Love Takes Time by Adrianne Byrd Page A

to fail. You never intended for me to win my prize.” He cocked his head. “Unless you were going to throw the race.”
    Her face darkened with guilt.
    â€œAh.” The corners of Q’s lips quirked up. “Not only has little Alice grown up, but she’s learned how to play the games women play. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.” Heshook his head, but his eyes remained mischievous. “How disappointing.”
    Alyssa lifted a delicate brow. “And what about the game you were playing?” she challenged. “You really could have broken your neck riding like that.”
    Q’s smile remained playful. “Maybe.” He leaned in close. His seductive and heady cologne engulfed her. “But frankly, I think it was well worth it. Who knows, maybe we can do it again?”
    Speech eluded Alyssa as Quentin’s bedroom eyes dragged her under a spell. She reached for her wineglass in hopes of dousing the flames now licking the insides of her belly, but one sip of her drink only caused them to roar more out of control.
    â€œSo tell us, Alyssa,” Mrs. Hinton nearly shouted from across the raucous table. “Have you given much thought to going from modeling to acting? Lord knows you have the face for it.”
    â€œYou certainly do,” Quentin whispered.
    His praise only caused her blush to deepen. “I, um, haven’t really given it any thought,” she answered shyly.
    â€œWell, if you ask me,” Mrs. Hinton continued, “you’d be a natural. Now back when I was on Broadway, stars were really stars. They had mystery and class.” She leaned toward her husband. “Isn’t that right, honey?”
    â€œThat’s right, pumpkin.” Roger lifted her hand and placed a kiss against her wedding ring.
    Turning her broad smile back toward Alyssa, Mrs.Hinton’s eyes glossed over. “It was truly like being a part of American royalty.”
    Alyssa bit her lower lip and judging by a few amused gazes, she realized that Mrs. Hinton was just getting warmed up for her stroll down memory lane, retelling stories her family had all heard a million times. From her heyday as an understudy in August Wilson’s Fences to how Isaac from The Love Boat made a pass at her in front of her husband. Of course Mrs. Hinton’s rendition never included the absolutely horrid reviews she received for her performances, but the family, as well as the staff, just exchanged knowing looks.
    The minute there was a pause in the conversation, Alfred jumped in. “Well, I have an announcement to make.”
    Alyssa blinked and then inched down in her seat. Was he about to announce the pregnancy to the whole group? Her stomach muscles looped into tight knots as everyone gave Alfred their undivided attention.
    Her father smiled and looped his large arm around Estelle’s shoulder. “I received a call this afternoon about a job in Atlanta.”
    A job? Alyssa frowned.
    â€œI thought you were just retiring,” Roger cut in, looking put off. “If you wanted a new job—”
    â€œThis is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity,” he said, still smiling.
    It was clear by Roger’s expression that he didn’t like the sound of that. He was a very competitiveman and the idea of someone luring his favorite chef from his employ was infusing red heat into his cocoa complexion.
    â€œI’m going to have my own cooking show,” Alfred announced.
    Alyssa gasped in surprise while the rest of the table exploded with applause. “Daddy, are you for real?” she asked, jumping to her feet.
    He bobbed his head as his eyes shone with unmistakable pride.
    â€œOh, I’m so thrilled for you,” she said, rushing around the long rectangular table so she could wrap her arms around his broad shoulders.
    â€œWell, well. That’s quite a different story,” Roger Hinton said, beaming across the table. “ That deserves another