Chapter 5

"Okay, bud, you look as handsome as ever," I said as I finished combing his hair back and then kissing his forehead.

"Thank you, Mama!" He giggled and held onto me as we got up.

"Listen, baby; Mama woke up a little late. I made your breakfast, but we won't have time to eat at home, so you can eat in the car, okay?" I said, packing up the French toast I made along with some fruit in, of course, his strawberry lunch box.

"Otay!" He grinned and ran to grab his shoes, always ready to go out.

After dropping him off at his aunt's, I went to the penthouse and was led in by a maid. Amelia's car was in the shop, so I left her mine and took the bus. Once I was in, I wasted no time and headed straight to the kitchen and started preparing Zavier's food.

I cooked oatmeal in a small bowl topped with cut-up strawberries, a whole wheat pita stuffed with spinach and strips of chicken, an oddly specific coffee order, and a smoothie. A lot of things he wanted were very specific, but they weren't difficult to make.

Just as I was done setting the table, I saw Zavier coming out of his room dressed in a charcoal black suit paired with a navy dress shirt that he tucked in. His hair was swept back neatly. I greeted him and watched as he sat down and dug in immediately.

*Zavier's POV*:

*I looked down at the meal in front of me. It seemed delicious. I looked up at Amara, narrowing my eyes at her for a moment. She seemed so familiar, probably because she looked similar to a model I knew. I took a bite of the pita. Damn, this was good. I was hoping it wasn't because I preferred the previous cook...sadly, I had to let her retire and be with her grandkids at some point*.

"*Sir?" she asked, lips pressed together. I could tell she was desperate to know what I thought*.

"*Hmm, not bad. Just lay off the salt a little next time, and make sure the oats aren't this hot," I replied sternly and watched as she nodded*.

By now, a whole week had passed, and each meal she made me just kept getting better. It bugged me that I couldn't figure out who she was. Her face seemed so familiar, yet I couldn't remember her.

I finished up work late today. I had one last call to make, but it was scheduled for midnight. Mr. Wilkens was somewhere in Germany, so the time difference was the reason for the midnight call. I put no request in for dinner because I wanted to see what she could come up with herself.

I walked into the kitchen, the delicious aroma filling my nose and making my stomach grumble. I walked up behind her while she was busy behind the stove, my large hand resting on her back as I leaned over to see what she was making. Amara let out a soft gasp, and her body tensed then relaxed again when she saw it was me.

"Would you like a taste?" she asked, stirring the pot and then scooping some food onto a wooden spoon.

"Sure." I shrugged, and she held the spoon to my mouth. I let out a hum of approval, wanting more but knowing I had to wait till it was finished. "This is good."

"Thanks, I get paid to do it." She chuckled and continued making dinner.

"What made you go to culinary school?" I asked, walking to the fridge and pouring us both a glass of soda.

"Think I'm not fit enough?" Amara joked.

"No, not at all. When I saw you, I thought you were a model for the company," I replied, a slight smirk tugging on my lips as I walked back to hand her the other glass.

"I wish, but no, I'm just a cook." She blushed a little as she took the drink, her dainty fingers grazing mine.

"If you ever consider switching careers, you can try it out here." I cleared my throat, watching as she nodded and stared into her drink.

"I'll take that into consideration if my boss decides to fire me." Amara laughed and took a sip of her soda.

"You didn't answer my question from before,"

"Oh, simple-Mom's a terrible cook. Dad served in the army, so he'd teach me all these delicious recipes before going, and ever since, I preferred cooking myself," she explained, setting the glass to the side and continuing to make my dinner.

"I see. I'll be out of your hair now," I announced, setting the empty glass in the sink and walking to my room.

*After speaking to my mother on the phone, I took a shower and got ready for dinner. I walked into the living room and could hear her on the phone with someone*.

"*I love you too, baby. Can't wait to get home. Tomorrow will be all about you," I heard her say into the phone. Who was this baby? I didn't know she had a man. I couldn't shake off the hint of jealousy I had over this woman I barely even knew. I walked up to her*.

"*I have a family gathering tomorrow, and I expect you to come along," I said to her without thinking twice and immediately regretted it*.

"*But, sir, I have-" Amara wanted to decline, but the way I stared down at her made her sigh, "Okay. What time*?"

"*You come here at 5. We'll leave at 5:30," I announced, walking to the dining table, which was already set for me*.

"*One more thing: I feel bad eating alone, so do join me." I pointed to the chair across from me. She stood still for a moment then walked to the kitchen, returning with a plate too, and sat down. We ate in silence. Her professionalism impressed me a lot. I had to fire many people because they kept stepping over the line, but this one seemed to want the job. Once we were both finished, Amara ended up helping Miss Elsa clean up the table, though it was not in her job description*.

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