The Game of Love

3

Jade stepped out of the kitchen, the plate in her hand as Diana nudged her to the man sitting by the window.

"Here's your..."

Her words fell short as he turned to face her.

What was he still doing here?

"What are you still doing here?"

She kept her voice low, Kiel's was now filled with customers. Her question caused his lips to widen displaying his perfect row of teeth.

"Getting something to eat. What else would I be doing here?"

Jade felt a remark coming but she held it in. This was her business and he was a paying customer. She placed the plate in front of him, his eyes widening as they met hers.

Jade hated the fact that he looked straight into her eyes, it felt too personal for two persons that just met.

"Wow tomato choka, baigan choka and saltfish with sada roti, who knew that you could produce this in this."

He motioned with his hands at their surroundings, Jade's eyebrows furrowing.

"What do you mean?"

She questioned, ready to let her tongue loose. She would not let his sly remarks pass her by.

"I mean have you seen your menu? There is nothing on it that says that you cater to Caribbean tastebuds."

"My customers are satisfied and that's good enough for me."

She retorted as she began to walk away, his fingers wrapped around her wrist. Her eyes darted to his hand as he pulled it away.

"Please sit. I didn't mean to offend you. I'm just saying."

Jade knew she should just walk away, tell Stephanie and Kyra that the deal was off, she could buy her own plane ticket and pay for her own hotel accommodation but a huge part of her wanted Adrian at her beck and call. She wanted to wipe that cocky confidence off his lips and hear him grovel. Profess his love for her as she rejected him so she took the seat that he was offering.

"How do you know that your customers are satisfied? If you only offer one thing, they have no choice but to take what they're being offered."

"Can't say the same for you now can I?"

He smirked and Jade could see the boyish charm in his face. She wondered how many women he made his prey with that smirk alone.

"I'm just different."

"Clearly."

Jade retorted, watching as he broke the sada roti with his fingers and dipped it into the choka, a moan escaping his lips as he chewed. Jade couldn't help the satisfied grin that spread across her lips.

"Wow, tell the chef I said he's good."

Jade didn't mind tooting her own horn and making the man eat his words.

"She said thank you."

His eyes widened.

"You made this?"

Jade nodded.

"Okay, no wait. You did not make this."

"I did."

He paused, his eyes searching hers for a lie.

"Wow, you made this."

"Is it that hard to believe?"

He nodded.

"I mean have you seen your menu? With skills like this, why are you only serving American cuisine? You're gifted, this would sell."