Ingredients to Love Read online

  She took a sip of the very smooth wine. “Oh, this is delicious.”

  “Good,” he said, holding her gaze. His buddy cleared his throat.

  “Oh, how rude of me. Alessa, please meet my associates, Lane and Parker.”

  She looked at the two men who reached out to shake her hand hello, their eyes swept over her. She smiled. “So nice to meet you. Did you gentleman enjoy dinner?” she asked and Roberto pulled out a stool for her to sit on. She did, and the moment her butt hit the seat she nearly moaned. Her legs were tired. The wine was delicious and if she drank the full glass she may have needed to take a taxi cab home and would have to suck up the costly fare.

  “It was very good. We’ve never dined here before,” Roberto told her and stared at her face as if he were memorizing it.

  “How long have you worked here?” Lane asked. She glanced up at him. The man had similar features as Roberto. Dark hair, a dusting of gray. They were older, though Parker seemed a little younger, or perhaps dyed his hair to hide the gray. She wasn’t sure.

  “Two years now. It was supposed to be temporary,” she said and took another sip of wine.

  Roberto moved closer to the bar and now his side tapped against hers. He was very attractive, very soft spoken, too.

  “Temporary, why?” he asked.

  “Well, my plan was to perfect my skills, get more experience under my belt before opening my own place, but things happened. I have college loans and other bills to pay.”

  “Culinary school you mean?” Lane asked her.

  She looked at him and Parker.

  “Law school, actually,” she replied. Roberto widened his eyes.

  “Really, so is that how you know Calvin?” he asked.

  She looked away, feeling embarrassed. “Actually, we dated for quite some time.”

  “No. Don’t tell me that. Jesus,” Lane said and shook his head.

  “What? Why did you say that?” she asked, feeling uncomfortable and on alert.

  “The guy is…”

  “An asshole? Stuck up? A know it all?” she added. They laughed.

  “Exactly. So how the hell did someone as gorgeous as you fall into his trap?” Roberto asked. She felt her cheeks warm.

  “Family connections,” she said, and then took another sip of wine.

  Roberto squinted. “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “My family and his family all know one another. They wanted me to marry into the family, and become a lawyer like all the other people in my family, and like those in Calvin’s.”

  “People still do that shit, huh?” Parker asked.

  “You’d be surprised,” she replied.

  “No, we wouldn’t be. I come from a family that would like the same thing. A bond, a business connection with certain people. Like you, I rebelled,” he said, completely grabbing her attention.

  “What did you do?”

  “That’s a long story. So tell me, did you not succeed in becoming a lawyer or did you quit to get back at your parents?”

  “No, I wasn’t trying to get back at my parents. I just realized along the way that my desires, my goals, were different than theirs. I’ve always enjoyed baking, cooking, creating different recipes and things. I wanted to learn more difficult techniques and then create my own masterpieces. Law school didn’t give me that same desire and hunger I suppose.”

  “So you dump Calvin and drop out of law school?” Lane asked.

  “No.” She swallowed hard and the three men stared at her.

  “Calvin cheated on me, I finished law school and passed the Bar but didn’t tell my parents I finished, they thought I dropped out. I pursued my other dream.”

  “You should sound happier about it, but you’re not. Is it just because Calvin showed up here this evening and it’s been some time since you saw him, or did you make a mistake?” Roberto asked her straight out.

  “I just think that life has a way of working itself out. I wouldn’t be happy as a lawyer and I certainly wouldn’t be happy as a naive wife to an adulterous husband.”

  “I told you the guy was a fucking idiot,” Lane said to Roberto, who gave a very small smirk but his eyes were glued to Alessa’s.

  “Life does have a way of working itself out, Alessa. It also connects people along the way that are meant to make a connection. Tell me more about your dreams. I want to know more about you.”

  Her heart hammered inside of her chest. A thousand things swirled through her mind. Like: beware of charming, good looking, older men, especially ones with a connection to Calvin.

  “I don’t think so, Roberto. In fact, I should get going. It’s going to take me a while to get home, and it’s late,” she said and slid off the bar stool. As she turned to place the glass of wine down, she felt a hand on her hip. Large, warm, firm. She turned toward Roberto, looking up into his blue eyes.

  “I didn’t mean to offend you in any way.” He reached up and stroked her jaw. She lowered her eyes.

  “I’m not offended,” she said and glanced up at him.

  He licked his lower lip and combined with the scent of his cologne, the man’s sexy demeanor and she stared at him wondering why she was being such a scaredy cat when she was attracted to the guy. Flirt, have fun, I’m young and single. Then came thoughts of uncertainty, distrust, vulnerability, and insecurity about herself and whether she was good enough for anyone or anything.

  “Don’t go yet. We’ll give you a ride home.”

  She chuckled low. “I don’t think so,” she said, and then went to step to the side and he held her firmer.

  “You’re different, stunning, naturally beautiful, and there’s just something about you, Alessa, that makes me want to learn more. Can I have your number? To call you and set something up?”

  She battled between letting down her guard and taking a little chance here, and then her gut clenched and she felt insecure.

  “I’m sorry, Roberto, but I really don’t have the time to get involved with anyone, and in all honesty, I had a bad experience and I’m still on guard in a lot of ways. It also seems that you’re doing business with Calvin, and that alone makes me feel uncomfortable, but again, thank you for the drink and for the compliment. Perhaps I’ll see you around.” She turned toward Lane and Parker.

  “So nice meeting you. Have a safe ride home,” she said and smiled, then reached for her bags, waved goodnight to Paulo, and then headed out. As she glanced over her shoulder, the three men stared at her and Roberto looked intrigued or maybe annoyed. Had she just blown off the chance at a little excitement in her life? Oh well, too late, she thought as she headed out into the night and began to walk several blocks to the first bus stop. She glanced at her watch. She missed the bus by ten minutes. Now she needed to wait another fifteen minutes. She wondered what may have happened in there fifteen minutes from now.

  A few months ago she would have engaged in conversation, seen where it led and maybe made plans to meet again. Not now. She was a different person, and her life felt as if it were unsettled and messy. She was just waiting, anticipating the worst. Maybe she should have become a lawyer? He gut clenched and tears hit her eyes as she stood by the bus stop waiting to begin her commute home. Was this all worth it? She was starting to not think so.

  * * * *

  “What do you think?” Lane asked Roberto and Parker as they walked out of the restaurant.

  “I think there’s room to negotiate. Put Garcia on her. Find out where she lives, where she hangs out, and a schedule.”

  “You’re going to try and bump into her again?” Parker asked.

  “Definitely. She’s quite interesting. The moment I laid eyes on her, it was instant. Intrigue, attraction, those eyes. Didn’t you see them? They’re like a hazel and green, so stunning,” Roberto replied, getting into the back seat of the limo.

  “What about her connection to Calvin? It could cause problems later if we need to eliminate him,” Lane said.

  “It’s business, Roberto, and depending on ho
w complicated this gets, she could get caught in the middle of something, then what?” Parker added. They were always looking out for him. His security, his good friends.

  “Depends on her response to me, the outcome of the series of events, and this new business venture. Money is being made.”

  “It sure is. What about that little problem from last night?” Parker asked.

  “It was resolved and it isn’t our problem or responsibility. We’re doing what has to be done on our end. Calvin Froster is a scumbag attorney looking for the easy way. He’ll serve his purpose well. We remain anonymous and then the takeover of that block begins. Mark my words, no made men or organized crime families are going to continue to monopolize this city. There’s money to be made and we have the backing of someone pretty damn powerful people.”

  “Yes, but Garcia is extreme when it comes to his ideas as well as his need for revenge,” Lane added.

  “That’s his agenda. I have mine. Put someone on her and get me what I asked for earlier. By the weekend I’ll make another move.”

  Chapter Two

  “I don’t know who the hell is putting the pressure on with these businesses, but these fines are ridiculous. We’ll never be able to purchase that block with all this red tape bullshit,” Roman said to Cobra, Collin, and Fedarro.

  “It doesn’t make sense, which leads me to believe that someone is forcing a hand. They don’t want the group of us buying that block. It’s bullshit considering we run other things there. This process is supposed to be handled by the owner’s estate now that he is deceased. What happened to a one, two, three process?” Fedarro stated.

  “I’m thinking that there’s a definite connection to the incident last night and finding these logs. It confirms that Alvarez is doing business in our territory. Why not deal directly with him and bring this crap to a halt. I’m up for it,” Cobra said and pointed to the logs on the desk.

  “We keep saying someone is trying to get in our way of this investment. Alvarez Colon made the call for the hits and has been picking up some of the business in that neighborhood. That can’t be allowed. He has to be dealt with, especially now that we caught this guy, Roland, red handed and he turned on Alvarez,” Roman said.

  “No, it cannot. So, might I suggest the four of you make a visit to Alvarez and straighten him out personally? That way we can get our lawyers on top of purchasing the block from the owner’s estate,” Collin stated.

  “Hold that thought,” Fedarro said, and they all looked at Fedarro, who was reading something on his cell phone.

  “What is it?” Collin asked and Roman looked at Cobra, then back to Fedarro.

  “More red tape. They’re looking for loopholes in the will and some unpaid taxes or some shit. A waste of time and a way to buy them more time, whoever wants that property. This is insane,” Fedarro stated.

  “Why not just contact the estate and the lawyers for this guy, and work out a deal? The family obviously just wants the money,” Roman said.

  “We tried that, and so did whoever wants the property on the block, too, because there was a call from a lawyer, someone saying there are things to work out, and our lawyers say it’s a bunch of red tape bullshit to destroy our interest. The lawyers feel that whoever the other buyer is, they may have an inside to this whole thing,” Fedarro told them.

  “Son of a bitch. We’ve followed everything legally with this purchase. How can these individuals get away with doing illegal shit to interfere? We’re ready to pay the asking price, even pay back taxes. I don’t get it. It’s like this person is doing this on purpose,” Roman stated.

  “I’m thinking the same thing. Unfortunately, we can’t attack this legally, our lawyers have that job to do. However, we can make Alvarez aware of our determination to get that block. Put the pressure on him. See what info you can get out of him. I’ll talk to the attorneys and see what the next steps are. It would be a hell of a lot easier if I knew who we were up against,” Fedarro said.

  “We haven’t really pushed for that information. I’m sure we could get if we really wanted it,” Collin stated.

  “Maybe we should. Negotiations might need to be done old school,” Fedarro said to his brother. Collin nodded.

  Roman left the room and walked down the hallway from the office. As he passed, he overheard Gisella say Alessa’s name. He paused to listen.

  “So I was thinking that maybe if you could handle it, that you could provide the dessert for this private party? It will be for twenty-four people. You can use the kitchen here. I checked with Bronx and he will allow it since it’s you. I didn’t realize you had such a reputation in the industry already.”

  Roman didn’t know what Gisella was talking about. What reputation in what industry? He walked into the room and Gisella looked up and gave a wave as she wrote things down on paper.

  “Okay, and don’t worry, it will be worth it. They’re going to pay big bucks. I’ll see you Thursday around noontime then? Excellent. Thank you, Alessa,” Gisella said, and ended the call. Roman stood in the doorway.

  “Hey Roman, do Fedarro and Collin need me?” she asked.

  “No, they’re still going over some things. What was that about Alessa and making dessert?” he asked, walking into the room.

  “Oh, yes, Alessa is awesome and is going to help me out in a jam for the party Fedarro’s friend’s sister is having here at Club Empire on Thursday. A total life saver. I’m thrilled to actually see her. It’s been two months since she even hung out or anything.”

  “I know. Is she feeling okay?” he asked. She stared at him and then nibbled her bottom lip as if hesitant to reply. His concern for Alessa went up a notch and he didn’t have that right.

  “Why don’t you call her and ask.”

  “Texted several times over the last few weeks and didn’t get any response. We assumed she was fine.”

  “Hmmm. I don’t know if she is or isn’t. She always has some excuse as to why she can’t hang out. I do know she works a lot.”

  “Where does she work?”

  “At Marchianno’s restaurant. She’s the top pastry chef there.”

  “What? I didn’t know that. She bakes and stuff?”

  Gisella chuckled. “Beyond baking. You’ve never heard the reviews about the pastries there?”

  “I have, but I’m not big on dainty pastries. When I want dessert, it’s all out brownie sundae.”

  Gisella chuckled. “That’s Alessa, too. One of her favorite desserts, but she makes this amazing chocolate brownie that alone is to die for. Anyway, she’s helping me out with this party.”

  “Good, then maybe I’ll see for myself that she’s okay.”

  Gisella stared at him, and an awkward silence fell between them.

  “Uhm, she isn’t seeing anyone. If you were wondering. She doesn’t date. In fact, I’m pretty sure she took on a second job months ago. I don’t even think she has a day off anymore.”

  “Why does she work so much?” he asked, avoiding the first statement about Alessa not dating anyone. Roman had gotten close to Gisella as did the others. He didn’t mind talking to her.

  “I’m not sure, and I feel really bad about that. I haven’t been a good friend. Life has been so crazy, especially after all that crap we went through.”

  “Hey, things happen. All of you ladies are very close. I don’t think a matter of some down time not talking would change that. Maybe see if she wants to meet and talk some more Thursday when she’s here? Then you can catch up.”

  She smiled. “Thanks, Roman. I think I will.”

  “Will what?” Collin asked, smiling and entering the room. He walked right over to Gisella and pulled her into his arms.

  “Talk to Alessa Thursday. She’s going to help out and do the desserts for the party.”

  “Excellent,” Collin said and kissed Gisella.

  “Later,” Roman said and closed the door and left the room. He couldn’t help the feelings he had lately. Thoughts of Alessa, holding her, kissing her,
acting on the attraction they all felt. Yet he knew it wouldn’t work and obviously Alessa wasn’t interested. She was avoiding them and even her friends, and he couldn’t help but feel it was because of him, his brother Cobra, and their cousins, Lenox and Ziek. Maybe Gisella wasn’t the only one who should ask Alessa for some alone time with Alessa to talk?

  * * * *

  Alessa finished shopping for the supplies she would need for the event on Thursday before heading to work. She packed up what she could so it would be easier Thursday morning. She planned on taking a taxi, but then Gisella told her she would send over Gordon and Prince, men who worked as security for Collin and Fedarro, with the SUV so Alessa would have more room. She was relieved it wouldn’t be Lenox, Roman, Cobra, or Ziek. Who was she kidding anyway? They wouldn’t want to see her. They pretty much looked at her like she was too sweet and pure to be involved with men like them, never mind multiple men.

  Grabbing her things, she headed out of her apartment then down the stairs. She exited the front door just as another tenant was coming in, and she said hello before walking toward the sidewalk and the bus stop. She didn’t know why she looked back over her shoulder, but when she did and she saw some guy standing there looking right at her. Alessa felt tense and her gut clenched. She continued to walk, wondering if she was imagining things and when she went to look back, he was no longer there.

  She shook her head and tried to relax, hoping that uneasy feeling would leave her gut, but the entire way to work, even getting off at one stop then taking the next bus to the subway, she kept looking around for that man she saw. But then she saw a different man watching her, and then another by the time she was walking down the sidewalk to the restaurant. Was she losing her mind? Maybe imagining things? She wasn’t sure, but soon it didn’t matter because the restaurant was jammed packed and there were pre-orders for her specialty desserts, including a homemade lava cake and raspberry, pomegranate torte. One of Alda’s favorites.

  In no time, she was working frantically to keep up, and before long, the end of the night approached and she was exhausted. In fact, she kind of cringed knowing she had the special party at Club Empire to get to by noon tomorrow. It didn’t give her much recovery time, or opportunity to go to the gym.