Chapter Five #3
That was more than generous, and her heart gave a little leap at the idea of seeing him.
“Okay. We can do that. I’ll see you when you get here.
” She ended the call and glanced around her small apartment.
With no idea where Oakley’s father lived, or how long it would take him to arrive, she did some fast straightening.
She’d taken off her good clothes when she’d arrived home, putting on sweats instead so she could clean, and she raced to her bedroom to find something a little more presentable.
She grabbed a dark blue cotton T-shirt dress that came to her knees—it was casual and practical.
There was no time for lip gloss or fussing with her hair.
A knock at her door made her start. She opened it to find Oakley standing there, messenger bag on his shoulder and brown paper bag in hand.
This one came from the Emerald Ridge Bakery.
Whatever was inside smelled divine. “My momma taught me to never arrive empty-handed, especially when I’m asking for a favor. ”
“Favor?”
“Yes, for asking you to work late tonight.” He gave her a grin that made her weak at the knees. “So I brought brownies and sugar cookies. I figured those were soft enough to chew for Allie, if she’s allowed any.”
“That’s very kind of you,” she said. “But pediatricians advise parents not to let babies have sweets until they’ve turned two years old.” She plucked the bag from his fingers. “I, however, happen to love both of these and have no such restrictions.”
“Then I’m happy there’s more for you.” Once again, his smile threatened to suck her under, a magnetic force she couldn’t resist. She wanted to bask in its pull and let it draw her in completely.
But she’d made that mistake with Allie’s smooth-talking sperm donor.
Oakley might be completely different, but he was still a man.
One her body wanted. He was also her boss.
She’d have to tread carefully, especially since he’d been in her apartment twice.
It felt natural and added a layer of intimacy, which was already dangerous because it made her relax her guard around him, as if they were actual friends.
Allowing the smell of fresh baked goods to distract her, she peered into the bag.
There were two sugar cookies and two brownies.
“Go ahead and take a seat. Allie’s finishing dinner and then I’ll be putting her in her crib for the night.
” She removed one of the sugar cookies. It was still warm. She held it out toward him. “Cookie?”
His grin was both sheepish and endearing as he shook his head. “I bought myself one and ate it on the way. Oatmeal chocolate chip.” He winked at her. “What can I say? It’s not one most people like.”
But then he was not like most people, and butterflies flitted in her stomach to prove it. She tried for casual. “Are there any bad cookie flavors? They’re cookies.” To calm her racing heart, she took a bite. “Oh, my.”
“Uh-huh. See?”
She had to resist closing her eyes as the buttery and sugary flavor danced on her tongue. “You’re right. This is so good.” She grabbed a small white plate from the cabinet and set the uneaten portion on it. “I can see why you couldn’t wait to eat yours.”
He’d sat at the small table, his big, masculine presence filling the kitchen.
She wasn’t certain if Allie recognized him or not, but her daughter clapped her hands and babbled as she finished the food on her high chair.
Several times she offered Oakley her sippy cup, and he pretended to take a drink before handing the cup back.
Rachel’s heart swelled at the cozy and cute scene.
Oakley had a way with kids. He’d make an excellent father one day.
He was the type of man a woman would never have to worry about; he was strong, steadfast, and true.
The kind of man she’d always wanted, but had never found. Until now? Perhaps inviting him over had been a mistake. He was her boss and off-limits.
* * *
As Rachel lifted Allie from her high chair, Oakley opened his messenger bag. He reminded himself that work was why he was here. He needed to focus. But it was hard, especially when Rachel lifted Allie’s hand and waved it at Oakley.
“Say goodnight to Oakley, Allie,” Rachel told her daughter. Allie chortled when he grinned and made a funny face. Oakley’s heart filled and he waved back. Allie might not be his, but she’d already captured his heart. If he wasn’t careful, her mom might do the same.
“I’m going to wash her up and put her to bed,” Rachel said. “Once I’m done, I’ll get my laptop and meet you in the living room.”
“Great. I’ll get started organizing the files. Don’t rush on my account.” He removed his laptop from the bag while Rachel went into the bedroom. A knock sounded on the front door. “Rachel?”
“Yeah, that’s Taylor. Can you get that?”
“Sure.” Taylor was coming by? Embarrassment washed over him. He had to remember that Rachel didn’t belong to him—she worked for him. This cozy scene was an illusion. He went to the front door and opened it, and found himself surprised as no man stood there.
“You’re Taylor?” He stared down at a petite, elderly woman with gray hair. He had a full foot or more on her.
“That’s me. The question is, who are you?”
“I’m Oakley.” He stepped back.
“Isn’t it after-hours?” Taylor asked, disapproval evident in her full frown as she entered the apartment.
To Oakley’s relief, Rachel came out of the bedroom. She reached for the diaper bag Taylor held. “Hey, Taylor, I see you met my boss.”
“I did. Didn’t know he’d be having you work all hours of the day or from home.”
Rachel set the bag on a side table. “It’s fine. He’s paying me overtime and giving me tomorrow afternoon off. I’ll see you tomorrow morning when I bring Allie over.”
“Uh-huh.” Taylor left and closed the door behind her. Oakley got the impression she didn’t like him much.
“And that,” Rachel said, “is my neighbor and Allie’s caregiver. She’s a bit protective of us.”
“I came to that conclusion. I’m surprised, is all. I’m not sure why I thought Taylor was a guy, but I did.”
“Oh, no. I’m quite single. After Allie’s dad, my ex…” Rachel shook her head. “No use getting into that. No time to date anyway, and men don’t want a woman with a child.”
“More fool them.” For some reason he found himself extremely pleased by this turn of events, and who wouldn’t want Allie? She was adorable. Oakley thought he’d have kids by now. And Rachel was a great mom and attractive.
She roused her laptop and logged in from her spot on the couch perpendicular to him. He caught his breath when she tucked her hair behind her ear. He had to remember she worked for him and was off limits, even more so knowing she was single.
“We’re in the homestretch for the championship showcases. Where are we with the corporate sponsors?” she asked.
Oakley focused. He’d hired Rachel because of her skills, not because she was beautiful. Either way, she was enchanting.
As they worked on the Fortune Rodeo Corporation’s signature event, they fell into a smooth, natural rhythm that he appreciated. While his corporation put on rodeos all over Texas, the one in Dallas was the biggest, and it was the key to Oakley’s expansion plans.
“You like rodeo?” Oakley asked during a brief lull. “When I hired you, I hoped you’d be somewhat familiar with the basics of the sport, but clearly you’re an expert. You know rodeo inside and out.”
Her smile created a warmth he wanted to bask in. “My dad enjoyed it, so he would take me. While I can ride, I never wanted to try competing myself, but I loved watching. I’m partial to the timed events more than the rough stock.”
“Really? What, no bull, bareback or saddle bronc riding?” he quipped, handing her some papers.
“Honestly, those events make me nervous for the competitors. That’s part of the appeal for the fans, I guess, as so many attend. But it’s not me.” She set the papers next to her.
“Rodeo is about the skill of the rider. The more dramatic and awe-inspiring, the better. It’s why, when I started this company, I wanted to have competitions that attracted the best riders around. Our showcases are more than buckles and the bragging rights. The purse matters as well.”
He took pride that the Fortune Rodeo Corporation had extremely generous winnings, which was one reason Oakley had become so successful.
He and Rachel spent the next several hours working, ending with a list of items for her to tackle the next day as she liaised with those who worked in the Dallas office.
Oakley stood and stretched his neck. When she closed her laptop screen, he reached his hand out. “Great work tonight.”