Chapter 50

DREW

Turning off the oven, I removed my apron and smoothed my hair back as I padded to the foyer to welcome my unexpected visitor. While I waited for the elevator, I wiped my palms on my flared cotton dress and checked my reflection in the hallway mirror.

The stainless steel door slid open and the Stefano stepped out. He had ditched his Italian bespoke suit today and gone with a more casual look of jeans and a navy turtleneck. His silky brown hair was brushed back and neat as usual. This was a man who was sure of himself. He had the looks, the money, and the career to go with it.

“Ellington,” he said, holding out his hand in greeting. “I’m so glad you could see me at such short notice.”

“You didn’t give me a choice,” I said, gesturing to the grey curved sofa against the wall. “Can I get you anything?” We settled on the corners of the seat, keeping a respectable distance.

“No,” his eyes took in his surroundings before landing on me. “I’m not going to take much of your time.”