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run through the mountains, enjoying the fresh air as it cleansed him. Then he’d sat in silence and meditation for a good twenty minutes, using the visualization techniques Brandon had urged him to use.
    It had worked somewhat, and he was going to do his best to pretend like nothing bad was happening in his life right now. He would do his best to convince Winona to take this job and find Amy.
    Bags in hand, he walked to her condo, praying she was home. If not, well, hell, maybe he’d knock on her brother’s door and offer to make him and Naomi a meal. He had to cook before he went crazy.
    He heard scrambling behind the door after he knocked, a muttered curse, and a “Just a minute.” His heart fluttered as he wondered what all the commotion was about. Had she just gotten out of the shower and was getting dressed? He should have called, but he wanted to surprise her.
    Winona opened the door with green on her face and her hair wrapped in goo. She wore a pink, slinky robe tied tight around her, but it didn’t completely conceal her cleavage. His body responded, but he urged his lust to go away. Now was not the time.
    She eyed his grocery sacks. “What’s this?”
    “Dinner.” He pushed her aside and set the sacks on the bar. Removing the wine, he stored it in the fridge to chill. “What is that on your face?”
    “An avocado mask.”
    “What’s in it?”
    “Avocado.”
    He swiped his finger across her cheek and licked his finger. “Mmm. Pretty. I brought dinner. I hope you’re hungry.”
    “Excuse me? I thought we were meeting at your place later.”
    “I’ll go crazy if I don’t cook and my room doesn’t have a kitchen.” Jake unloaded the vegetables and set them out on the counter, hoping to entice her with the pretty colors and fresh smells. He stored the chicken in the refrigerator and washed his hands. “Do you mind if I use yours?”
    “You could have called first.”
    “And miss that green gunk on your face?” Jake stopped what he was doing and looked at her, grinning.
    God, she was beautiful, even with a green face and goo in her hair. His eyes trailed the length of her robe and he caught a glimpse of her leg as the robe sliced open. She was barefoot, save for a glimmer of silvery pink on her toenails.
    She set her hands on her hips and wrinkled her nose. “Fine. I’m going to take a shower. Help yourself to the kitchen and anything you need. And pour me a glass of wine.”
    “Yes, Ms. Boss.” He felt better already as he watched her sashay her hips down the hall to her bedroom.
    She paused at the door. “Wait a second.”
    “What?”
    “What are you doing with wine?”
    He hesitated. She’d called him a recovering alcoholic last night, her scornful voice still trolling through him. “It’s for you.” He held up the sparkling juice. “I’m not drinking.”
    “I’m not either.”
    He shrugged. “Your loss.”
    She tossed her head and stuck her tongue out at him, then disappeared into the room.
    Chuckling, he preheated the oven and set about preparing the marinade for the chicken. As it set, he cut up the veggies and prepared the sauce. While the chicken baked and the vegetables simmered, he prepared the cherry cheesecake and stewed over Winona.
    He’d never tried to hide his problem. It was all over the Internet. And she’d been right that it wouldn’t take long for the paparazzi to proclaim news of a relapse if someone saw him, recognized him, and called. His reputation would be ruined, possibly his career, especially because he was already in the spotlight with Brandon’s death.
    Winona emerged from her room while he was in the middle of mixing the cream cheese. He stopped what he was doing to look at her. She smelled of jasmine and roses. She’d dried her hair and it flowed down her back in soft waves. A natural beauty. He barely noticed her eye makeup. She wore a flirty summer dress that flared at her knees. Her eyes flickered when she met his gaze.
    “Is this a date?”