by Rye Hart
Best to keep things under wraps for now.
The day flew by quickly. Before I knew it, the dinner shift had ended and the staff was cleaning up the kitchen. Danny was cleaning grease off his station with a rag when I walked up to him.
“Good job, today, Danny.”
He stopped scrubbing and turned his head slowly to look at me. “What?”
“I said you did a good job. Keep it up.”
He leaned away from me and scrutinized my face. “What’s going on? Why are you being nice to me? Am I dying or something?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Are you dying?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Just take the damn compliment.”
“No way. Something’s up with you. You’ve been acting weird all day.” He gave me a probing look.
I sighed inwardly. So much for keeping things under wraps. “Fine, I hate you and you’re a terrible cook. Is that better?”
Danny nodded, but he had a confused look on his face. “You know what? That is better. How messed up is that? What the hell is wrong with me?”
“Don’t overthink it.” I patted him on the back. “Sleep well. I’ll most likely fire you in the morning.”
“Thank you, Chef.”
***
After saying good night to Amber, I went home. Emery was bouncing up and down on her bed when I walked in. “Did you ask her, Daddy? Did you ask her?”
“It’s nice to see you, too,” I said.
“Hi, Daddy. Did you ask her?”
“Yes, I did.” I knew that wasn’t the answer she wanted, but it was kind of fun to see how worked up she got. The anticipation was killing her.
“Well?” she asked, drawing out the word. “What did she say?”
“Hmm,” I said, tapping my finger to my lips. “What did she say? I’m having some trouble remembering.”
Emery hopped off the bed and grabbed my arm. She pulled at me like she could shake the answer loose. “What did she say?” she said it in a monster growl that made me laugh.
I decided it was time to put her out of her misery. “She said yes.”
For some reason, this only made her throttle my arm harder and she jumped up and down. It was good to see her happy, and I had Amber to thank for it. I hadn’t seen Emery this excited in a long time.
To be honest, I was pretty excited, too though I shouldn’t have been.
CHAPTER TEN - AMBER
It had been three days since my lusty encounter with Luke, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I had to find something else to do. Going to Jamie’s was my best bet. I dressed quickly and got in the car, humming something off-key the whole way over there. Just having the possibility of dating Luke in my life had me feeling like a million bucks. I could tell myself a hundred times that it was wrong and that I should walk away from the impending doom of a heartbreak, but it wasn’t happening. I was staying to see how this thing went.
I rang the doorbell three times before Jamie finally answered the door. She peered out at me, her eyes narrowed against the bright sunlight.
“Were you still sleeping?” I asked, my hands on my hips.
“What? Of course not. I was flicking the bean.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Come on. If you’re going to lie, at least come up with something less embarrassing than masturbation.”
Jamie snorted a laugh. “Too much? I figured it would make you uncomfortable and you’d drop the subject.”
I waved my hand dismissively. “Like that’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard you say? Please. Now wake up. It’s Thursday morning, we’ve both got the day off, and it’s a gorgeous day. What’s on the agenda?”
She considered my question for a moment. “We could hit the salon. I could use a little pampering.”
I arched an eyebrow at her. “Are you kidding me? You want to hang out where you work on your day off?”
Jamie wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Eww. No. I work at a shitty salon. I want to go to a good one.”
I shook my head. “No salon. You can get your nails done at work, and get paid at the same time.”
She nodded. “Good point. Okay, you shot down my idea. What’s yours?”
“There’s the Chihuly Glass Garden—”
“Pass,” Jamie said.
“All right. I’ve been wanting to check out the Arboretum—”
“Pass!”
“The aquarium—”
“Fucking pass! Stop trying to enrich my life with culture, you nerd.”
I threw my hands up in frustration. “Let’s just start with brunch, then.”
Jamie nodded emphatically. “Yes. Now we’re talking. Was that so hard?”
“Kind of. Yeah. Whatever. Go clean up and we’ll go.”
***
Jamie took a long swallow of her Bellini and smacked her lips in satisfaction. “This is the life. And to think you wanted to spend the day inside looking at art and nature and shit.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “You love that stuff. Don’t pretend you don’t.”
“Well, sure, but that’s good on a crappy, rainy day. Not on a gorgeous day like this.”
“I can’t argue with that,” I said.
“It’s good to see you relaxed. You seemed so stressed out the last time we talked.”
I looked down into my coffee. “Yeah, work was kicking my ass. That feels so long ago, even though it’s only been a couple weeks. Things have definitely gotten better.”
“Seems like it. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you found yourself a man.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Well, now that you mention it-”
She clapped her hands together. “Ha! I knew it. You little slut! Who’s the lucky guy?”
I fidgeted with my coffee cup. “I kind of don’t want to say.”
“Why not? Is it someone I know? Oh, is it that guy that hit on you at the coffee shop?”
“The one with the goofy eye? God, no.” I gave her a look.
“Well, then who? Don’t make me beg. My life is so boring these days. I need to live vicariously through you.” She gave me a pout.
I sighed. “Fine. It’s Luke.”
“Luke? I don’t know any Luke.”
“Luke Harrison. My boss.”
Jamie gasped. “You really are a dirty little slut. I love it.”
“Stop.”
“No wonder things have been better at work. You found a new item on the menu. He’s serving up sausage with a side of Grade A beef cake.”
“I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Jamie’s eyes took on the mischievous twinkle that she got sometimes. That’s when I knew I was in trouble. “What happened? Did you misunderstand him when he told you to hold the pickle? Is it because he likes your buns?”
“Oh, God. Stop.”
“Does he cook for you or does he prefer to eat out? Does he like his salad tossed?”
“Are you done?” I asked with a groan.
“Almost,” she said before inhaling deeply. Then she said the rest in one long, rapid fire stream. “He frosted your muffin, he steamed your clam, and I hope he doesn’t put a bun in your oven. Whew! Now I’m done.”
“Bravo,” I said. “Do you sit at home coming up with stuff like this or does the bullshit just flow naturally?”
“What can I say? It’s a gift.” She wagged her eyebrows.
“Dammit, now I forgot what I was gonna say.”
She grinned. “You better think fast ‘cause I’ve almost got another one. Something about spooning, maybe? Forking? It’ll come to me.”
I slapped my palm against my forehead and shook my head. “You’re crazy.” Still, I couldn’t help but smile. “Or maybe I’m the one whose crazy, sleeping with my boss.”
“Who cares? You’re both adults. You’re allowed to enjoy yourself. What surprises me is that you hooked up with him. A week ago, you hated him. I’ve never seen you so worked up over someone.”
“I know. But
once I got to know him, he’s not just an asshole. He’s actually pretty charming.” My heart fluttered at the thought of Luke.
“So, he’s a lovable asshole?”
“No, it’s more like there are two sides two him. In the kitchen, he’s a prick. But outside of the kitchen, he’s surprisingly fun to be around.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“Well, he’s got a kid.”
“Oh shit. He’s married?”
My eyes widened. “Oh no, nothing like that. His wife is gone, although he never talks about her. I’m not sure if she’s dead or if they just split up.”
“Have you tried asking him?”
“It seems like a really sore subject. I figure he’ll tell me when he’s ready.”
She nodded. “I guess it’s best not to push it. Not until things get serious anyway. So, what’s his kid like?”
“Oh, my God, she’s the cutest little thing. I love her. She reminds me of me growing up. I can tell she’s having trouble with the fact that she doesn’t have her mother around. I know I struggled with that growing up.”
“Well, hey, if things work out, maybe she’ll get a mother after all.”
I sighed. “That’s just it. I have no idea if things will work out between Luke and me. I mean, I have no reason to think they won’t, but you can never tell how a relationship will end up. The fact that I work for him also makes things complicated. I don’t want his daughter getting attached to me, only to have me disappear like her mother did.”
“Yeah, that’s a delicate situation. But it’s something you have to deal with when you date a guy with children. Still, it sounds to me like it’s worth it. You definitely seem happier now that you’re dipping your pen in the company ink.”
I chose to ignore the jibe. “Things are good. I just hope it doesn’t blow up in my face.”
***
I got home late that afternoon, still thinking about my conversation with Jamie.
It wasn’t a normal situation that I had with Luke, but I’d known that going in. Still, the pressure of moving forward with him weighed on me. Starting a new relationship with anyone was hard enough. With Luke, I had to worry about my career, my future, and how it would affect Emery. It was a lot. If things between us didn’t work out, I could ruin my life and the lives of two others.
The smart thing to do was back off. There was still time. We hadn’t moved past the point of no return. My brain agreed, but my heart didn’t.
I liked Luke, and I liked his daughter. Spending time with them, alone and together, had been some of the happiest times in my life. It was like finding the family I’d been searching for since I was a child. Being with them felt like home.
So even though it was risky, I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t see where the relationship could go.
Besides, I was excited to see Luke again outside of the kitchen. Things were so busy during the week, we never really had time to have fun together. It was only outside of work that he could let his guard down and be the real Luke, and that was the Luke I was falling for.
Tomorrow would be our first real date, and it would be the first time Luke and I were together with Emery for a whole evening. I had no idea how she would react. She seemed to be on board with her dad and I getting together, but there was no telling what she’d do when she actually saw us together.
I also had to think about Luke, himself. I was pretty sure he liked me. He wouldn’t have asked me out otherwise. But the man was a puzzle. Just when I thought I had him figured out, he’d surprise me. He always zigged when I thought he would zag. It was one of the things about him that fascinated me, but it was also kind of nerve wracking.
Besides that, there was one question about him that burned me up inside, begging to be answered.
I wanted to know what happened between him and Emery’s mother. All I really knew about her was that she was gone, but that left an entire universe of unexplained questions. Had they been married? Were they divorced? Had she passed away or had she abandoned Emery after she was born?
Luke was so closed up and bitter when he talked about her. Whatever had happened with her, Luke was still angry about it. I wanted to know why. I needed to know. Did it mean that he still loved her? That he hoped she would come back to them? I didn’t know, but I wasn’t about to ask him about it either.
Things between us were too new, too unstable. It wasn’t the time to go digging up his past. That time would come later - if there was a later between us. Until then, I had to wait and wonder.
CHAPTER ELEVEN - LUKE
I was prepping for the breakfast rush at home. I wasn’t just cooking for myself and Emery, like I did every morning. I was serving another guest today, a very special guest. Amber was coming over before we went bowling.
The doorbell rang and I hurried to answer it. Emery was still asleep and I didn’t want the noise to wake her, not to mention that I wanted a little private time with Amber. I’d been thinking about her ever since we hooked up. It was almost laughable to think that I actually thought I was going to sleep with her once and walk away.
She wasn’t a one night stand. She was my employee, my favorite employee, and the more I thought about it, she could be so much more than that if I just let my guard down.
The feel of her lips against mine, her soft, pliable flesh trembling at my touch, the sharp moans of pleasure she made when I buried my cock deep inside her wetness. All of it rushed back to me whenever I saw her face.
Desire smoldered inside of me just thinking about it. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone had made me feel this way. Maybe never. I desperately wanted to relive our first night together.
I pulled the front door open to see her standing there, a vision of beauty. My heart leapt in my chest at the mere sight of her, making me almost giddy with excitement.
She wore a blue plaid shirt over a tank top, jeans, and pink sneakers. It was a casual look, but somehow it was sexy as hell. I couldn’t help but stare at her, looking her up and down.
“See something you like?” she asked, smiling coyly. She’d asked the same thing that day too.
I cleared my throat. “Yes. Quite a few things actually.”
“Well, you can keep staring. Just invite me in first.”
“Oh. Right. Of course. Please come in.”
I stepped aside from the open door and gestured her in, getting an eyeful of her curvy ass in her snug jeans when she walked by. It was one of the perks of being a gentleman. I breathed in the sweet scent of her still lingering in the air. She smelled like cinnamon.
What the hell had gotten into me today? Amber had me randy as an old billy goat. I needed to get myself under control if I wanted to make it through the rest of the day without taking her violently in the first room I could find.
I followed Amber into the kitchen.
“So, what is the great Chef Harrison making for us today?” she asked, turning to face me.
“Oh, nothing too fancy. Just some Eggs Benedict. It’s Emery’s favorite.”
“She’s got good taste,” Amber mused before looking around. “I’m surprised she’s not up yet.”
I smiled. “She was so excited about today she couldn’t fall asleep last night. You should have seen her bouncing off the walls.”
“And you? Were you excited?” She moved closer, pressing herself against my side and kissing my shoulder.
The words sent a shiver through me. “You have no idea.”
I resisted the physical urge to push her up against the wall and show her how excited I was. Emery could wake up at any second, and I didn’t want her walking in on that. Instead, I pulled away from her and busied myself at the kitchen counter, getting things ready for breakfast.
Amber wandered over, looking at my little herb garden on the window sill above the sink. “Fresh herbs in the kitchen. That’s smart. I should do that.”
“It’s nice to have them on hand whenever I need them.”
“Should I grab
a few sprigs of dill for the eggs?” she asked.
I turned to her and shook my head. “Absolutely not.”
She laughed, surprised at my reaction. “What? Why not?”
“I don’t put dill in my eggs. Are you kidding me?” I lifted my eyebrow at her.
“Are you? Fresh dill is amazing. You’re missing out. Look, I’m just gonna grab some so you can try it.”
I slid my body along the counter to block her access to the herb garden. “Don’t you dare. I won’t have you tampering with my eggs.”
“You’re being ridiculous,” she said, trying to reach around me.
“You’ll have to fight me for it,” I grunted and twisted my body so we were face to face.
Amber pressed her body against mine. The soft swell of her breasts crushed against my chest, sending an ache of desire through me. I stiffened against her, groaning at the feeling of her sweet softness rubbing up against me.
Her eyes widened at the evidence of my arousal. Then she got a sultry expression on her face. She leaned into me, putting exquisite pressure on my rock-hard length. “I know how to convince you to let me have the herbs,” she said softly.
I slid my hands down her back and gripped her ass. Her hips pressed even closer to mine, grinding against me and driving me crazy.
“Oh yeah? Get after it then, Amber.”
She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed me. The touch of her lips intoxicated me. I couldn’t think about anything besides how good it felt to be with her.
Amber’s lips curved into a grin against mine and then she pulled away. I opened my eyes. She held up a sprig of dill triumphantly. “Told you I could get it,” she said.
I narrowed my eyes at her, playfully. “Using your feminine charms against me, are you? That’s cheating.”
“All’s fair in love and war.”
“Then I’m taking it back,” I said, lunging at her.
She dodged easily. “Ha! Too slow.”
I reached out and looped my arm around her waist. “Gotcha.”
We wrestled for the dill, although I wasn’t really trying to take it away from her. I’d just gotten caught up in the moment. It felt good to let loose and play around with Amber. It wasn’t something I did with anyone else. With her, it was easy.