“Is he joking?” Emma’s not allowed to cook, Lisa thought. “Isn’t he being just a bit too overprotective?” She was too intimidated by Eric to say anything, though. And Emma, letting out a small laugh, seemed to find his concern amusing. She wasn’t used to people caring about what happened to her, so he made her feel warm, like sunshine on a winter’s day.
Emma briefly shared the outcome from Secret’s meeting and then handed over the amended contract to Eric, who sat on the sofa next to her, gently running his hand through her hair. “The entertainment industry changes as often as the winds,” he said. “It’s not uncommon for a newcomer to be able to break into the industry, so it’s hard to predict what will happen tomorrow.”
“Mia must still be dreaming about helping Amber make a comeback, which is why she agreed to amend the contract so easily,” he continued. “She must be thinking that if Amber successfully makes a comeback, she could easily step all over you again.”
“That’s right,” Lisa agreed with Eric. “I just did a quick search for Amber’s name. Everything that came up was about the battle between her and Emma. All the so-called modeling industry experts have started comparing them. They’re saying that Emma’s just trying to be a second Amber. It’s pretty nasty.”
“Agreed,” Ashley chimed in. “They’re even comparing different parts of their bodies. According to them, Emma’s only advantage over Amber is her legs. What a joke! They’re making it sound like Amber was born stylish and Emma was born dull. Who are they kidding? Amber isn’t even on the same plane as Emma.”
Just the thought of it made Lisa angry. Emma found herself in the position of trying to comfort Lisa. “This is just what they do to stir up interest in their own publications. It’s not worth getting angry over. Just let Amber enjoy it while she can.”
Eric remained silent, but his dark eyes lit up in appreciation of Emma’s wise comments. Emma took a quick glance at Eric and shook his knee as she asked, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“I’m thinking we should let Amber’s overconfidence cause her downfall,” Emma reached out for Eric’s hand. As she’d expected, Eric was the person who understood her best and didn’t need her to explain what she was thinking.
The media had released a statement that focused completely on supporting Amber. This didn’t bother Emma at all, though. Mia could go ahead and inflate Amber’s image, as well as everyone’s expectations of her. Most likely, Amber would become known as an upcoming star in the modeling industry. But the higher she climbed, the farther she’d fall when everyone saw her true skills.
“When the time comes, you won’t have to say a word. You’ll just need to be yourself, and that will be your best,” Eric’s words rang with confidence in his new life. Emma smiled back at him, back at his support.
Lisa listened to Eric and then looked at Emma in front of Nathan. Emma was sharp as a porcupine; she wouldn’t let him or anyone else close enough to take advantage of her. However, in front of Eric, Emma showed her softer side, just as he was softer in front of her. She didn’t rely on Eric to handle her problems, but she would listen attentively to Eric’s opinions. It seemed deep down he was the only one she trusted.
“Two are so perfect for each other,” Lisa thought. “I can’t wait to see the miracle Emma creates for Secret Magazine’s cover.” She was also eager to see what Eric was going to make for dinner.
Eric and Emma went to the kitchen to see what was available. After assessing the contents of the refrigerator and cupboards, Eric rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Knowing he didn’t want her to help, but not content just to watch, Emma slowly approached him from behind and gave him a hug.
“It’s going to be greasy and smoky in here, and there are sharp objects. I don’t want you to risk getting burned or hurt. Why don’t you go back to the living room and have another glass of champagne with the women?” Eric’s attention was focused on chopping carrots, the knife in his competent hands a blur as he moved faster and faster.
“You’re so nice to me, I’m starting to get scared,” Emma said as she leaned on Eric and wrapped her arms around him. “You know that when it comes to relationships, I don’t have a sense of security. I’m afraid that one day you’ll leave me.”
“Why would I ever do that? And I don’t believe that you would just stand there and watch me leave. My ambitious, strong Emma would have the courage to hold on to me, even if I did anything so stupid as even think about leaving you.” Still standing behind him, she slowly undid the top two buttons of his shirt and placed her warm hands on his chest.
“You were really distracting me from cooking,” Eric let out a laugh. “And that’s not so safe while I’m holding a knife.” Emma slowly snuck around Eric so that she was now between him and the counter. She moved her hands from his chest, replacing them with her warm, soft lips trailing slow kisses down to his stomach. She said, “Am I distracting you now?”
Eric finally put the knife down and wrapped his arms tightly around Emma. “Are you planning to give me dessert before dinner?” Emma’s fingers drew circles on Eric’s bare skin. “Am I sweet enough for you?” Eric almost stopped breathing as he lifted her chin and kissed her. “I’ll need to have a taste to see just how sweet you are.”
Erica loved, however, had so many different sides to her. She could be quiet and gentle but also enchanting and wild. No matter which side she showed him, the result was the same. She always made him crazy with desire. This reminded him it was about time to give her the other surprise he’d been preparing.
Dinner preparations took a lot longer than anticipated. Lisa and Ashley had started to wonder what was taking so long in the kitchen but decided it was better not to go investigate. By the time dinner was finally ready to be served, two hours had passed. Lisa was not merely surprised by the feast spread before her; she was simply amazed. She had expected, after Emma’s build-up, that Eric would be a competent cook, but he was extraordinary. Who could have expected that the famous CEO of Kaleidoscope Entertainment was so talented in the kitchen? His reputation for being emotionless must be hiding his true nature. Nobody could cook like this without passion.
“Eric, this is amazing! I can’t wait to taste everything. Control yourself, Emma,” Lisa said. “You look like you’re planning to auction off the meal online to the highest bidder.”
“I must admit that crossed my mind,” Lisa admitted, “but I really just want to eat it all. I’m so grateful for this beautiful meal.” By the way, Emma,” she whispered in her ear, “what were you really doing in the kitchen for two hours?”
Before Emma could do more than smirk, Eric interrupted. “Let’s eat. After dinner, we have something important to do.”
“What do you have planned, Emma?” asked in surprise. “You’ll find out when the time comes,” Eric brushed his hands through her hair lovingly. Lisa and Ashley were completely enchanted by their interactions. Those two were so lucky to have found each other. However, the biggest surprise of the night was yet to come.
