“Why you here, sugar?”
Becca wrinkled her nose. “Cut straight to it, don’t you?”
Drew shrugged, and Becca felt comforted again.
“I started a new job, and I don’t know. Maybe I should quit.”
“Quit?”
Becca sighed and leaned back in her chair, bringing her knees up to rest against the edge of the table. “It got complicated.”
“Complicated how?”
“I have a crush on my boss. And last night—well, last night it got awkward.”
“Oh, do tell.” Drew’s eyes glistened with curiosity.
“I don’t even know where to start. I don’t think she likes me, not like that. I think she appreciates me, and she loves that I love her son. I love that kid, seriously. But last night and the other day, I think she was jealous.”
“What?”
“Yeah, the other day, some chick gave me her number, and last night Kimberly brought it up. But—I don’t know—something about how she was acting. It made me think there was more to it.”
Drew raised one delicately waxed brow. “More what?”
“I don’t know!” Becca’s chest rose and fell in exasperation. “I really don’t. I promise.”
“But you like her?”
Becca gave a meek nod. “I’m not doing anything about it, though. I don’t want to lose this job. I’m so close to finishing school. I have to just push through until I can start student teaching.”
Drew hummed, but Becca wasn’t sure if it was in agreement or disagreement. Not pushing it, she ignored Drew and focused on her conundrum. A crush was easy to ignore—at least it should be. Yet there was something in the way Kimberly held herself, confident and uncertain at the same time, brusque and soft. She was a walking contradiction. The only thing Becca knew for certain was that Kimberly loved Michael and would do anything for him. She was devoted to being the best parent for him that she could be.
When Becca looked up to see Drew staring at her, she smiled wryly. Drew was one of her oldest friends—they’d grown up with each other and she knew Drew would be brutally honest. When Drew said nothing, Becca was left in a second wake of confusion.
“What do you think I should do?”
Drew shrugged. “I think no matter your choice, someone is going to be hurt.”
Nodding in agreement, Becca put her forehead against her knees and blinked back tears. Drew was right. There was no getting out of this without Michael being hurt. Dread settled into the pit of her belly, and while it was uncomfortable, Becca let it reside there and chose instead to ignore it.
“Can I stay here a couple of nights? Just until I have to go back to work?”
“You bet, sugar. You’re always welcome here. And you know the charge.”
“Yes, I’ll cook dinner and breakfast every day.” Becca grinned and rocked on her side to plant a kiss on Drew’s perfectly kept-up cheek. “Love you.”
“Always and forever,” Drew answered. “Now get to studying. That test isn’t going anywhere.”
Becca groaned. “Three tests.”
“Holy hell, sugar.” Drew pointed a finger at her while standing up. “You better get that nose out of dreaming and into books.”
Narrowing her eyes, she chose to ignore her best friend and go back to studying. It was hours later when she emerged from the books to cook them both a meal of whatever she could find in the near-empty pantry. Drew’s kitchen was the opposite of Kimberly’s. Kimberly would die if she had to cook here.
Drew flittered around her as she puttered at the stove. “Where’s your lady?”
“What lady?” Becca asked as she stirred the pasta in the water.
“Your cooking lady.”
Becca froze. “My cooking lady?”
“Yeah, you usually watch her when you cook. Or have you seen her do this recipe so many times you have it memorized?”
Clearing her throat, Becca turned to Drew her cheeks drained of heat. “My cooking lady, as you so nicely put it, is my new boss.”
“What?” Drew laughed, obviously thinking Becca was joking.
“My new boss, Kimberly…her stage name and maiden name is Kim Burns.”
“You’re shitting me.”
“I’m not,” Becca answered.
“Oh my God. Let me see.”
Drew whipped out a phone and pulled up a video. With the phone set in front of the both of them, Becca watched as Kimberly, in all her pride and poise, taught whoever was watching how to make the perfect summer salad with squash and watermelon. Becca could barely look at the small screen, and instead, occupied herself with the boiling water.
“She’s your boss?”
“Yes.”
“This chick, right here?”
“Yes.” Each time Drew asked ramped up the dreadful feeling in the pit of Becca’s belly. “She is my boss. You can drop it now.”
“No freakin’ way. How did that even happen?”
“I have no idea—but it did.”
“What’s her house like? What’s her kitchen like? Oh my God, does she cook for you?”
“No, she doesn’t cook for me. Why would anyone want to cook another meal after cooking all day?”
“Good point.” Drew tapped one long thin finger against two very thin and painted lips. “So…the house.”
“It’s huge. Yes.”
“Come on, sugar. Give me some details.”
Rolling her eyes, Becca regaled them with all she knew about Kim Burns the chef and even more she knew about Kimberly Thompson, the ex-wife and mother. By the end of the night, they were yawning with full bellies and happy hearts, and she realized she should have visited sooner. Drew always knew how to lift her spirits and set her on the right path.
Chapter Seven
Becca had never been to New York City in her entire life, and she’d spent days planning out what she and Michael could do together while Kimberly would be holed up at the studio. Excitement was an understatement about how she felt when Kimberly had shared that she and Michael would be going on the trip with her. The bubbling sensation in the pit of her stomach hadn’t stopped in days.
The hotel suite was huge. Becca followed Kimberly and Michael inside, dragging her own small suitcase behind her. Michael beelined it for every room in the suite, checking it out. He ran back.
“I want to sleep in this bed, Mama.” He pointed toward one of the rooms.
“Does it have one bed in the room or two?” Kimberly asked.
“Two.”
“Okay, you can sleep there.” Kimberly blew out a breath, moving a stray strand of dark hair from her face as she dragged her suitcase and Michael’s into the room.
Becca walked into the other bedroom that was connected to the small living room. The king-sized bed stared back at her, looming. She shoved her suitcase into the corner, mentally preparing for the next few days. Kimberly was there for work. Becca and Michael were there to explore.
The door to her room opened, and when she turned expecting Michael, she found Kimberly. Her honeyed gaze looked Becca up and down slowly, twice, before they connected.
“I thought I might take Michael to dinner tomorrow. I should be back for it and give you some free time to roam the town.”
Becca grinned. “I would love that.”
Michael pushed open the door all the way, slamming it into the wall. Kimberly called his name in a whine, but Becca caught him as he jumped onto the bed and sat him on the edge.
“Kiddo, you know better than to slam doors open, don’t you?”
Michael nodded, sniffling in a clear attempt to make tears come. Becca closed her eyes and let out a sigh as she squatted to his level.
“You’re not in trouble. Just don’t slam the doors open or closed. We’re in a hotel, and there are other people in other rooms, so we have to be respectful of that, okay?”
Michael nodded. “Yup. I’m going to listen.”
“Good.” When Becca stood up, the look on Kimberly’s face shook her. She bit her l
ip as nerves tingled in the pit of her belly. “So sorry. I shouldn’t have… That was overstepping.”
“No, I appreciate it. I’ve already told him twice.”
Becca gave a small smile, unsure if Kimberly had meant it or not. Michael jumped on the bed, distracting her. He was almost as excited as Becca. He jumped closer and closer to the edge. Becca took a step, bracing herself for what she knew was about to come. Sure enough, he jumped and shouted, “Catch me!” at the same time.
Flinging her arms out, Becca caught him mid-jump but underestimated the force of him landing in her arms. She stumbled as she tried to catch her footing. Suddenly, hands were on her arm and shoulder, steadying her until she could stand upright.
Letting go of Michael, she slid him down to the floor and pulled a funny face at him. Kimberly put both hands on her hips and stared down at him. “Let’s not do that again. I don’t need to be taking either of you to the emergency room tonight.”
Giggling, Michael raced out of the room and left Becca and Kimberly alone. Kimberly sighed, and Becca chuckled lightly.
“He needs to burn some of that off,” Kimberly stated, pointing her finger in his direction.
“I can take him down to the pool if you have something you need to do.”
Kimberly’s eyes lit up, and the little bubbles in Becca’s stomach were back, but this time, it wasn’t because of New York. She swallowed in attempt to wet her parched throat. She had to get this crush-thing under control if she was going to continue to work for Kimberly.
“That sounds like an excellent idea, but I think I’ll join you.”
Becca’s throat constricted. Her heart pounded so loud in her ears that she could barely hear herself speak. “Right. I mean, if you want to just spend time with Michael, I can entertain myself for a while.”
“I think Michael would miss you were you not to join. And I have a dinner meeting shortly, so this way he’ll have more time with you.”
Nodding, Becca drew in a deep breath and held it. “I guess we’re going to the pool.”
“Pool?” Michael’s chipper voice resounded. “Yes!”
He bounced out of the room, Kimberly following him with a smile on her face. Becca moved to the door and shut it slowly, locking the handle then pressing her forehead to the cold metal of the frame. Being scantily clad in a pool with her boss had not been on her list of things to accomplish while in New York.
Before she knew it, she was in her bathing suit with a loose T-shirt pulled over her and Michael leading the way to the elevator in his board shorts. Kimberly followed behind. All of them had their bare feet padding on the carpet as they waited. Becca mentally checked through her plans for the few days they’d be there and tried her best to ignore the entire situation she found herself in.
Michael was bursting with energy. He fisted his hands as soon as they walked into the steaming warm indoor pool area and shook his arms back and forth in a sort of vibration in an attempt to contain his energy. Becca dropped her towel on one of the chairs and tugged her shirt over her head. She brushed her fingernails against the back of her short hair, trying to figure out exactly what she was supposed to do. Michael didn’t wait. He held out his floatie for her and silently asked her to help him.
She held it open while he shoved his arms through the holes then snapped the clip together, tightening it. He was just about to take off when his mother’s stern voice echoed through the empty pool area.
“Wait for me, Michael.”
He humphed but did as he’d been told. Kimberly set the rest of her and Michael’s things down on the chair next to the one Becca had claimed. When she grabbed Michael’s hand and started toward the water, Becca sucked in a sharp breath and clenched her teeth. The one-piece did everything to accentuate Kimberly’s curves perfectly. The zip bustier provided the perfect support and cleavage and the deep green color made her eyes appear brighter.
She swallowed hard then did the unexpected. Becca walked confidently to the edge of the deep end of the pool and jumped without hesitation. She stayed under the water as long as she thought possible, then pushed her feet against the floor, pistoning her body upward toward the surface. When she broke the water, Michael stared at her with awe.
“I wanna do that,” he said with awe.
Kimberly chuckled and half-carried him as he half-doggie paddled to the edge. He pulled himself out and stood at the lip of the pool. Both Kimberly and Becca moved to catch him. He plugged his nose, grinned and jumped all the while shouting, “Cowabunga!”
Becca caught him, but he pushed away from her to float and swim on his own as much as he could. She stayed close to him, as did his mother. Becca focused all her attention on the four-year-old in front of her, thankful for the distraction as well as the cold water. All she had to do was focus on her work, focus on taking care of and teaching Michael and her school work, and she wouldn’t get herself into any kind of trouble.
They spent nearly an hour in the pool before Kimberly begged off and headed for the room, leaving Becca alone with Michael. She taught him the basic tenet of floating on his back, but after another hour, he was bored of practicing and his teeth were chattering. Becca smiled gently at him and convinced him it was time to head to the room and perhaps get some food to eat.
At the mention of food, Michael’s ears perked up, and he was out of the pool as quick as lightning. He struggled to get his towel wrapped around him, so Becca grabbed one end of it and helped him before wrapping her own towel around her middle. She didn’t bother putting her shirt on, first because she didn’t want to get it wet, but second because Kimberly was nowhere to be seen.
Kimberly had a work meeting over dinner and wouldn’t be joining them, and Becca figured that by the time they got to the room, Kimberly would already be gone and on her way. When they rounded the last corner to their suite, Michael raced for the door, counting the numbers along the way until he found the room that ended in nine, which was theirs.
She pressed the key against the sensor and waited for the click and the light to turn green. As soon as it did, Michael gripped the handle and pushed with all his might. Becca helped a little above his head where he couldn’t see.
“You’re so strong. Thank you, kiddo,” she said as he plowed into the room and held the door for her to enter fully. He beelined for his room, and as soon as Becca looked up, she saw Kimberly shifting out of the way of the toddler tornado while trying to press an earring into her ear.
“Careful!” she commented.
“Sorry, Mom,” Michael called over his shoulder. “I take a shower. So cold.”
Kimberly had a smile on her face as she turned to Becca. Becca’s stomach flopped and then flipped. Kimberly looked gorgeous. Her tight black pants accentuated every curve, the tight shirt left no room for questioning and the deep maroon overcoat set off her eyes and dark locks perfectly.
“He said he was too cold to swim anymore,” Becca managed. “I figured you would have left by now.”
Kimberly checked her watch after finally sliding in her earring. “I’m running a bit later than I anticipated. It was worth it, though.”
“He misses spending time with you like this at home.” Immediately, Becca regretted her words. She was in no position to say anything about Kimberly’s relationship with her son. She held her hand up with her palm open as she clutched her towel closer with the other one. “I’m sorry. I seem to be stepping over boundaries a lot today. Forget I said anything.”
Kimberly’s lips pursed then thinned. Becca wasn’t sure how she was going to get out of this one, and she couldn’t quite read Kimberly’s look, which scared her even more. Kimberly said nothing, only took three steps forward with her hand extended. When Becca glanced down and saw the silver necklace between her fingers she was thoroughly confused.
“Would you help me with this? My publicist told me to wear it, but I can’t for the life of me get it on. That’s part of what’s made me later than planned.”
“Umm…sure
.”
Becca shook her head of the cobwebs as Kimberly turned around and lifted her hair to one side of her neck, exposing her skin to Becca in the process. Becca tucked the edge of the towel just above her breasts and prayed it would stay there as she gripped the thin silver chair with moist fingers.
It took her three tries to get the clasp to grab, and as soon as she was done, she stepped as far away from Kimberly as possible. Michael jolted out of the room buck naked, and Becca heard the shower running for the first time. “Where are the shower toys?”
Kimberly frowned, and Becca let out a breath as Kimberly’s focus turned onto Michael and she bent down closer to him. “I’m sorry, baby. I forgot to pack them. You’ll have to shower without them this trip.”
Michael frowned and gave a small huff, but sauntered to the bathroom completely unabashed in his nudity. Becca was about to turn and get changed herself when Kimberly put a hand on her forearm to stop her from leaving.
“We’ll talk about this later.”
The pit in Becca’s stomach grew. She swallowed and nodded in silence as Kimberly grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder while calling out her goodbyes to her child. She turned to Becca once at the door, eyeing her up and down again. Becca shuddered.
“I don’t know when I’ll be back, but it’ll be late.”
Becca nodded again, afraid to let her voice loose. With that, Kimberly left, but the tension in the room remained suffocating.
* * * *
Kimberly had spent the last twelve hours elbow-deep in the competition shoot she’d come to New York for. Her heart still raced a mile a minute as the taxi dropped her off outside the hotel. It was late, and she knew Michael would be sleeping, but there was no way she’d be able to fall asleep, not with the energy coursing through her veins.
This happened every time. Whether she won or lost, her adrenaline would keep her up through the rest of the night until she crashed sometime the next day, if she were lucky to have that opportunity. This time she had Michael with her, and she knew she wanted to spend at least a few hours with him in the city before they flew back to LA. They would have dinner for that tomorrow, but until then, she’d have to figure out how to stay awake for all her meetings in the morning when her adrenaline was no longer keeping her up.
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