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one you showed me when you found me working on Devs birthday cake in the middle of the
night. I can t accept your wife s ring, Bobby.
Robert pushed it back at him. I have held this for you to give to her from the first day
you came to be with me. I see the way you watch her, with a love that is true. Like what Jazz and
I had. Like what I have with your mother now. It is much the same situation. I tell you it was
fated to be. One day, he lifted one finger, that is all it took to make you both see with your
hearts. Now, take this and give it to her.
But, Bobby, I want Jazz, I mean, Devan to pick what she wants. I want her to be happy.
My uncle reached out and touched my chin. I see that your mind speaks but your mouth
does not. Tell him so he understands what I know to be true about you.
Staring into my uncle s dark eyes, I shrugged, finding myself on the verge of tears yet
again. It doesn t matter what I tell him, he doesn t seem to believe me.
Then tell me what is wrong.
Why do men think they have to buy me? What am I doing wrong? Why can t they just
accept me and what I offer--my unconditional love? I broke down crying and turned away from
SIMMERING SEDUCTIONS Mandy M. Roth 112
him. I felt the weight of the kitchen staff s stare on me. Excuse me.
I headed out of the kitchen fast, not wanting to talk anymore about it. If Kurt was so sure
that I was materialistic that he d not only leave me and never look back but try to insist on
spending an outrageous amount of money on a ring then we had nothing. I was still reeling over
the fact that he tried to take me to Tiffany s to pick anything I wanted. Why couldn t he
understand that he was the only thing I d ever wanted in my life and that he d already given me a
gift that was immeasurable?
Devan?
I stalled at the sound of a voice that always made me cringe. Tonight was no exception.
Chas Martin moved in close to me and put his hand on my arm. I fought the urge to stomp on his
foot and spit in his eye.
Are you okay?
Do I look okay?
I m fine. Forcing a smile to my face, I held my emotions in.
Chas tipped his head and piles of unnaturally blond hair fell into his grey-blue eyes.
Pardon me for saying so, but you don t look fine.
You may be an ass, but you re perceptive. I ll give you that much, I said, not bothering
to sugarcoat it.
Laughing, Chas shrugged. Anyway I can be of service, my lady.
I couldn t help but smile. His face lit and he adjusted his navy silk tie. Job well done if I
do say so myself. I don t think I can remember a time when I made you smile and it wasn t a lip
curling, want to gouge my eyes out kind of smile.
It felt good to laugh. I winked and nodded. Thank you for this.
See, I m not all that bad.
I wouldn t go that far, I said, giving him a suspicious look. But, I can say that you
wear who you are on your sleeve, Chas. A woman knows what she s getting when it comes to
you.
Are you saying I have an enter at your own risk sign above my head? He grinned.
More like 'high maintenance but still. Taking a deep breath in, I nodded. Okay, I need
to go find my son now.
Want some help? he asked, sliding his hand down my arm.
Kurt was suddenly there, removing Chas hand from me and drawing me into his arms.
No, she doesn t want or need your help.
Devan? Chas asked.
I looked at Kurt and shook my head, unable to believe what I d just heard. Excuse you,
Chef Holland, but I think you just overstepped your bounds and were incredibly rude to an
acquaintance of mine. If you have something you would like to discuss with me, it can be done
in private.
Chef Kurt Holland?
Kurt didn t respond. He simply stared down at me with a hard expression. Rolling my
eyes, I nodded for him. Yes, Chas. This is Chef Kurt Holland. Kurt this is Chas Martins.
Mom, Brody said, rushing towards me. He looked so handsome all dressed up that I
couldn t help but smile.
Wow, lookin hot, buddy.
His face reddened. Mom.
Sorry, didn t mean to embarrass you again. Maybe we could work out some sort of
SIMMERING SEDUCTIONS Mandy M. Roth 113
signal. It would let me know when I m doing it.
Don t bother. I d be doing it all the time. He smiled. But, I guess you re not that bad.
Want me to pinch your cheeks and make cute noises at you, poopsie?
Poopsie? You re evil, woman. Evil.
Chas laughed deeply. Oh, he knows you well, Devan.
Don t encourage him, Chas.
Chas? Brody asked, his face hardening. Chas Martins?
Chas shifted awkwardly, and nodded. I should be getting back to my table now. It was
nice to see you again, Devan. Nice to meet you Chef Holland, Brody.
Yeah, run, asshole, Brody said, slightly under his breath.
My eyes widened. I went to yell at him but Kurt beat me to it. Broderick Kyle Holland,
you will not use that language again. Understood?
Brody nodded and turned a set of hard eyes on Chas. I would say I m sorry but I m not.
I ll risk getting grounded for you to know that I don t like you one bit.
Holland? Chas asked, looking a bit nervous. What do you mean, Holland? Your last
name is Charter, Devan. Brody s last name is Charter.
I ignored him and focused on my son. Brody, we will talk about this later.
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