Chapter 4 Rachel #2
We’ve discussed their vision for the restaurant and catering business.
I have to admit I’m getting really excited for the potential in this place.
I hope they still want me, but this won’t be ready to open for months.
I’m not sure I can hold out that long with what’s left of our savings.
I can’t afford to let our stash get too low in case we have to take off on a moment’s notice.
“Let me show you the work that’s being done,” Marley says as she rises to her feet. We leave the office area to head into the construction zone. Bo has hard hats for the three of us. We leave the office area walking out into the main kitchen/prep area.
Looking down to make sure I don’t trip over anything, I follow the two women out. The moment we are in the room, I can smell him. My head lifts to meet dark brown eyes boring into my soul. I shiver, feeling my pulse spike and my nipples harden. Why does he have to be so damn gorgeous?
“Rachel?” Marley turns toward me. “Did you hear me?” I force my eyes away from the god-like man in front of me and turn to face Marley.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” I ask, glancing back at Rosco, feeling slightly embarrassed that I’d allowed his body to distract me from the conversation with Marley.
“I was asking how soon you’d be able to start?
” Marley inquires. “I know the restaurant won’t be open for several months, but we could use some help with ordering supplies, picking out décor, and working up a menu.
Shelby and Bo are getting married in three weeks, and we’ve already gotten requests for several catering events.
We could really use your help. There’s just so much to do.
“We’ll be preparing the food at our home, until this is ready. Shelby and I are both expecting a baby in a few months, so we are going to need all the help we can get,” Marley laughs.
“Of course, I’m happy to start whenever you need me,” I answer in a rush, thankful she’s wanting me to begin work so soon. We converse a few more minutes working out details on pay, benefits, and when I’ll start, which happens to be in the morning. Thank you, Lord!
It doesn’t take us long to settle everything. I’m ready to leave when Rosco moves closer, gaining Marley’s attention. She watches Rosco and I greet one another. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to keep my cool around him. He causes all my self-control to fly out the window.
“Nice to see you, again,” Rosco says in his deep voice, causing a wave of desire to flow through me. He holds out his hand for me to shake it. I haven’t forgotten how it had felt when he’d taken my hand last night, but I don’t want to be rude, so I grasp his hand.
Once again, it’s like grabbing hold of a lightning bolt. I draw in a sharp breath at the contact, knowing I’m making a scene. He holds on to my hand longer than necessary. It’s as if he is as reluctant to lose the connection as I am.
“You, too, Rosco,” I reply. His pupils dilate as if me saying his name is a turn on. He studies me a moment before dropping my hand. He turns to Marley and Shelby and begins to discuss the restaurant plans.
In minutes, the conversation has taken a turn I wasn’t expecting.
It seems this family isn’t shy about discussing private matters, which is fine, to each their own.
However I’m not a member of this family, so when the topic of bedtime activities between Marley and Luke comes up, I decide it’s time I make my escape.
“Well I suppose I should get going,” I interject before anyone can add more embarrassing information. “I have to pick my brothers up from the gym in a few minutes. Thank you again, Marley. I’ll see you in the morning.” Marley nods and gives me a wave.
“Let me walk you to your car,” Rosco suggests, stepping closer to me. I hesitate, because I’m not sure I’ll be able to contain myself. All I can think about is the kiss we shared last night and how much I want to jump his bones.
He notices my hesitation and surprises me when he says, “I’m not as bad as I look. I promise I don’t bite,” Rosco teases with a wink, then lowers his voice, “unless you’re into that.”
I smile at his joke, even though I try not to. I don’t need to encourage something that can never happen. Even if the thought of him biting me is a huge turn on. I should say no, but I find myself agreeing.
“All right,” I say, deciding I am in control of my body and my actions. “You can walk me to my car.”
“After you.” He motions with his hand for me to precede him. I head for the door, feeling his eyes on me.
The tingling that began when he took my hand is growing. I’d like nothing more than for him to kiss me again, but I know it isn’t a good idea. I wouldn’t be able to stop with just a kiss.
I will not climb him like a tree. I will not climb him like a tree. I repeat over and over in my head. I’m better than that. Right?? Ugh! I’m such a mess.
Once outside, we reach my old Nissan minivan.
“Well, this is my ride,” I say, opening the driver’s side door.
I can’t keep from adding my next comment with a little more sass than intended.
“Um, thanks for walking me out, but I could have found my own way. Despite what you seem to think, I’m a highly competent person. ”
“I have no doubt about that,” he murmurs, moving closer.
“But the world is a dangerous place. This is a nice neighborhood. The crime rate is low, but not, non-existent. I won’t take a chance on something happening to you when I could have prevented it.
” I’m shocked by his words, and my face is covered with astonishment.
Rosco appears a little astounded himself.
“Why do you care what happens to me?” I whisper. Rosco stares at me with an intense gaze before finally answering.
“You’re going to be Marley’s assistant,” he commences, moving into my personal space, pinning me between my door and his body, which causes my heart to race even faster.
“I can tell she already cares for you, which makes you family…by extension. We look after family. I love my sister-in-law. I want her to be happy. If you were injured leaving her restaurant, she would be hurt and feel responsible.”
His words cause me to shiver, but not from desire. He has reminded me of the dangers my brothers and I are running from. I make a sweep of our surroundings to ensure no one is about to sneak up on us. My eyes dart around the parking lot and street, searching for any sign of a threat.
Rosco takes my hand, drawing my attention back to him. Again, as always when he touches me, I can feel the electricity between us. It’s all consuming…cosmic, like fate is coming to fruition. Corny, right? But so accurate to how I’m feeling.
“It was nice seeing you, again, Rachel. I’m sure we will be seeing each other often.” Rosco kisses the back of my hand that is cradled in his much larger one, all the while holding my gaze.
I suck in a breath, goosebumps erupting on my body. Rosco’s salacious grin is my undoing. No matter how much of a bad idea it is, my fate is sealed. I’ll have Rosco Robertson, sooner or later, of that I have no doubt. It’s about to get interesting.