In Deep Kimchi - By Imari Jade Page 0,82

Yori walked out of the room.

"Welcome to Aomori's domain," he said. "This is where they hang out when they are not rehearsing."

Satoshi said something to Takumijo in Japanese about the game they were playing and Takumijo responded very loudly. They shouted and Satoshi rolled around on the floor, obviously after winning the game.

"Pay no attention to them," Masaaki said. "This is how they unwind when they're home."

Shaundra remembered those days quite fondly when Clarence and Earl had been younger. They'd begun with Atari and, as far as she knew, the both still played video games when they weren't working.

"Would you like to play?" Satoshi asked Shaundra when they finally noticed her.

"No thanks. I never developed a skill for such things. I have enough trouble manipulating my laptop and cell phone."

"Dinner should be ready shortly," Masaaki said. "Why don't you go say hello to Ichiro while I talk to Mr. Harper?" He pointed in the direction of the kitchen and sent her off like a child while the men discussed business.

She found Ichiro washing dishes and wearing an apron. "Hmm, just the way I like my men."

Ichiro spun around at the sound of her voice. He dried his hands on a red and white checkered towel and walked over and hugged her.

"Welcome to our home."

"What are you cooking?" she asked once he released her. Something simmered in a big wok that sat on a countertop grill. All four burners of the conventional stove were set to low and there was also something baking in the oven.

"Dinner," he answered sarcastically. He backed her to a red kitchen cabinet and lowered his lips to hers. Suddenly, the atmosphere around them got very hot. His tongue pushed past her lips and into her mouth. He tasted so sweet.

"Get a room," Takumijo said as he entered the kitchen.

Ichiro broke the kiss. "Mine is right upstairs," he said to Shaundra as they watched Takumijo get a glass from a cabinet, rinse it and then walk over to the refrigerator and pour some juice.

"Nice move," he told Ichiro.

"Forget both of you," Shaundra replied. "There are too many people in this house to even attempt sneaking off to your bedroom."

"We'll be real quiet," Ichiro told her.

"Speak for yourself. You're twenty-five and hot. There's no way I'm going to be quiet."

Takumijo nearly choked on his juice. "I think I better leave you two alone." He rinsed the glass and put it in the sink. "How long before dinner is ready?"

"Fifteen minutes," Ichiro answered. "Or maybe an hour if I can get Shaundra to change her mind and follow me upstairs."

"Fifteen minutes," Shaundra answered. "There will be no hanky-panky while these guys are in ear range."

Takumijo teased Ichiro about striking out and left.

"Why are you torturing me?" Ichiro asked her.

"Patience is a virtue."

"I've been patient for twenty-five years." He went over to the stove to check on the food. "There's soda in the refrigerator."

Shaundra got herself a soda. "Can I help you with something?"

"Have you ever prepared Japanese food before?"

"No," she replied.

"Then no." He pointed to the table. "Sit."

Shaundra sat down, content to watch the master chef at work. She was also content to watch his butt since he had his back to her most of the time.

This kitchen was similar to the one in Tokyo but just a different color scheme. This one was red and white with red curtains at the two big windows. Ichiro's cookware and small appliances matched. He looked so comfortable doing what he was doing. "Do you prepare all the meals?"

"Yes, it is my job in the family. I prepare the meals and keep the house."

"I like a man who knows his way around the kitchen," Shaundra replied honestly.

He turned to face her. "You do not think it is girly?"

"Hell no. Someone has to cook and clean, and I don't think those other three would do a good job at it."

"You got that right," he said going back to his cooking.

"What made Mr. Niigata change his mind about allowing you to come home?"

"His wife," Satoshi answered. "She missed him and demanded that he come home to see her before going to the United States. We were just going to hang around Tokyo for another two weeks practicing so in order to save face and his marriage, he came home."

Shaundra laughed. "Well, I guess that explains who the boss in that family is."

"Mrs. Niigata is a very nice woman, but she doesn't like to travel. Like you, she's afraid of flying."

"Smart woman."

"The food is ready,"