84 Chapter 84 French Desserts and Forbidden Temptations
Chapter 84 French Desserts and Forbidden Temptations
“That’s just a minor detail, honey. A very minor detail,” she said with a dismissive wave. “Besides, I haven’t forgotten how cozy Noah’s been getting with Llam lately. And I definitely haven’t forgotten about that shameless woman practically throwing herself at him at the Community Guild.”
“Finally, my nephew brings beautiful women to my restaurant instead of just his usual group of troublemakers,” the older man said warmly.
“Dessert, ladies?” Gavin called out enthusiastically as our plates were cleared.
“Hazel, I’m not going to pretend I’m not interested in you,” Levi said, his voice dropping lower. “You’re beautiful, intelligent, and I think we have real chemistry. I know you’re confused right now, but what if you just let things develop naturally between us? No pressure, just see where it goes.”
“Thank you, Levi. You’re looking quite handsome yourself,” I replied, allowing myself to appreciate how well his navy blazer fit his shoulders.
“Ladies, we are going to absolutely destroy these men tonight,” Thea announced with her trademark confidence. “We look absolutely incredible.”
“Perfect. And as your friend, I’m always available when you need to teach Sterling a lesson,” he said, raising his wine glass. “Or when you want to make him jealous.”
“Simple strategy, Hazel. I told him it was girls night out,” Chloe replied, casually touching up her lipstick.
“How about trying something different tonight, Hazel?” Levi suggested, his twinkling, “Chocolate cake is safe, but why not be adventurous?”
eyes
“It’s harmless fun, Hazel. We’re just enjoying ourselves with some friends.” Hazel’s POV
“But is it the kind of complicated that’s worth fighting for,” he pressed, “or the kind where maybe you’re not sure you want to fight anymore?”
“This is incredible,” I breathed, taking another bite.
BX Chapter 845 French Desserts and Forbidden Temptations
“Smoking hot is more like it, Chloe agreed, checking her reflection in the restaurant’s glass doors. “Vi texted that they’re already inside, so let’s make our entrance.”
The mischief in his expression made me laugh despite myself.
“It’s called tarte aux pommes,” Levi explained, watching my reaction. “Classic French apple tart with vanilla ice cream. I thought you might like it.”
“What did you have in mind?” I asked, intrigued by his playful tone.
His directness caught me off guard. I found myself being more honest than I’d intended.
The conversation flowed easily as we settled in. Levi was everything Liam wasn’t- lighthearted, attentive, completely present in the moment. The guys had already ordered drinks, and when the wine arrived, it was perfectly chosen. Their childhood. friendship was evident in their easy banter and shared stories that had us all laughing.
“We’re selective about our company, Uncle,” Gavin replied with mock seriousness. “Yes, we can be friends,” I agreed.
“So Hazel,” Levi said during the main course, his green eyes studying my face intently, “this situation with Sterling – is it actually serious?”
Chapter 84 – French Desserts and Forbidden Temptations
“You’re absolutely ruthless, Chl, I laughed, capping my mascara.
When I opened them, Levi was staring at me with an intensity that made my cheeks flush.
I took a bite and couldn’t suppress a soft moan of pleasure. The apples were caramelized to perfection, the pastry buttery and light, the ice cream providing the perfect cool contrast. I closed my eyes to savor the combination of flavors.
My heart skipped a beat at his boldness. This was exactly the kind of attention Liam never gave me – focused, uncomplicated, direct.
“Trust me to surprise you?”
“Now,” Gavin announced as his uncle walked away, “it’s time to showcase our musical talents at karaok
1994: Chapter #14 French Desserts and Forbidden Temptations
As we prepared to leave for the next venue, I caught Levi watching me again, that same intense look in his eyes. For the first time in weeks, I felt desired, appreciated, completely seen. It was a dangerous feeling, and I wasn’t sure I wanted it to end.
your presence tonight. I hope
Ladies, thank you for gracing my establishment with you’ll return often, and don’t wait for these boys to bring you.”
The restaurant took my breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over tables draped in elegant gray linens with crisp white overlays. The chairs were upholstered in sophisticated black and white florals, and the aroma of French cuisine filled the air. The hostess led us through the dining room, and I watched the guys‘ faces light up as they spotted us approaching.
“Chloe, I have to ask,” I said while applying mascara in my bathroom mirror, “how exactly did you manage to get Noah to sign off on–tonight?”
“I’m feeling brave tonight.”
When the dessert arrived, I gasped. It was a work of art – golden pastry with perfectly arranged apple slices, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
“Fair enough,” he said, that playful smile returning. “But we can be friends, right? Lunch dates, drinks, all the things friends do. I promise not to read too much into it. And I’ll admit, I do enjoy getting under Sterling’s skin.”
The taxi was already waiting when we stepped outside. We arrived at the restaurant just as Stella and Thea were getting out of their own cab.
“It’s complicated,” I admitted, taking a sip of wine.
Her tone turned sharp at the memory, and I could see the fire in her eyes.
“Levi, you’re an amazing guy, and I do enjoy spending time with you,” I said carefully. “But my life is a mess right now. I won’t lead you on when I don’t know what’s happening with Liam.”
“Hazel,” Levi said, rising from his seat with that devastating smile, “you manage to become more stunning every time I see you.”
“See? Trying new things can be surprisingly rewarding,” he said, his voice carrying a double meaning that wasn’t lost on me. “They say the apple is the forbidden fruit, Hazel. But it tastes pretty good, doesn’t it?”
94 Chapter a Franch Desserts and Forbidden Templations
“I dressed specifically with you in mind,” he said, leaning closer as he pushed in my
chair.
“I’m completely in love with him, but it feels like there’s always something going wrong
between us.”
He pulled out my chair with practiced elegance, his fingers brushing mine as I sat down.
“Always.” Thea replied, and I noticed she’d been completely absorbed in conversation with him all evening. Owen would lose his mind if he could see this.
“I can’t wait to perform.” Scarlett said, practically bouncing in her seat.
Before I could respond, Gavin’s uncle appeared at our table.
“And the part about the guys being there?” I pressed, catching her eye in the
reflection.
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