“I was looking for Jason,” Emily explained as Sonny Corinthos exited his kitchen in response to the sound of the penthouse's front door closing. “Is he here?”
“No. I haven't seen him since this morning. But you're welcome to wait for him. I'm cooking lasagna and dinner is always at six. He's sure to stop in for a plate.”
Emily smiled brightly. “For your lasagna, yeah.” She shed her heavy overcoat. “Are you sure it's alright if I wait?”
Sonny took the coat from her hands and hung it on the rack by the door. “Of course it is, Emily. I tell you that same thing every time you come here.” He flashed his patented dimpled smile. “I also tell you that you are welcome here in my home anytime –day or night.”
Emily felt her cheeks grow warm. It was merely her overactive imagination that seemed to sense an additional emphasis placed upon the word ‘night'. Sonny was Jason's friend, and several years older than her to boot. “Thank you,” she responded softly.
Sonny considered the young woman for several minutes. Emily sat on the sofa with her head bowed, smooth dark hair shading her face from his view.
“Why don't you come give me a hand in the kitchen?” Sonny extended his hand her way.
“ Your kitchen?” The mob boss' fussiness concerning his kitchen was common knowledge. Very few people even got to see the inside of Sonny's kitchen, much less cook there.
“Yes,” he laughed, pulling her along, “ my kitchen.”
An array of delectable aromas assaulted Emily's nose as soon as she stepped into the kitchen. “Mmmm…” she breathed in the scent of fresh herbs. “It smells wonderful in here.”
“I'm glad you approve.”
Emily jumped as Sonny's strong arms wrapped around her. Her mouth fell open in shock, snapping shut only when she felt the tug of the apron strings which he tied around her.
Too much imagination again .
“You don't want to mess up your outfit,” Sonny teased, his breath warm against her ear.
“Th-thanks.”
Emily was convinced that the vibes she was getting from Sonny were not in her imagination alone. But she had no time to think about such things. Sonny was all business when it came to cooking. He was precise and exacting about how things had to be. As she watched him focus so completely upon the task before him, Emily was able to relax and just enjoy the experience.
“We're done,” Sonny finally announced, removing the apron he wore. “You know that you're gonna have to stay and enjoy this amazing dinner we created?”
He sensed her impending protest. “C'mon…” He turned on his most dazzling smile. “You can't refuse such an invitation.”
“Well…”
“Good. It's done.” Sonny gestured for Emily to turn around. She felt the faint brush of his fingers against her clothing as they undid the knot that held the apron around her waist.
Emily turned to address Sonny and was brought up short when she realized that he had not stepped back from her. A slow heat seemed to race along her entire body as she watched him reach out and gently twirl a strand of her dark hair between his fingers.
“You've become a beautiful young woman,” Sonny murmured before releasing a sigh of regret. “If only…” He stepped back. “You'd better get going, Emily.”
Sonny's voice held no room for compromise. Confused at the sudden change of mood, Emily moved toward the door.
“Emily!” Sonny's call halted her exit. She looked back to see a sad smile upon his face. “Promise me,” he said quietly, “that someday, after you have broken a few hearts, you'll come back and look me up.”
“I promise,” she smiled weakly. Then she turned and left.
