Seduction on the CEO's Terms by Charlene Sands Page B

contagious, and as Ali glanced around, she found smiles on all the guests’ faces. Out of the blue, Royce appeared next to her.
    â€œGive me a rain check on a dance,” he said. “I couldn’t get away long enough to show you my dance skills.”
    He’d changed from his chef’s uniform into dark slacks and a black shirt. She couldn’t deny her neighbor his good looks. She’d noticed more than one female’s head turn in his direction during the night.
    â€œThat’s okay, Royce. You showed me your culinary skills.”
    â€œWell?”
    â€œAbsolutely perfect. Every dish was delicious.”
    Royce closed his eyes, savoring the compliment. “Thankyou, Ali. You recommended me for this event, and I didn’t want to let you down.”
    â€œYou didn’t,” she said. Then she tilted her head. “In fact, you exceeded my expectations.”
    â€œThe same can be said about you. You put this party together in record time, and it looked as if you’d worked on it for months instead of weeks.”
    They shared a moment of mutual admiration.
    â€œLet me finish up in the kitchen, and I’ll drive you home,” Royce said.
    â€œI’m taking Ali home.”
    Ali turned to find Joe beside her, his jaw tight as he faced Royce. Where had he come from? Ali hadn’t seen him since he’d taken off to speak with that elderly winemaker.
    â€œIt’s not a problem,” Royce said. “We live in the same building.”
    Joe removed his glasses slowly, squaring off with Royce. Neither one of the men looked like they’d back down. Ali felt like a pawn in some macho game. “Actually, I have my own car. But thank you both for the offer.”
    There, she’d settled it.
    Joe hesitated, eyeing Royce, then slipped his glasses back on. “The food was exceptional tonight.”
    Royce seemed surprised at the compliment. His rigid stance relaxed some. “Thank you.”
    That’s what she loved about Joe. He was fair-minded. “Ali recommended you, and I trust her judgment.”
    â€œI’m happy to have the honor.” Royce glanced at Ali. “I’ve got to see to the cleanup in the kitchen. Catch you later, Ali.”
    â€œSee you, Royce.”
    Ali turned to face Joe, his expression noncommittal. “I’ll be leaving shortly, unless there’s anything else you need me to do?”
    â€œNo, you’ve outdone yourself with this party. Tony and Rena are thrilled with how it all turned out. I am, too.”
    â€œIt was a pleasure,” she said. “Well, then I’d better say good-night to them.” She turned to leave.
    â€œWait,” Joe said firmly. “It’s a difficult drive down the hill at night. You don’t know the roads. I’ll follow you.”
    â€œBut you don’t have—”
    â€œNo arguments, Ali. I’m following you home.”

Five
    J oe followed behind Ali’s car until she parked in her garage. He watched her get out. He debated for a half second whether to get out of the car and walk her to the door, a little war waging in his head.
    The kiss they shared earlier was still on his mind. He’d been foolish to do it, yet he hadn’t been able to stop himself. Ali had looked vulnerable and a little sad, something he’d not recognized in her before. The change in her made him want to comfort and console her. He’d meant to plant a little peck on her lips, but the minute he’d taken her into his arms, something snapped inside him. He wanted to hold her and go on holding her. To kiss her and go on kissing her.
    He wanted to do more.
    Warning bells rang out in his head. His mind screamed that she was off-limits. He wasn’t ready for any relationship,much less one with his employee. How many times had he reminded himself of that?
    Joe stepped out of his car and leaned against it. “Thank you for following me home, Joe. It