Page 35 of Goalie Secrets
“What did you put in the rice?” Rose asks while leaning over the stove.
“It’s a secret,” I answer because only an amateur gives up all his recipes.
“I see beans and cilantro,” Ken offers.
“It smells richer. A new spice maybe?”
“It’s achiote, I think,” Sabrina guesses correctly which impresses me. It’s not a common ingredient.
“It’s used for a Filipino oxtail stew. Gives everything that warm orange tinge.”
“You’ll have to cook it for us some time,” I urge.
“Oh, I don’t cook it. I hate oxtail! But Dexter makes it for when my parents visit.”
As if on cue, Dexter slides beside Sabrina and wraps an arm around her waist.
“You need to give oxtail a try, babe. Suck all that gelatine from the bones,” he says with wiggling brows.
“Ick,” she says, but it’s drowned out by everyone’s varying protests: “You’re ruining my appetite!” “What the hell is an oxtail?” “Who’s sucking what?”
“You guys are gross. Out of my kitchennow,” I grumble. “And Gordon, I saw you sneak that empanada.”
“Oh, I’ll take one too, then,” Sean says, crowding closer to the food.
“Grab me one!” Randi yaps from the living room.
Five people linger behind the kitchen island and three in front. It’s not a big house, and the kitchen is tight as it is. The Pepián de Pollo must be stirred at regular intervals or it won’t simmer properly, but I can barely turn around to reach the stove.
“Out, out, out!” I yell while shoving my teammates’ shoulders
“Oh, um, sorry. OK, we’ll go” I hear from beyond the chatter. It’s Vanya, sounding confused. This is not the welcome I planned.
“Vanya!” Sabrina comes to the rescue with her cheerful greeting. “Don’t mind him. Jeremy is a control freak when it comes to cooking. Come in, come in.”
When Vanya enters and removes her coat, I get stuck mid-swallow because wow, I’ve never seen her in a dress like that. In a dress that freaking gorgeous.
“Ahem,” Ken says with a hand on my shoulder. “You might want to have a glass of water before you introduce us to your new guests. You look parched, my friend.”
I swallow with some difficulty but manage to announce, “Make yourself at home. Dinner is almost ready.”
“You’ve got to try these empanadas,” Gordon says mid-chew.
Everyone gathers around Vanya and her friend. While I stir the pot, I catch more glimpses of what she’s wearing. Her dress isn’t clingy but it isn’t loose either, hugging her waist and flaringout to accommodate those luscious thighs. The blue hue isn’t subdued, either. It’s the kind of blue that makes her skin glow. This is the first time I’ve seen Dr. Vanya Kapur in anything but casual clothes. It is impossible to look away.
The only thing that might beat this dress are the black leggings she wore that night. I recall pulling them down so I could eat her out. Dammit, now I’m getting hard. Think of something else. The distraction from my arousal comes easily.Gordon, Sean, Randi.All three leering at my doctor is a definite turnoff.
I shut off the heat on the stove, wash my hands, and play host, making sure introductions are made and drinks are served. Closer to Vanya, it’s harder to ignore her scooped neckline where her subtle cleavage might as well be a magnet to my eyeballs. With effort, I focus on her face. That doesn’t work, either, because she’s absolutely stunning tonight. Her eyes are bold and smoky. Her lips are tinted with the shade of cherries. Her hair frames high cheekbones, strands looking smoother than silk and smelling like a fancy spa.
Ashley, her friend visiting from Boston, is a bubbly blonde who captivates everyone by declaring: “We’re practically sisters! We even shared clothes till she outgrew me.”
Ashley points up at Vanya who is a good five inches taller.
“But Vanya in crop tops and short shorts is cute, not gonna lie.”
“I bet,” Sean mumbles with a smirk. I want to whack him on the head. I hope he enjoys that empanada, because it’s the last one he’s ever getting.
“Let’s get started,” I announce, grabbing the wine to put on the table. “The table isn’t large, so we do buffet style and then sit down.” The explanation is directed at Vanya and Ashley since all the other guests have been here before.