anything… well, except for the two new little ones the trio had added to their family. Andrew and his twin sister Alicia were actually the reason I was here.
I’d been at Black Light a few nights ago and had seen Jaxson. The man who’d made a fortune modeling looked a bit unkempt. The man who, with Chase and Emma, had opened not one but two highly successful clubs, looked like he was about to keel over. It had only taken a few minutes of conversation to learn how much two tiny little human beings could totally disrupt the lives of their adult mommy and daddies.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Jaxson had assured me, “I’d not change a thing, but well, I had no concept of how much energy babies have. I thought all they did was eat, sleep and look cute. And speaking of sleep, why is it that the very instant you close your eyes, theirs fly open? I swear some days we’re not too sure which way is up.”
“That’s great,” I said, pausing to hold out my hands, palms out to ward off the explosion I felt coming at the disbelief I saw in his expression. “I don’t mean that your lives are scrambled, but I’ve been wondering what on earth to get people who I’m sure have every baby doodad known to mankind already. For my gift, I’d love to come over and make you dinner one—”
“You don’t need to give us”—Jaxson paused midsentence to give me a long look—“wait… did you say dinner? As in real food? That doesn’t come out of a take-out container? Like something that is actually fresh and hot?”
Shaking my head, I shuddered. “It’s actually pretty horrifying to even consider why you have to ask me that, but, yes.”
“Oh, the take out is fairly recent. Avery has been going above and beyond duty coming over to cook for us occasionally. As much as we appreciate it, I made her stop. She has enough on her plate without feeding us too.” He paused and shook his head. “What am I saying? It’s not like you aren’t busy as shit as well. Still—”
“Don’t worry about me,” I said, brushing his concern aside. “It’s not work when cooking for a friend.” When he still looked uncertain, I shrugged. “Well, if you’d rather eat another sorry excuse for a hamburger out of some cardboard carton instead of real food served on actual china and crystal, I suppose I can get you a box of diapers. Then you can explain to Emma how instead of a five course meal—”
“No, no! I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth!” he protested. “So, um, what are you thinking of serving?”
I grinned and knew I had him hooked. “Let’s see, I think we’ll begin with Gillardeau oysters. They are an extremely select variety from France. I’ll serve them with creme fraiche, Beluga caviar and, for a bit of flair, dust them with gold flecks. The second course will be a black truffle sabayon. Truffles are rich and usually accompany an entrée, but I like to pair them in a sabayon and serve them as an appetizer.” The look on Jaxson’s face had me remembering why cooking was my passion. Just building the menu in my head and describing it had my dinner guest practically drooling. “After cleansing your pallet with a light but lovely salad of prosciutto with persimmon, pomegranate and arugula, your entrée will be one that is truly in celebration of your twins’ birth. Balmoral venison is from the Queen of England’s estate and is not served in any restaurant. I’ll prepare the roasted loin with boiled pink fir potatoes and sautéed girolles. How does that sound?”
“That’s four.”
“Four? Four what?” I asked, his answer not the one of delight I’d expected.
“You said five courses. That’s only four.”
I chuckled. “Don’t worry, there will be five. No meal is complete without dessert. Do I need to compensate for any food allergies one of you may have?”
“No, and I don’t think any of us really dislike—”
“I assure you, there will be nothing about this meal that you won’t like,” I said without even a modicum of doubt.
“Everything sounds unbelievably good,” he said. “Hell, just listening to you describe them makes me feel weak in the knees. What are you thinking about for dessert?”
“I believe I’ll keep that a surprise,” I said with a grin. “Consider it a reminder that you not only own the best BDSM club on two coasts, but that you are a Dom. As a fellow Dom, it is my duty to assure you have the energy required to not only keep your partners happy, but take care of those little babies as well.”
“Hell, slap a bowl of ice-cream down in front of me and I’ll be thrilled,” he said.
“Fuck,” I said, shaking my head. “I had no idea you were this far gone. I promise, dessert will be far more refined than a bowl of ice cream. It will be like waiting for your lovers… knowing they have so much to offer and yet the anticipation of their submission is almost as pleasurable as the actual surrender.”
“When?”
I had to chuckle and we’d agreed on a night.
Now, giving the three a closer look, I was glad I’d offered. I was sure they had to have an entire nursery full of gifts from their many friends, but let’s be real. I couldn’t believe that even the cutest matching onesies could compete with the five-course dinner I’d just prepared.
“That was hands-down the best meal I’ve ever eaten,” Chase said, finally setting his spoon down, accepting the fact that he’d lost the battle. “And, believe me, I’ve eaten in some of the fanciest restaurants around the world.”
“It was incredible,” Emma agreed, giving her empty bowl a look of longing before releasing her hold. “I’m not as experienced as these two, but that dessert… I’d walk barefoot over hot coals, join that polar bear club where they jump naked in water full of ice, even go through labor without so much as a single peep—”
“Watch it, babe. You know what happens when you lie,” Jaxson warned, reaching over to slip his hand behind her head and pulling her toward him to plant a kiss on her lips.
The moan became a muffled squeal when his free hand dropped to give her buttock a squeeze. “Well, even if it earned me a spanking, another bowl of that would be so worth it,” Emma said when he released her. Turning to me, she smiled. “What exactly was in that soufflé? I’ve never tasted chocolate anywhere near that decadent. I don’t suppose you can just pick up a few bars at the corner store?”
“Hardly. To’ak chocolate is a bit out of the price range most people would feel comfortable paying,” I said.
Jaxson shook his head. “What he means is that it’s the most expensive chocolate in the world.”
“Oh, Ronan, you shouldn’t have,” Emma protested.
“I definitely should,” I countered. “It’s not often I have the honor of cooking not only for a lovely new mother of two, but for people I truly admire,” I said, brushing aside her protest, not about to add that I’d paired the chocolate with Armand de Brignae Brut Gold champagne which is also extremely expensive, not wanting to lessen her enjoyment of the soufflé.
“You truly outdid yourself,” Jaxson said. “We can’t thank you enough.”
“It was my pleasure,” I assured him. “My staff are finishing up in the kitchen and we’ll get out of your hair. And, Emma, if you just happen to get a craving, send one of your men down to look in the refrigerator. They might find a few leftovers if you need a little snack later.”
I just managed not to stagger back a step when she jumped up and threw herself into my arms. “You, sir, are worth your weight in gold,” she said.
“Anything for you,” I said, extremely pleased she’d enjoyed herself.
“Really? In that case, and at the risk of sounding awfully greedy, will you do us one more teensy little favor?”
“Of course,” I assured her. Seeing her entire face light up, I could understand how she’d captured the hearts of not one but two men.
“Let us sell you.”
“What? Sell me?”
She giggled, turning to look at her two lovers. “Every year on Valentine’s Day, we have a party at Black Light. This year will be the first one out here on the coast and we want to do something a little different. We’re going to have an online auction. Celebrities volunteer to be auctioned off. Whoever wins the bid gets to spend three hours doing all sorts of deliciously naughty things with their celebrity of choice.”
Arching my brow, I looked from her upturned face to see Jaxson and Chase both give a nod… affirming her story. “As much as I’d love to oblige you, I don’t see how it’s possible. The new season is about to start so between taping my show and running Savor, I don’t have a lot of spare time. Not to mention that Valentine’s Day is a pretty busy night for the restaurant business and I’m not sure I—”
“What’s being the boss good for if you can’t take time for yourself. You’ve got an entire staff to handle the restaurant,” she said, waving her hand in the air to cut me off. “I mean there has to be a half dozen people here helping you tonight. Besides, the money raised is going to charity. You do want to help your community don’t you?”
I shook my head even as Jaxson chuckled. “I’d tell her not to hassle you, but she’s right. The money you’ll raise will go for a good cause.”
“And, the past two years have taught us that a lot can happen in those three little hours,” Chase added with a grin.
“I’m not sure who’d want to bid on me,” I said. “How about I just donate—”
“Oh no,” Emma said. “You’re hot… and I’m not only talking about being an incredible chef! I know you’ll get tons and tons of bids. I promise that—”
I witnessed that radar in action again as she abruptly stopped speaking, her head canting to the side as if hearing something inaudible to the rest of us.
“That’s Alicia. I’d better hurry before she wakes Drew,” she said, already moving away. Before she ducked around a corner, she turned back. “Thank you so much, Ronan. The only way tonight could be any more perfect would be for you to say you’ll put yourself up for auction. Besides, it would make me feel a lot less guilty for stuffing myself full of all that expensive chocolate if I knew that some other lucky lady will get to experience your… gifts.” This last was said with a soft giggle and a wave of her fingers.
Before I could answer, she was gone.
“And there’s our little man,” Chase said, standing from his seat to follow as a soft cry wafted into the room. “Thanks, Ronan. Best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth,” he said and when Jaxson slapped his ass, Chase yipped. “Beside my lovers, of course!” I shook his hand and he soon disappeared.
Jaxson stood as well, looking after the two. “To be clear, by gifts, she doesn’t mean cooking.”
“Yeah, I sort of figured,” I said.
“But she’s right. We would love to have you. As a member, you can always just attend, but in order to play that night, you’ll need to be an actual participant. And judging by the way just a moan had your cock stiffening…” He grinned and I just shook my head knowing he wasn’t the least bit concerned about Emma straying.
After a moment, he quickly ran through what the night would entail and just the possibilities had me intrigued. Three hours spent with a total stranger, no strings attached... it could be fun. Besides, while Valentine’s Day was extremely popular for couples to dine out, as evidenced by the fact that every table at my restaurant had been reserved well in advance, I did have an extremely competent staff more than capable of taking care of the diners.
“Tell Emma I’ll do it,” I said.
Jaxson nodded, grinned and held out his hand. As I shook it, he said, “I will. Don’t forget to go online and fill out the forms. Who knows? You might find someone who makes you as happy as Emma makes me and Chase.”
“I highly doubt that,” I said, releasing his hand. “You three are the poster children for happiness. And speaking of children, I’ll let you get to yours. Congratulations again.”
When he left, I returned to the kitchen and within a half-hour, my staff had everything cleaned up and packed away, taking the van with the supplies back to the restaurant. I climbed onto my motorcycle and pulled away, glancing toward the house where the club was housed. I still wasn’t sure who exactly participated in these sort of auctions, or about letting some random drop of a ball on a wheel dictate my choice of activity, but what the hell. Some of the best recipes ever created had come from being willing to mix things up a bit.
Chapter 2
Carnegie
Her hair flew about her like the venomous vipers on Medusa’s head come to life, strands slithering over breasts that swayed from side to side, bouncing about as she energetically squeezed his hairy testicles in one hand while bouncing up and down as if riding Dick’s dick was some sort of Olympic sport and she was determined to win the gold…
What the hell. Dick’s dick? Snakes? And what’s with all the bouncing for fuck’s sake? Not only was that probably the most God-awful line I’d ever written, it was actually causing my ears to ring. Oh wait… the ringing was my phone.
“Saved by the bell,” I muttered, jumping up to grab my phone off the bar. “Thank God you called,” I said, as I pulled open the door to the refrigerator and bent down to grab a Coke. “The world owes you big time.”
“Huh?”
Smiling, I tucked my phone against my shoulder and grabbed a glass from the cabinet. Popping the tab, I continued to talk as I poured my drink. “You’ve saved millions of people from having to read what has to be the worst opening to a sex scene ever written. I mean, seriously? Who names a character Dick and then talks about his dick and hairy testicles? Crazy right?” Pausing, I took a sip of Coke.
“Or you could consider the fact that it literally grabs a reader by the balls and won’t let go.” Hearing the voice, I suddenly realized that not only wasn’t I talking to Kara, my best friend, but I had absolutely no idea who was on the other end of this conversation. I felt my cheeks flame as heat rushed into them, pulling my phone away to stare at the screen. Sure enough, the number meant nothing to me.
“Um, should I apologize or just hang up and we can pretend this conversation never happened?” I offered.
A soft laugh reassured me that whoever it was didn’t think I belonged in a loony bin. “No, please, don’t hang up and you don’t need to apologize. You really do have me intrigued,” she said. “Though it does make my news a little harder to deliver.”
Not knowing whether to feel complimented or worried, I sank down onto the couch, pulling a fluffy pillow to me. I’d always found it easier to handle things with something to hang onto.
“What news? Who is this?”
“I’m sorry. This is Madison Taylor. I’m the manager at Runway but am also the MC for our Valentine’s party at Black Light?”
“Oh, right,” I said, relaxing a bit and then sitting up straighter as the reason for her calling became clear. However, remembering her earlier words, I sank back down, hugging the throw pillow a bit tighter. “I’m guessing by hard, you aren’t calling to inform me that I won the auction?”
“No, I’m sorry, but I’m afraid not.”
“Damn. I know I should think of it not as losing, but as saving twenty grand, right?” I offered, then corrected myself. “Make that $21,002. But just between you and me, I was really hoping those measly extra two dollars would seal the deal.” She laughed and I couldn’t help but laugh with her. “Silly, huh?”
“No, not at all. Like it just shows that you are very creative. And since the bid below yours was $21,000, your two dollars assured you would be our runner-up for Chef Bellington.”
“Runner-up. What does that mean?”
“It means that we really want you to come and be our guest for that evening. If for any reason the winning bidder is unable to attend or chooses not to participate, you would have the opportunity to do so,” Madison explained. I remembered reading something about that in the papers I’d filled out, but hadn’t truly given it much thought. I’d been so sure I’d be the winning bidder. Still, it did offer a sliver of hope that though I might not have crossed the finish line first, I wasn’t yet out of the race.
“I’m not one to wish another ill—”
Madison laughed again. “Of course not, but I can’t say that I blame you. We have a lot of great celebrities, but this one—”
“Is exactly like the name of his restaurant. He’s someone to definitely savor,” I supplied. I could have regaled her with far more tidbits of information I’d garnered about Ronan Bellington, but… well, even I had some pride. It was one thing to be a foodie. A lot of people enthused about delicious food and the people who prepared it. But this chef? My adoration went deeper than gratitude over how he combined ingredients. From the moment I’d seen him, resplendent in his pristine white chef’s coat, all I’d thought about was how he’d look out of it. I had spent many an hour dreaming not about the dishes he created, but how he looked when preparing them in the nude… and how he’d offer me bites from the tines of his fork… when all I really wanted was to take a long lick from his lips down the broad expanse of his chest, over the planes of his rock hard abs and circle the head of his cock, slipping the tip of my tongue into the slit to savor the taste of his…
“Hello? Like… are you still there?”
Good grief, there was something seriously wrong with me. Shaking my head to clear it, I pulled my mind out of the gutter, gulping a mouthful of ice-cold Coke before trusting myself to respond. “Sorry, just thinking. And don’t worry. Even if I didn’t win, I will come. I’ll consider it as research… you know, to fix that God-awful sentence I wrote?”
