“Exactly. I have a lot on my plate. Things have been tough,” she said to Gisella.
“What else is going on?”
“Just trying to save money. I’m feeling like I’m stuck in a rut.”
“Well, maybe this will help you feel better.”
Alessa squinted. Gisella smiled.
“After the event at the club and those desserts of yours, I got over a dozen people who wanted your name and number to place orders for special parties they have coming up. I hope you have a price list ready. You’re going to be a busy bee.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. I hope you can handle it. I was thinking if you needed help, we could hire a few people and you could use the kitchen here or at the penthouse.”
“Oh God, I can’t hire anyone to pay them.”
“I’ll help you out.”
Alessa shook her head. “No. No can do. I haven’t asked for help yet. I’ll make the money for my own shop one day. I need to be prepared and have enough saved. Once I get rid of the college loan—”
“What? What college loan? I thought your parents were paying.”
“Gisella, they relinquished on that promise when I decided to pursue my true dreams and also hang out with all of you guys, my friends. They cut me off. Act like I’m a low life and blame me for Calvin cheating.”
“No.”
“Yes, but little do they know that I finished law school and I passed the Bar exam.”
“Holy shit, and you don’t want to be a lawyer and make more money?”
“No. It doesn’t make me happy. I love being a pastry chef. Knowing business law will help me a great deal when I have my own business, and save me money. It will happen.”
“It will happen. You’ve sacrificed so much. You’re right. You don’t need men trying to get you into bed and not really caring about you. What can I do to help? Maybe lend you money?”
“No. I won’t accept that. I know that all of you guys, my friends, my true family, would do that for me, but this is a risk. It could fail and I could lose everything that is mine and that I worked for. I’m fine with that, but I wouldn’t be fine if it were your money or someone else’s. It will work out.”
“I think it is starting to. If you could get more of these kind of orders, private parties, private catering, then maybe you could save money faster and then open a small place where you cook everything and people come in to order. Eventually you could have items on display to sell and maybe expand.”
“You think so?”
“Sure. It would be a lot less risky catering events, and making dessert by order per event then paying for a place, getting it up, and running but not getting the sales as quickly as the bills come in. It’s like establishing a name and quality of work before expanding.”
“I like it. Hopefully it works around my schedule. I work every day, plus Sunday midnight to ten in the morning at the bakery in midtown.”
“What? That’s crazy, Alessa. No wonder you’re so tired.”
“I am tired. I’ll probably cancel this dinner thing with Roberto.”
“He wants to take you out tonight?”
“Yes. I told him it would have to be something simple and not too long because I needed sleep. He understood. I would have accepted his offer of takeout, but I don’t know him very well, and it may be awkward alone with him in my apartment. I’m too nervous about that stuff now.”
“I understand, and that’s smart thinking. You don’t know who he is, but he does sound nice. You really think Cobra and them bad-mouthed Roberto so you wouldn’t get involved with him because they want you?”
“I’m thinking that’s exactly what they did. I can’t trust them. I’m better off casually dating with no strings attached and no sex.”
“Well, that may be pushing it too far. I mean, if you’re attracted to someone and it feels right, no need to be extreme and cut off intimacy. Maybe being held and comforted, receiving some empathy, could help gain your trust and make you feel less vulnerable?”
“Maybe,” Alessa said and then her cell phone went off. She glanced at it and smiled.
“Roberto?” Gisella asked.
“Yes. He said he can pick me up anywhere, unless I’m resting.”
“That’s nice of him.”
“He dropped me off last night at the bakery. I was kind of embarrassed, but he was impressed. He felt badly that I needed to work so hard and told me that he would gain my trust and eventually let him take care of me.”
“Oh boy, that sounds serious.”
“Yes and no. He seemed so sincere in his words, but it was his actions. His light caresses. Gentle kisses to my cheek, my shoulder, and whispers into my ear. Taking his time. Easing his way into my heart. I just feel comfortable with him right now. Nothing may come of it, but he’s like a friend first, if that makes sense.”
“I wouldn’t call the guy your friend first, unless you’re serious about shutting off intimacy,” Gisella said and chuckled. Alessa did, too. “Wise guy.” She looked at her phone.
“What are you going to tell him?”
“That I’ll meet him somewhere. I’ll walk a few blocks up though.”
“That’s silly. Just have him meet you here.”
“Here?” she asked.
“Sure. It looks like Cobra and them left.”
Alessa looked over her shoulder and, sure enough, they were gone.
“Okay then. I’ll tell him to meet me here.”
* * * *
“Rogan’s? Seriously?” she asked Roberto, smiling wide. He gave her a wink and kept an arm around her waist, his hand gripping her hip.
“You said casual, and this place has great food, excellent service, and a cool atmosphere,” he told her, and she looked at him and smiled. “Is it okay with you?” he asked.
“Yes, Roberto. This is perfect,” she said, and he kissed her shoulder.
“Good.”
Her cheeks blushed and she looked ahead of them as the bouncer opened the door for them to enter. The music wasn’t too loud, but the place was pretty crowded.
“Roberto.”
He looked to the right and saw Rogan, an old friend of his and the owner of the place.
“What are you doing here?” he asked and Roberto released Alessa to hug his friend. They gave one another slaps on the back.
Then Rogan looked at Alessa.
“You should have told me you were coming. It’s been so long.” Roberto pulled Alessa close to him again.
“I know it has been. I was racking my brain as to where to bring my friend, Alessa. She wanted something casual and fun. It’s her only day off from work. I thought of your place and knew she would love it. So Rogan, meet Alessa. She’s a famous pastry chef.”
“Pastry chef? Wow, that is impressive and so beautiful,” he told her and eyed over her body, shaking her hand hello. “Damn, you are one lucky man, Roberto.”
“She really is amazing. Ever hear of the pastries from Marchianno’s? She’s the one who makes them.”
“No way. I’ve been trying to find out who that pastry chef is and see if they do orders for other restaurants. I figured it was one of the bakeries, like the one in midtown.”
“She works there, too, and her pastries sell out Sunday morning right away.”
“Roberto,” she said, and he smirked.
“What?” he asked. “He knows of your delicacies. I’m just letting him know it’s you.”
“Alessa, would you consider working something out with me to make private orders for me to sell here? I would make it worth your while.”
“Seriously?” she asked Rogan.
She looked up at Roberto, and he could tell she was shocked and not sure how to handle this situation.
“She will think about it while we wait for a table. You’re open to a light order to start as she’s very busy where she’s working now, so time and delivering may be an issue.”
“I would work out whatever deal you wanted. This could b
e a great promotional opportunity, too. If you’re not bound to Marchianno’s with some sort of contract,” Rogan said.
“No, I’m not,” she said.
“I’ll talk with her about it, Rogan.”
“Fantastic. It’s pretty crowded. Why don’t you have a drink at the bar and I’ll work on getting a table for you. Then maybe we can talk a little business whenever you have time. I’ll be over to get you shortly,” Rogan said. Roberto shook his hand.
“Thanks, buddy,” he said, and then Roberto guided Alessa over toward the bar and they squeezed in by the corner. He felt her hug his arm.
“Roberto, oh my God, what do I do? I don’t even know where to begin. I mean I met up with Gisella for lunch today and she said she had over a dozen people interested in placing orders for pastries with me. Now this? Oh God. I think I’m having a panic attack,” she said and he chuckled, pulled her into his arms, and hugged her. He caressed her back and looked down into her eyes as she gazed up at him. She looked so precious. So vulnerable he felt possessive.
“I’ll help you figure it out. I bought you some time. We can tell Rogan that we’ll meet up with him another day to discuss options.”
“Discuss options? Where am I going to make all this stuff, and have the time for it all?”
“Stop doing the bakery thing. You don’t need that, or the extra headache and long hours. Maybe cut back at Marchianno’s, too.”
“Oh, no, Michelangelo will freak.”
“I can handle Michelangelo. I own part of that restaurant, you know?”
“You do?” she asked.
He reached up and cupped her cheek. Stroked her jaw. “Yes. So, no worries. We’ll work it out together. What are friends for?” he added and she smiled and then stared at his eyes, his lips, before she lifted up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. He felt triumphant. He was gaining her trust. She would never know he set that whole encounter up with Rogan. She would be under his control and eventually in his bed in no time. He hugged her again and she squeezed him back.
* * * *
Alessa was enjoying her conversation with Roberto. Rogan got them a table in the back corner restaurant and bar area that boasted an old western saloon style décor. The atmosphere was fun, uplifting, and the conversation encouraging.
“Now, let’s see how you can accomplish this new business venture. You said that your friend Gisella offered her penthouse kitchen, and even the kitchen at Club Empire for you to use. That’s great. So you have a place to cook things up and create. It comes down to the environment you feel more comfortable in. Second, supplies. You said you have the tools, it’s just the money for the baking materials, the display containers, and transporting the large quantities. I can probably help with that.”
“Well, Gisella has offered multiple SUVs for deliveries if I needed.”
He leaned back and nodded. She wondered if he felt insulted because he got her this opportunity and now she was using everyone else’s assistance but his. She didn’t really know him well enough to give him too much trust, but she was so excited. He wouldn’t have ulterior motives, except maybe to get more intimate with her. The thought made her gut clench and she damned herself for thinking of Cobra, Roman, Ziek, and Lenox. They would flip out, but they didn’t own her. They didn’t want to make a commitment to her, date her, talk about her life, her dreams, and be there for her, they wanted her body. Sex, which would be amazing but temporary.
She stared at Roberto as he suggested other things, and ways to prioritize her time. Then he reached over and clenched her chin between his forefinger and thumb. “I’m here for you, Alessa. You aren’t alone. I don’t want you to worry, and to feel scared, intimidated, or get exhausted. You work so hard, baby, let me help you and be here for you.” His words, the expression on his face and the bold, blue of his eyes drew her in and then next thing she knew, he was kissing her.
What she hadn’t expected was the initial desire and then the sudden thought of Cora, Roman, Ziek, and Lenox. She pulled back, and he squinted at her.
“I’m sorry, Roberto.” She lowered her eyes. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Why I’m so scared. So afraid to feel to accept—”
“Shh, no need to explain anything.” He caressed her hair and then took her hand and brought it to his lips.
“You’ve been hurt before. You went through something traumatizing, and trust will not come easy. I get it. But the difference is, I’m not like Calvin or any other man. I’m here for you, to lean on, to talk to, for guidance or advice, and I’m fine with that for now.”
“You are?” she asked, feeling shocked by his words, by the sincerity in his voice.
He held her gaze.
“You deserve respect and support. I have a feeling no one ever gave that to you. You deserve more.”
She stared at him as tears hit her eyes. She hesitated a moment, wondered if he was for real, and fought against the desire she had for four men who weren’t right for her and didn’t really care like Roberto seemed to. She leaned closer and lifted her mouth to his and kissed him. He let her take control of the kiss and it made a huge difference, letting her feel more in control, which was what she needed. To finally realize that the men she had desired weren’t right for her and it was time to move on to someone safer and something more secure. It was the right move to make. There didn’t seem to be a way that Roberto could hurt her. He was a business man, not a made man. This was a safer relationship.
Chapter Six
“Are you sure about this? I feel like I’m invading the kitchen,” Alessa asked Bronx.
“Are you kidding me? How could I not want some sexy, young pastry chef working alongside me in my kitchen?” He winked, and she chuckled.
“You are such a flirt, Bronx.”
He leaned closer. “And you are too beautiful to be single,” he stated, and she raised her eyebrows at him.
“Who said I was single.”
He covered his heart and acted like he was stabbed in the chest.
“No! Don’t tell me some man was faster than I to sweep you off your feet?”
She giggled as she rolled out the pastry dough, and then began to use the cutters to shape the dough as she wanted. She thought about Roberto. She hadn’t seen him in a couple of days and he wanted to get together tonight to catch up. He was going to pick her up here at the club, and help her to deliver the order to a party a few blocks away. Then they were going to grab dinner, maybe takeout, and bring it back to her place.
“This looks so good. What are you making now?” Gisella asked, walking into the kitchen.
“The dough for sweet, raspberry tartlets. They’re like tiny bite size pies with a special fresh raspberry filling.”
“Oh, they look great. Is that lemon and blueberry, too?” Gisella asked.
“Yes.”
“This is the McCarthy order then? Do you need the SUV to help deliver the stuff?”
“No. Roberto is taking care of it, and picking me up, and then we’re grabbing takeout to bring back to my place.”
“Oh, just the two of you?”
“I think so, but if Parker and Lane are with him, his associates or whatever they are, then we’ll invite them, too.”
“Nice. Uhm, the reason why I came in here really quickly is to make sure you have enough time to make it to The Red Slipper tomorrow night. We’re all going.”
“I don’t know if I can. I mean, I have two orders that are pretty large ones. Maybe I’ll make it to get there by eight.”
“Eight is fine. Things don’t get started until later anyway.”
“Let me check with Roberto, because I don’t know if the event he wanted me to go to is tomorrow night or Saturday night.”
“Oh, this is getting serious. You checking with your new boyfriend to see if you can hang with your friends.”
“He isn’t my boyfriend.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. We’re friends, and it’s different.”
“Sounds d
ifferent. Might be more than that after you have takeout together at your place tonight,” Gisella said and winked. Alessa felt her cheeks warm.
“Maybe,” Alessa added. “Hey, have you heard from Donata?”
“Not a phone call since last week. I was getting worried about her and texted, and she texted back saying she was good and busy with this assignment she was on for work.”
“I wonder what it could be. Her brother always gets her these jobs, but this one is the longest.”
“I know. I’m sure we’ll hear all about it when she gets back.”
“Knowing Donata, she is having a ball and meeting hot guys,” Alessa stated. Gisella laughed.
“That doesn’t even appeal to me anymore. You know, the whole dating thing, or meeting someone and not knowing if they’re full of shit or legit.”
Alessa chuckled.
“Aren’t you glad that you don’t need to worry about that anymore? Not with two gorgeous, powerful men like Fedarro and Collin,” Alessa stated.
“Beyond glad. I love them so much. It’s like life before them is a fuzzy memory.”
“That is awesome,” Alessa whispered and continued to prepare the little pastries, wondering if she would ever fall in love or have a man truly love her.
“Hey, you’ll have that one day, too. Don’t rush things with Roberto, though. When it’s true love and you can trust the person, your body, your heart, and soul just know it. It’s hard to explain. It’s like nothing else matters and you can sense it. Trust me, there’s no use in denying it, either.”
Alessa smiled softly. “I’m not looking for love. I’m just trying to survive and live.”
“That’s when it bites you in the tush,” Gisella said and then they both laughed.
“I’ll let you finish up. See you tomorrow night.”
“Okay, and thanks again for letting me use the kitchen here.”
“Anytime,” Gisella said, and then left the kitchen. Alessa went about finishing up the pastries and waited for Roberto to text her that he was almost there to pick her up.
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