-- C H A P T E R
F O R T Y - T W O --

Freddie has a personal chef that occasionally comes to serve him food when he has guests over or if he isn't in the mood for cooking. His name was Jeff. Jeff was a man with very few words, but what he lacked in speaking he put into his food. Freddie had requested Jeff to make chicken cordon bleu; a dish that I've never had before, but I was willing to try.

It was actually quite delicious. Along with my dish was a side of mashed potatoes and asparagus. Freddie had a glass of wine, and I had a glass of strawberry lemonade that was made from scratch. As Jeff allowed us to eat, I couldn't help but wonder if Freddie cooked himself.

"Do you cook when Jeff isn't around?" I ask, taking my forkful of chicken into my mouth.

"I do," Freddie replies, finishing up the last of his plate. His glass of wine is gone, but I see he has no interest in pouring another. "I can cook gammy and a few other British pub foods. I'm learning how to make American cuisine such as macaroni and cheese."

I hear a snort come from the kitchen. I turn to face Jeff, who is shaking his head.

"What's so funny, Jeff?" I ask, smirking.

"Mr. Highmore can't make macaroni and cheese to save his life," he says. "I have taught him, and each time, he ends up burning the noodles." He places the cooking utensils in their appropriate place, chuckling.

From the corner of my eye, I see Freddie's face begin to flush a deep red. It was kind of cute.

I pat my hand on Freddie's arm. "Don't worry, Freddie," I say. "I still love you just the same. Maybe you can let me reach you how to make Mac 'n cheese."

Freddie smiles a bit, his dimple showing. "I'd like that."

After we finish our meal, Freddie takes me to his backyard. This was the one thing he hadn't shown me yet. Once he closes the sliding doors behind us, he stands next to me as I look in awe at the area before me.

Resting in the center of it, was a lagoon type pool. Adjacent to it was a jacoozi and surrounding the entirety of the backyard was an immaculate flower garden. It almost looked similar to George Harrison's.

"Wow," I state, astonished at the sight. "this is beautiful!"

"Not as beautiful as you," Freddie replies, snaking his arms around my waist. "I'd love to sit out here with you every evening and just listen to the night. I'd love to make love to you on every part of this backyard. The grass..." He places a kiss on my forehead. "...on the poolside..." He trails down to my cheek. "....on the brick wall... On the table and chairs... The hammock..." He places a tender kiss on my neck, then nips at it; sending a chill to go down my spine.

"The hot tub... The pool..." He blows hot air into my ear, sending another chill down my spine. "I'd love to have you all to myself..."

"I'd love that, t-too..." I stammer, completely weak in the knees. "Why don't we go back inside and look the contract over like you s-said?"

"That sounds like a good idea." Freddie agrees as I face him. "I love seeing you shudder like this," he continues. "it turns me on, knowing I made you like this. I can just imagine what you'll do to me when you fall apart."

He ushers me back inside, where we begin to take out the contract. The feeling of Freddie's bite still lingered on me, and I wasn't ashamed to admit that I wanted him to do it again.

°°°

Author's Note:

What do you think will happen in the next chapter? Do you think Amanda will sign the contract? Let me know in the comments below!

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~ Valerie Matthews