Cook's Choice: A Bad Boy Protector Romance (Lost Boys Book 4)

by Janice M. Whiteaker

  I hold onto her for dear life, gritting my teeth against the ache building in my balls, pulling them tight. When it becomes clear I’m not going to make it much longer, I slide one hand over the soft skin of her belly and down. When I find her clit the move of her body onto mine loses its rhythm, making her whimper in frustration.

  I can’t have that.

  I blanket her back with my front, pressing against Carly until she’s flat under me, my hand pinned between her body and the bed. I use one knee to shove her right leg wider, giving me the room I need.

  “This is—” Her words cut off on a gasp when I start to move, hips thrusting faster than maybe I normally would.

  But I need her to catch up with me.

  “This is what, Pinky?” I bury my face against her neck as I work my fingers and cock in tandem, finding a pace and keeping it as she bucks under me.

  Her back curls, bringing her ass toward me, making me slide deeper. “Fuck, Carly. You’re going to make me come if you don’t stop.”

  “I want you to come.”

  “Not until you do, Pinky. That’s the rules.” I rub against her clit faster. “I don’t come until you do.”

  Both her arms stretch above her head, fingers grabbing at the dark blue blanket. “Levi.” It’s not a yell.

  My name on her lips is soft. Just like she is.

  It’s soft and sweet and perfect.

  “That’s it, Pinky. It’s time to come for me.”

  Her whole body goes tight, staying rigid for a heartbeat before it snaps, her hips grinding her pussy into my hand as the air rushes from her lungs, my name coming in another gentle whisper.

  It’s more than I can take. More than any man could handle.

  I make it two more strokes, not even good ones, before I come, grunting, groaning.

  Hell, I could be fucking growling for all I know.

  For all I care.

  My forehead rests in the center of her back as I try to catch my breath. Calm the race of my pulse.

  One hand comes to cradle against the back of my head, an anchor in a storm she started.

  And will help me weather.

  18

  “I CAN’T BELIEVE this.” Josie leans in closer as a group of people bump past us, hands full of FrankenFood’s most popular items.

  “I can.” I smile across the lot as my eyes meet Levi’s. He’s inside the taco truck working the window like Momma Rosa never has.

  Maybe it’s because he’s way better looking than she is.

  But I don’t think that’s the only reason.

  “You think all the ladies really like tacos better?” Josie eyes the line of mostly female residents waiting for their allotment of The Taco Trio.

  “I’m pretty sure they do today.”

  She scans the slew of people milling around the front lot at Elm Grove. “I can’t believe how many family members wanted to come.”

  “It’s a good deal.” We invited our residents’ families to purchase vouchers for one of FrankenFood’s pre-selected offerings. Since each truck is only offering one option, it cut way down on the cost, and so many people jumped at the offer we had to cut sales off.

  “I hope we set up enough chairs.” Josie scans the outdoor seating area we set up to accommodate the volume of visitors we expected today. “If we do this again we might have to rent more.”

  Cook leans down, resting his hands against the window’s counter. He lifts one, curling his pointer finger at me.

  “Holy hell, Carly. I won’t judge you if you knock a few people down to get to him.” Josie shakes her head. “I don’t think a man’s ever looked at me like that.”

  “He’s the first.” I glance at Josie. “I’ll find you in a little bit.”

  “Have fun.” She shoots me a grin as I leave.

  When I get to the taco truck Levi’s already at the side door, holding it open. “Want to take a turn at the counter?”

  “Sure.”

  He reaches out a hand to me and I take it, letting Levi help me up and into the back of the truck. A woman about Jill’s age is at the prep area, her silver-streaked hair tucked under a net. She glances my way and smiles wide. “You must be Carly.”

  “I am.”

  Levi leads me farther into the truck. “This is Shirley. She and her husband Roy help me run FrankenFood.”

  I reach one hand her way.

  Shirley lifts her gloved palms. “Can’t shake just now, honey, but you can bet your bippy you’ll be getting a hug once we’re all done serving.”

  Levi steps in front of me. “Hands out.”

  He slips a set of plastic food-service gloves on me before gripping my hips and moving me in front of the window.

  “Well, look at you.” Violet squints up at me.

  I lean down a little so I can see her better. “What can I get you?”

  “Nothing.” She points over my shoulder. “We’re here for him.”

  “I don’t blame you.” I step to one side, moving closer to Shirley. “He’s pretty nice to look at, isn’t he?”

  “And a hell of a cook.” Violet bats her lashless eyes up at Levi as he leans into the window.

  “I heard you liked the chili con curry I brought last week.”

  Violet’s curved spine straightens as much as it can as the ladies around her gawk. “I loved it.”

  Levi chuckles, his ears barely pinking. “Thank you.”

  “Thank you.” Violet reaches up to slide her printed voucher across the counter. “Now give me my food before these biddies trample me to get a better look at you.”

  Shirley passes a tray of three tacos my way. “Honey, can you add the slaw to the top of these?”

  I turn to Levi.

  He smiles and moves in at my side, one hand pressing against my back as he points out what goes where. He’s leaned in close, his voice low and deep in my ear.

  I finish the last sprinkle of some sort of green leafy herb and turn to him. “Right?”

  “Perfect.” He catches my lips in a kiss that earns both cheers and groans.

  “Get a room.” Violet taps her pack of plasticware against the edge of the counter. “But give me my food first.”

  Cook gives her a wink as he passes it across. “Enjoy your lunch.”

  Violet’s cheeks pink up just a little as she takes her food. “You could charm the pants off a nun.” She wiggles one finger his way. “I’ll see you later.”

  Shirley passes me another tray and I carefully follow the directions Levi gave me, adding strands of cabbage and carrot to the tacos before finishing off with the green sprinkles.

  “You cook much, Carly?” Shirley passes me another tray.

  “Not at all.” I repeat the layers.

  “Good for you.” She gives me a grin and leans in. “That one will like cooking for you better than you cooking for him anyway.” Her eyes bounce to where Levi is chatting up the next lady in line. “He likes taking care of people.”

  “He’s a good man.” I finish the tacos and slide them in front of a more-chatty-than-usual Levi.

  “One of the best.” Shirley peeks his way. “You bring out the best in him.”

  “What are you two whispering about over here?” Levi closes in on me as I’m loading up the next tray of tacos.

  “You, of course.” Shirley slides the next row of tacos my way before I’ve finished the one I’m on.

  I resist the urge to shiver when Levi leans in close, his breath warm against my ear. “Is that true, Pinky? Are you talking about me like I’m not standing right here?”

  “I am.” I shove the finished tray to him.

  “Maybe I’ll go talk to Josie about you. Find out all your secrets.”

  I can hear the smile in his voice. The teasing.

  “I’m sure she wouldn’t have many interesting things to tell you.” I pass him another tray. “I’ve led a pretty boring life.”

  Levi passes out the next tray with a sexy smile and a wink before coming back to my side. “I thin
k your boring life is behind you, Carly.”

  “We get it. You think she’s cute.” One of Violet’s friends, Evelyn the lock picker, throws a peppermint at me. “Stop flirting with the eye candy, Carly. Let us have a little sugar.”

  “You’re diabetic, Evelyn. He’d kill you.” My head pops up like I’m not the one who just said that.

  Everyone in line stares at me, mouths agape.

  Not Levi.

  He moves in even closer. “Looks like I bring out the best in you too, Pinky.”

  Evelyn snorts, her thin lips pressing into a frown that is almost a pout. “She’s not wrong.”

  I spend the next hour topping tacos and chatting with Shirley while Levi does his damndest to distract me.

  He succeeds more often than not.

  Because as much as I liked the grumpy Levi, this lighter, more relaxed version is freaking irresistible.

  Eventually the line dies down and most of the residents are finding their way back inside after getting a healthy dose of sunshine and vitamin D.

  “This day couldn’t have been more perfect.” Shirley pulls off her gloves and tosses them into the trash. “Not too hot. Not too cool. Just perfect.”

  “Thank you so much for doing this. I know it wasn’t easy.” I take off my own gloves and toss them on top of Shirley’s. “I really appreciate it.”

  “You don’t have to thank me, honey.” She comes my way, grabbing me in the hug she promised earlier. “I should thank you.” Shirley leans back. “I always hoped Levi would find someone who understood him and appreciated how special he is.”

  “I’m right fucking here.”

  Shirley grins and pulls me back into the hug. “And your ears are red as hell.”

  I press my lips together to stifle the giggle trying to work free as I hug her back.

  Knowing Levi had her makes me feel better. Shirley knows him. Sees the real man he tries to hide.

  Maybe not so much anymore.

  “I should probably go check in with my boss and see if there’s anything she needs me to do.” I give Shirley a smile. “I’m so happy I met you.”

  “I agree.” Her smile is warm as she pats my arm. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”

  “That would be great.”

  Levi helps me out of the truck, pulling me in for a quick kiss as I start to step away. He gently holds my chin with one hand as his eyes rest on mine. “Go finish your day so I can take you home.”

  “Okay.” I back away, walking a bit before turning around to face the building. I peek over my shoulder a few times. Each time Levi is still there, watching me. I give him a little wave as I go inside. He tips his head, a smile playing at his lips.

  “Hey, Carly.” Josie rushes up to me. “We’ve got the squad coming. Richard fell trying to do some dance thing with his great-grandson. I think he might have fractured his hip.” She checks her watch. “I called ten minutes ago so they should be here any second.”

  “How is he doing?” Richard is one of the regulars at both weekly aerobics classes. He’s focused and motivated and grumpy.

  Like someone else I know.

  Who’s getting less grumpy every day.

  “He was a little pale when I left to come meet the medics.” Josie moves toward the doors.

  “I’ll go be with him.”

  I know there’s nurses with Richard and I’m definitely not as capable of handling the situation as they are.

  But he’s one of my flock. The people I’ve taken on as my surrogate family since I’ve never had one of my own.

  When I get to his room I find Richard on the floor, and a handful of people gathered around him. I move in behind a young boy who looks a little paler than he should. “Hey, handsome.” I smile as I crouch down. “I heard you were working on your dance moves.”

  Richard frowns at me. “It’s called TikTok.” His scowl deepens. “I was going to be famous.”

  “You might still be famous.” I lean to turn my smile to the little boy at my side. “Did you get it all on video?”

  His eyes go wide.

  I shrug at Richard. “He could still post it and end the video with you giving a thumbs up as they haul you away on a stretcher.”

  Richard turns to his great-grandson. “We should do that.”

  The little boy nods, his head bobbing fast and furious. “Okay.”

  I chat with them a little more, finally managing to get Richard to crack a smile. He’s scared, and nothing is more sour than a scared old man. That means the tiny grin I get when I tell him he’ll be half bionic now is a hard-won victory for both of us.

  I stand back with Josie when the medics arrive, making room for them to carefully get Richard loaded up. They even pose for the video with him, all three giving double thumbs up.

  “You think people have any idea what our jobs are like?” Josie shakes her head as Richard is wheeled out with his family filing out after him.

  “No.” I blow out a breath as the stress of the day finally starts to hit me. “Definitely not.”

  Josie and I lock up Richard’s room before heading back to the front of the building. Levi’s trucks are still outside, and I catch a glimpse of him running between them.

  “Today went really well.” Josie bobs her head. “With the exception of poor Richard.”

  “Spicy food must make him feel young.” I watch as the ambulance pulls away and Richard’s family scatters to their cars. “I’ll call and check on him later. See how he’s doing.”

  “Which reminds me. I think we need to reevaluate your position here, Carly.” Josie gives me a little smile. “This place has grown so much, and running it is simply too much for me to keep up with on my own.” She eyes me for a minute. “Corporate has added a position I would really like for you to consider taking.”

  “Oh?” I’ve only been here six months. Found the job, applied and interviewed in the week after my mother died.

  But it felt like home from day one. More like home than any place I’d been before.

  “They want a second director. One who would oversee certain things on their own, but some of the duties would overlap with mine.” She lifts her brows. “You’re smart, dedicated, and I think we work well together.”

  “I agree.” I blink a few times as my words sink in. “I mean on the working well together.”

  Josie shakes her head. “Don’t be scared to be proud of what you are, Carly.”

  I give her a smile. “Have I ever told you I really like working with you?”

  “That makes two of us.” She bumps me with her hip. “Now go finish up your day so that hot-as-hell man of yours can take you home and ravage you.”

  “I’m going to do that.” I start walking toward my office, peeking one last time out the front, looking for Levi. There’s no sight of him, so he must be inside one of the trucks.

  I pause at my door.

  I didn’t think I left it closed. There haven’t been any issues with the ladies lately, so I didn’t have any reason to lock them out.

  Any reason I knew of, anyway.

  I cringe as I slowly open the door, peeking into the windowless room as the light from the hall casts it in a dim glow.

  I reach in and flip on the light, holding my breath.

  Everything looks like it should.

  Except for the huge vase of flowers on my desk.

  I take fast steps to the arrangement. I can’t believe he snuck in here with these. I stand on my toes, looking for a card. I finally find it, tucked into the back of the arrangement of white roses.

  They aren’t what I would expect Levi to pick, but they are still beautiful. I pluck the envelope free and slide the card out, quickly reading the lines scribbled across the plain white cardstock.

  It’s a shame you couldn’t mind your own business.

  Too late now.

  The sound of my door closing barely registers.

  However, the lock clicking into place echoes through my head.

 
; I don’t move. Don’t turn to look to see who’s behind me.

  I already know.

  “It was either you or him.”

  The voice doesn’t sound anything like I expected it would. Instead of loud and commanding, it’s rough and wheezy.

  “Then you made the right choice.” I stand straighter. My mother might have allowed this man to rule her life.

  I won’t.

  Three weeks ago I would have lunged at him, not caring what happened to me as long as I took Herbert Wallace down in the process.

  Now I care what happens to me.

  I have a reason to go on besides the vengeance that forced me from the shell I used to live in.

  I slowly turn, keeping my spine straight and my chin up. “Because hurting me will be the end of you.”

  The man in front of me is not the man I built in my mind.

  This man is smaller. Thinner.

  His eyes are sunken and his hair is sparse. He’s old. He’s weathered.

  He’s weak.

  Weaker than I am, and it’s his own fault.

  His cold gaze moves down me in a way that makes me want to squirm. I won’t though. Not for anything.

  This man will never see me shrink in his presence.

  “You think awful high of yourself.” His icy glare comes to meet mine. “You think you’re something special, girl?”

  I smile at him, slow and careful. “I know I am.”

  His scowl deepens. “You’re just like your sister.” He smirks. “The one of you that ain’t a bastard.”

  “Can women be bastards?” This man, this King as some people have called him, is nothing. He’s a smear of crap on a shoe.

  And my hate for him is growing with every passing second.

  “They can when their momma’s a whore.” He drawls it out, the sparkle in his eye making it clear he expects it to cut me deep.

  Herbert Wallace believes my mother is my sore spot. The one he can jab until it bleeds.

  He’s wrong.

  “I think the more likely scenario is that you’re a rapist.” I look down my nose at him.

  This user of boys.

  Raper of women.

  This father of mine.

  “Looks like it won’t be so bad that I picked you after all.” Herbert pulls something out of his pocket. The only sound it makes is the swoosh of air as the blade flips open.