by Tl Reeve
Oh hell. This got ugly quick.
Placing my hand on Mack’s arm, I prepared to plead Oscar’s case. Yes, his words were uncalled for, callous and hurtful, but it didn’t mean he should lose his job though. Right? Especially not because of me.
“Mack—”
Mack’s head whipped around, eyes blazing and the vein in his forehead ticking. “It isn’t the first time, Ireland. It’s a pattern. He’s been warned about it, and now I’m done. I take great pride in providing a safe place for both men and women to come, have a drink or two, and mingle. I don’t put up with this type of shit from anyone who works for me.”
“Alrighty then,” I conceded, removing my hand from his arm and hoping we hadn’t gained the attention of everyone in the restaurant. Though secretly, I suspected we had. It was bad enough the bartenders around the bar were watching the altercation.
Mack snapped his fingers, which garnered the attention of another man. He hurried through the blocked off area of the bar, then stopped in front of Mack. “Cut Oscar a check and get him off my property in five. Otherwise, I’ll be calling the cops to have him arrested for trespassing on private property.”
“Come on, Mack,” Oscar pleaded. “You know it’s not like that, I—”
Mack’s furious gaze snapped to Oscar’s, and the man withered. So, this was angry Mack. I’d have to tuck that information away for another time. The commanding presence he exuded was a turn on. He didn’t take shit from anyone, especially misbegotten fools who harassed women during working hours.
“Got it, Mack,” the other man stated, drawing Mack’s attention before he made his way behind the bar to promptly escort Oscar from the area.
Mack grunted and looked back to me, his jaw no longer clenched in fury. “Sorry you had to wait for me. There was a supply issue that required my immediate attention.” He rolled those massive shoulders, releasing some of the tension he’d been holding there.
Giving him an understanding smile, I gently reminded him, “As a fellow business owner, I understand when issues pop up that have to be immediately addressed, Mack.”
“Doesn’t make it right.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “It is what it is.” I bit at the fleshy part of my lower lip. “If you’d like to cancel—”
“Not fucking happening, Ireland. I’ve been looking forward to this all damn day.”
His candor was attractive, causing my lower belly to wobble with need, and my brain finally admitted what my body has known all along—I desired the big man standing in front of me. Mack Redman was dangerous to my single status.
Plastering a smile on my face, I mentally pushed my issues aside and said, “Then let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
Mack cocked his head. He studied me with his gray eyes for a long moment before he offered me his arm and led me to a table tucked in the back, which allowed him to see everything going on but still afforded a level of privacy. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but you look beautiful.” His voice was husky and heavy with lust.
This man. As infuriating as he’d been yesterday, he was chivalrous and attentive now. Smooth too. He knew exactly what to say to calm my jangled nerves.
“I clean up well.” I teased him as I sat in the chair he pulled out for me. All the while, I chose to ignore his hungry stare, even though I felt it in my soul.
He chuckled, taking a seat across from me. “I don’t know. You looked pretty damn good in your work clothes yesterday.”
Warmth filled my cheeks at his praise. Not knowing how to reply, I quickly changed topics. “So, what’s good here?”
“Everything,” he answered, before handing me one of the menus that had been waiting for us.
I rolled my eyes at him. “Pfft. It’s not like you’re a parent and I’m asking you who your favorite kid is. What are your top three things to eat here?”
He cocked a brow. “You’re relentless.”
I laughed. It was the truth—better he learned that now instead of later.
When I didn’t say anything, he blew out a breath. “Fine. My personal favorites are the porterhouse, cooked medium rare, the parmesan risotto with roasted shrimp, and the paella.”
“Was that so hard?”
Mack threw back his head and chortled. His gray eyes sparkled with humor. He was dangerous. Cocky Mack was one thing—he exuded power and status. Happy, relaxed Mack could tear down my walls and crawl so deep into me I’d never be the same again. Although the idea should frighten the hell out of me, a small part of me enjoyed the idea of having him in my chaotic life.
“Actually, yes it was.”
“Whatever,” I mumbled under my breath.
When our server approached the table, she acknowledged Mack first before she turned her attention to me. “Welcome to Flame. My name is Melissa, and I’ll be your server tonight. What can I get you started to drink?”
“I’d love a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, please.”
“Do me a solid, Mel, and give us a couple minutes before you bring a bottle of the 2016 Freemark Abbey.”
“You got it, Mack.” Melissa left as quietly as she approached.
“You might regret ordering a bottle.” I wiggled my brows. “I really like red wine.”
“Newsflash, Ireland. You’re with me. I own the place, and you can drink as much as you’d like.”
“In theory that’s awesome and all, but don’t forget, I’m driving and have to remain sober,” I reminded him and myself. Once this night was over, I needed to leave and maintain a professional relationship with him.
At least that was what I kept telling myself. Getting mixed up with Mack could mean disaster for me…us. Any business with Mack Redman could provide my family with much- needed funds, and most importantly, a reputable reputation in town.
He leaned back in his seat, watching me intently. “Or you can just leave your car here, and I’ll drive you home. Problem solved.”
“Except, I’m not about to leave my baby in your parking lot overnight, unattended.”
Mack shrugged then offered another solution. “It’s an easy fix. I’ll just drive you home in your car.”
It had been a struggle not to show how his words affected me. It had also been pretty obvious what stopped me from having a one-night stand in the past wouldn’t be the case with Mack. I needed to regain control of this conversation, more for me than him. I held up my hand. “Slow your roll. No one…and I mean no one, drives my car.”
It was kind of the truth. I wasn’t a fan of allowing others to drive my cars, and it was a privilege I’d only given my siblings.
“Hey, it was just a thought.” A wicked grin curled his lips. “There are always other options.”
Mack Redman was a dangerous man.
Melissa returned shortly thereafter, carrying the bottle of wine Mack ordered. She poured me a glass first, then Mack before she placed the bottle on the table. “Ready to order?”
Mack looked at me, and I gave him a nod. He got the porterhouse, and I ordered the risotto. After Melissa left, a young boy showed up, placing a basket filled with a mix of rolls, seasoned olive oil, and a small plate of green and black olives on the table.
My stomach loudly growled when the warm yeasty scent of freshly baked bread hit my nose. I should’ve eaten a roll to help soak up some of the alcohol I’d already consumed, but instead, I sipped on my drink.
“Oh, yum,” I muttered into my glass.
The wine was rich and full-bodied with hints of blueberry, blackberry, and cherry with a trace of chocolate.
Yay. Chocolate.
“You like?” Mack asked as he sipped from his glass.
“More like love,” I admitted.
“Enough to remove the remaining strikes you’re keeping a tally of?” Fuck, he was slick. He gaze locked on me, holding me ensnared. My heart tripped a beat, and my breath hitched. The tingle of awareness sparking between us excited me. Each twitch of his lips or the way he continued to assess me had me curious what
would happen next.
Two could play this game.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table. If my mom could see me now, she would most likely smack me upside my head for doing it. “Since I believe in total honesty, how you dealt with Oscar wiped your slate clear.” I raised my glass. “And having the pleasure of enjoying this delectable treat just gave you bonus points to boot.”
“How many?”
I smiled over my glass, enjoying the easy conversation. “Like a lot.”
“I can live with that.” He graced me a sexy grin that caused my heart to beat faster. I nibbled on my lower lip, smothering the groan I could feel building in my throat. He continued, “Now, do me a favor and eat one of those rolls you’ve been eyeing since the busboy left them on the table.”
I narrow my eyes at him in warning. He was charming and bossy. He didn’t ask me to eat—he told me. It took me a second or two to come to terms with his demand. I refused to kowtow to others. With my glass curled toward my chest, I plucked a still-warm roll from the basket. A spicy smirk tugged at his lips, as though he’d won something. What, I wasn’t sure, but I found myself wanting to see it more.
“These better be just as good as the wine,” I warned before sinking my teeth into the surprisingly sweet and buttery-filled carb. “Oh, sweet baby Jesus.” I literally groaned like a hussy in heat. The fucking thing melted in my mouth. How bread melted, I wasn’t sure, but this roll did.
I wanted more.
“Did I just gain a couple more bonus points?” he asked before sinking his teeth into his own.
“Oh yeah,” I said after I polished the moist goodness off. “If these are any indication of how the meal is going to taste, I think you’re golden.”
“I was an asshole yesterday,” he admitted out of nowhere, and I nodded in agreement. “I liked that you called me on it.”
“Are you always like the cocky bastard I met?” I prodded, swirling my wine around in my glass. I had a feeling most people didn’t disagree with Mack.
He sighed. “I’d like to say what happened was a fluke, but I’d be lying. My sisters, both of them younger, by the way, have informed me I’ve got asshole tendencies. Even more so when it comes to my businesses.” I could tell already that I’d like his sisters. It reminded me of the relationship between me and my brothers. “Without offering an excuse as to why I acted the way I did, I wanted to tell you I’m sorry for my behavior.”
“It wasn’t all you,” I confessed, ready to clear my conscience with my apology. “I wasn’t very welcoming either or nice…” Mack didn’t disagree with me. I also liked that too. In a relationship, that honesty was sexy.
Melissa returned with our meals a short time later. She placed each of our plates in front of us then made a hasty getaway.
Mack picked up his fork and knife first. “Eat, and when you’re all done, you can tell me if I ever have to worry about your three-strike rule ever again.”
I grinned at him. “Cocky?”
“Or I’m just confident in my chief’s abilities,” he said before tucking into his meal.
I could see it was cooked to perfection. He wasn’t lying about his chief’s capabilities.
My food appeared amazing. The shrimp were roasted to perfection and seasoned to excellence. The first bite was nirvana, and the second, orgasmic. I knew I must’ve made several unladylike noises, but Mack didn’t say shit. When I was done eating everything, I laid my fork and knife parallel across my plate. I’d be remiss if I didn’t try to wrangle the recipe from Mack, considering my youngest brother was going to culinary school.
“Any chance in hell,” I said dipping the last glass of wine toward my plate, “I could get the recipe for my meal?”
Suddenly, I’d become jealous of the napkin Mack used to wipe his mouth and hands once he’d finished eating. The white fabric tugged across his bottom lip, gathering up the glistening juice from the last bit of his steak. The action shouldn’t have been erotic, but I couldn’t help the yearning to lean across the table and lick the remains clean. A flash of arousal spiked in my system, dampening my panties. I’d said it once and I’d say it again, Mack Redman was danger personified. “It can be arranged as long as you tell me why, since I’m pretty sure you already have an in with the owner and can get the dish whenever you get a craving for it.”
“Jackson, my youngest brother, is currently going to culinary school.”
Mack drained the last of the wine from his glass. “Have him stop by tomorrow, and we’ll talk.”
“I wasn’t looking for a job for him.”
Mack gave me a warm look of appreciation. “I know you weren’t. Restaurant kitchens are notorious for a high turnover, so we’re always looking for young talent, willing to put in the time to learn.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to him tomorrow,” I replied, making no promises. Jackson had always seemed content to help at the garage while he finished school, but it might’ve just been because he’d never found the right restaurant to apprentice at.
Mack glanced at my now empty glass. “Want me to order another bottle?”
I held my hand up, feeling relaxed and warm, and shook my head. “No. I think the two bottles were enough, don’t you?” Our waitress had dropped off a second bottle when I drank through most of the first while enjoying my meal.
Pretty sure I was drunk, since I enjoyed most of the second bottle by myself too. Thanks, in part to Mack, who made sure he kept my glass filled anytime it was empty. Any more wine, and I’d be pushing my limits.
As it stood now, I couldn’t drive home, which meant I’d have to contact one of my brothers, get an Uber, or take Mack upon his earlier suggestion. Needless to say, the alcohol was telling me the last idea was looking better and better. When Melissa came back to clear our plates, Mack ordered dessert and coffee for two. I protested the desserts, obviously, but Mack assured me it was fine.
Our busboy returned moments later with our coffee, and even though it’d been late and I’d pay for having caffeine, I drank it. I hoped it would help me sober up some and allow me to walk out of the restaurant without tripping and falling on my face.
The tray contained varying small containers filled with sweet confections that held me entranced.
Mack handed me a spoon. “You okay with sharing them?”
“Are they good? Because if they’re really good, I might just want one all to myself.”
Mack threw back his head and laughed. “Tell you what, once we’re done, you pick your favorite, and I’ll send you home with a bunch of them to keep you satisfied for days.” The deep sensual tone of his voice had me shifting my thighs to ease the growing ache between them.
I picked up the first container, featuring a round dessert filled with chocolate and caramel. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
Mack tilted his head, watching me. His gaze fell to my mouth as I licked the spoon clean. “Men should always be pleasant with the women they’re attempting to woo, Ireland. If that’s not the case, cupcake, you’ve been dating the wrong men.”
He wasn’t not wrong. After a single meal with Mack, it became clear my previous boyfriends—not like I had dated a lot—never made an effort like Mack. A lot of it, I’m sure, had to do with Mack’s age. At thirty-seven, he was established, knew what he wanted, and how to obtain it.
The doubts I had earlier came rushing back. There was a twelve-year age difference between us. Why would he want to date a girl when he could date a woman?
“What’s wrong?” Mack asked, apparently sensing my wayward thoughts.
Not wanting to dive into my lack of confidence when it came to dating, I lied. “Nothing. The wine is kicking in, and it’s oddly quiet now.”
“Bar closed about twenty minutes ago, and the restaurant is getting ready to shut down for the night. My staff is busy escorting the stragglers out and starting their clean up duties so they can leave for the night.” Mack stood. “If you give me a minute, I’ll arrange for you to get home tonigh
t.”
I nodded, leaning back in my chair and watching him walk through the almost empty restaurant. My gaze landed on his ass, and I sighed. Like a ripe peach. I wanted to bite the firm, round globes then lick away the sting. His stride commanded attention from those around him, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t experience a little thrill because of that power. He stopped when he caught Melissa coming out from the serving station, and I watched in amazement as the owner of the restaurant tipped both her and the busboy who came out after her.
When Mack returned to the table, he wrapped his hand around my elbow to steady me, and I stood and gasped. Knowing my window of opportunity might be shutting, I blurted. “If your offer to drive my car back to your place is still open, I’d like to take you up on it.”
This close, I watched the reality of what I’d said dawn on him. His gray eyes flickered with desire, assuring me that what I’d been feeling all night wasn’t one-sided.
“I’ve got a better idea,” he murmured across the shell of my ear. “If you’re okay with it, we can stay in my apartment upstairs.”
I gasped, surprised he lived where he worked. “Not what I was expecting you to say.”
He chuckled, and the sound shot down my spine settling low in my belly. “I’ve got to keep you on your toes, cupcake. So, would you like to come upstairs with me?”
Who was I to say no?
Chapter Three
Mack
* * *
I didn’t take advantage of Ireland when we stepped into my apartment. Lord knows I wanted her. She caused my dick to ache, and the scent of her perfume made my head spin. However, when she stepped into my apartment after dinner, instead of taking advantage of her tipsy state, I was a gentleman. I guided her to the guest bedroom then brought her a pair of sweats and a shirt.
I enjoyed the evening with her, and the idea of Ireland being in my apartment over the restaurant settled something inside me while also turning me on. She was an effortless beauty. Her gasps and sighs with each bite of food or sip of wine shot straight to my groin, leaving me harder than a rock. Her giggles and laughs were balms to my frazzled nerves, especially after the little show Oscar put on at the bar. I was ready to mark my territory, but pissing on Ireland’s leg in front of an employee—ex or not—wouldn’t go over well, especially since I’d been an asshole at the garage.