Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
THEO
Evie surprises me during her first week on the job, and they’re all pleasant surprises.
She’s as organized and personable as I thought she would be, but she’s more than that.
She finds rental cabins for everyone who signs up for the trip, gets excellent deals on flights, and goes out of her way to find me new speaking engagements in the fall, even though she won’t be working with me by then.
I’m not looking forward to her leaving.
The weekend comes, and I would usually reject Everett’s offer for another barbecue. I already went to the last one, and that’s usually enough to tide me over for the month, but…
I don’t have any work to catch up on, thanks to Evie’s help. I may as well enjoy myself.
And, fine, a small part of me wants to see her again—outside the office. God. How can I spend all week with Evie and still want an excuse to see her?
She’s there. Of course, she is—she’s the first thing I see when Everett leads me inside.
Evie is different when she’s not at work.
Her stuffy outfit has been replaced with a pastel dress, and she’s baking again.
Evie is passionate about her craft. It didn’t take me long to realize that, and watching her ice lemon frosting onto pale cupcakes confirms it.
“Do you ever stop working?” I lean against the countertop and watch her. It’s an ironic question coming from me. Everett would probably call me out if he were within earshot.
It’s probably better that he’s not. He can’t see how my eyes wander down to her low neckline—and swiftly back up to her face, where it’s safe to look.
“This isn’t work. No one’s paying me for it.” Her words are muttered; she hardly pays attention to me. She doesn’t even look up.
“I’m surprised you have the energy for this after such a hard week.” I click my tongue. “As your boss, it’s my duty to remind you to relax.”
She sets the frosted cupcake down and sprinkles flower petals on top. “This is how I relax. Don’t I look relaxed?”
“More relaxed than the last time I saw you baking. You were a mess then.”
She finally turns her attention to me, her hands on her hips as she stares me down. “You’re my boss. Should you really be commenting on my looks?”
There are many things I shouldn’t do. I shouldn’t think about how cute she looked at the last party, covered in flour and frosting. She looks as sweet now, even though she’s wearing her brother’s ridiculous Kiss The Cook apron.
“I’m not commenting on your looks. You were covered in flour before.” I lift my hands in surrender. “If this is how you have fun, I won’t judge.
Strictly speaking, I shouldn’t even be here and probably shouldn’t be talking to her.
It’s just for the summer. After the summer, I can return to perfectly professional relationships, and I’ll probably only see Evie if Everett ever decides to get married.
Some of our friend group have bets about whether he’ll ever find a person to settle down with; I bet against it.
“How do you have fun?” she asks.
“I usually start with a drink. What about a Bloody Mary? It’s too early for anything else, at least for me.”
“Fine.” She lifts her chin. “Make me one.”
“Now who’s the boss?” I shake my head and walk through the house. It won’t be the first time I’ve helped myself to Everett’s bar.
Evie trails behind me. “You’re in my brother’s house. I think I can boss you around a little. As long as you promise you won’t get payback once we’re in the office?”
“Promise.” I pour the ingredients—vodka, lemon juice, black pepper, tomato juice, and a dash of hot sauce. “I like seeing you like this. You always seem so nervous around the office.”
“I’m not nervous…” Her gaze drifts away. “Well, maybe a little, but I’m getting less nervous every day. By the end of the summer, I’ll be more confident than the guy who works the front desk.”
“Dexter.”
“Is that his name?”
“Mhm.” I fill the glasses with ice. “By the time we get to that point, you’ll already be leaving us.”
“Is it weird that I’m a little sad about it?” She moves from one foot to the other, her fingers twisting together. “It’s not a bad place to work. Christine is cool, and… you’re fine too, I guess.”
I slide one of the drinks to her, my eyes twinkling. “Is that all I am?”
It’s too easy to forget who we are, even though we’re still discussing work. This isn’t the workplace. Evie’s hair isn’t in a tight bun anymore, and we’re exchanging drinks rather than talking about my ever-changing schedule.
“No. You’re much more than that.” She lifts the glass to her lips, her eyes never leaving mine. “You’re a good bartender, too.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“Evie?” Everett’s voice booms through the house. “Did you take my blow dryer again?”
“Sorry!” She giggles and rushes up the staircase. She turns back to me, giving me another moment of her time. “Really, this is a good Bloody Mary. I’m impressed! I would tip you, but…”
“No tips necessary.”
The illusion shatters once she’s gone. She’s still my employee, and I’m still her boss. I shouldn’t watch her skirt twirl around her legs when she turns, and I definitely shouldn’t think about the sweet smile she only gives me when she’s off the clock…
I add an extra shot of vodka to my drink.
The party goes on as usual. Evie is here; that’s the only difference, and this time, she doesn’t stand off to the sidelines. She talks to others—a few of her brother’s friends and their partners.
I’m the one alone now, until Everett approaches me.
“We have a problem,” he mutters.
What problem could we possibly have? The sun is out, and everyone is having a great time. They’re drinking, chatting, and eating. For once, Everett didn’t burn the food.
He’s probably sending me on an ice run. I hold back a groan, and my brows furrow. “What is it?”
“Joy is here.”
“Joy…?”
He glares, his hands on his hips. “Don’t tell me you already forgot her name. Come on, man. You’re so fucking embarrassing.”
Oh, right. That Joy. The date that failed before it began. I have forgotten her, which makes me a prick, but in my defense, I’ve been busy training an employee and planning a trip. My excuses for canceling our date were true.
I scoff. “Of course, I didn’t forget.”
But I couldn’t tell him a single thing about her.
“Theo!” I hardly know her voice, but when someone approaches from behind, I know it’s Joy.
Dammit.
I greet her with a big smile. “Joy!”
If it weren’t for Everett, I wouldn’t remember her name.
She leans in, quickly kissing my cheek, and I shift uncomfortably. Am I supposed to kiss her back?
“I’ve been waiting to hear from you,” she says. “Everett told me you’ve been busy with work.”
“He didn’t lie; I have been.” I press my lips into a thin, apologetic smile.
“Things are finally slowing down now.” Everett lifts a brow. He’s enjoying this, isn’t he? “Right?”
“A little bit…” Thank God, I have another out. “I’ll be traveling next week for work, but after that, I should get back to my usual schedule.” I shoot Everett a glare, and thankfully, he drifts in another direction.
Joy steps closer. “Does that mean I’ll hear from you once you return? I am still looking forward to spending some time with you… in private.”
She’s a lovely woman—a beautiful woman, really. Between her honey hair, hazel eyes, and symmetrical features, I have no reason to avoid a date with her. My reluctance has nothing to do with her. It’s me, the same problem I’ve had for many years.
I’m not made for relationships. Even seeing the hungry look in her eye makes me twist with discomfort. That’s not her fault. It’s mine.
“I want to be honest with you…” Even though I shouldn’t be. Lying would be easier. “I’m not looking for anything serious right now.”
Her eyes sparkle. “That’s fine with me. We can keep it casual.”
“No. That’s not—” Shit. Where is Everett when I need him? “That’s not what I mean. I’m not looking for casual sex, either. That’s… that’s not for me.”
I’m a conundrum to most, who assume I would be a typical wealthy Playboy.
Not an option for me. I don’t have time to date, but I don’t enjoy casual sex.
The former is less surprising, but the latter always seems to shock people.
Something tells me Joy won’t be an exception to the surprised majority.
Her brows furrow, and the excitement drains from her face, twisting to embarrassment. “Then what are you looking for?”
My eyes fall on Evie without meaning to—because she’s watching us. I feel her gaze on me, and it doesn’t move away, not even when I catch her.
Honesty is probably best. Beating around the bush leads me to awkward conversations like this one.
“I’m not looking for anything,” I turn, returning my attention to Joy. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t lying about being busy with work, and even though it’s improving, it will always consume too much of my time. There will always be something else coming up. That’s how it goes.”
Making my work a priority isn’t a chore, either. It’s my greatest love, and I put everything into it. There’s nothing else for me to give. Most people won’t understand, and I don’t expect Joy to, but at least she can take no for an answer.
“I get it.” She lifts a shoulder. “If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”
“I do.” I swallow thickly, hoping her acceptance means the conversation is coming to an end. “Thanks.”
EVIE
Of course, Theo is seeing someone. It’s not like I’ve ever asked him about his relationships—that would be inappropriate—and it makes sense that someone like him would be seeing the most beautiful woman in the world. She’s taller than I am, more mature, and her hair shines in the sunlight.
I wouldn’t turn her down if she tried to crawl into my bed, that’s for sure.
It’s easy to avoid Theo for the rest of the party. He always leaves before anyone else, and that is fine. I don’t need to talk to him. I make a few new friends throughout the night, and it’s not until everyone is gone and I’m left with a messy kitchen that I start thinking about him again.
About the stranger kissing his cheek. Their proximity contradicts the warm smile he sometimes gives me, and I feel dirty, but—it all means nothing. He’s my boss. It’s a friendly smile. Maybe he even looks at himself as my mentor. How am I supposed to know?
Theo won’t tell me anything. He didn’t even tell me about his girlfriend.
“Are you cleaning again?” Everett groans.
He’s had a few drinks, and I’m sure the last thing he wants is to help me tidy up the kitchen. Of course, Everett doesn’t know how badly I need this right now. Something to keep my attention on, something to fix.
“Go to bed.” I scrub the massive, sticky tongs he uses to grill. “This won’t take long. You and your friends weren’t as messy this week.”
“You go to bed.” He yawns and turns around.
Something tugs at my chest, begging me to stop him. Curiosity.
Envy.
“Wait!” I turn off the faucet and face Everett, gripping the sink’s ledge.
Everett looks at me with lifted brows, waiting for me to say something else, but the words get caught in the back of my throat. I know exactly what I want to say to him, but how can I get the words out without combusting into flames?
There’s no reason for me to ask what I want to ask. I shouldn’t say it. It’s inappropriate and totally unprofessional. If Theo Roche were a wise man, he would fire me before I ask silly things like—
“Is Theo dating someone?” I blurt, my face radiating heat.
Everett laughs out loud, and I long to melt into a puddle. To disappear. Get me out of here.
“What?” He asks. “Are you interested in him?”
“Ev! No!” I groan. “I’m just curious. I saw him with—”
“Joy.”
“Sure.” I lift my hands in the air. “With Joy—but forget I asked. It’s none of my business.”
Everett leans onto the countertop, crossing his arms. “Theo is totally off limits. Anything I tell you right now doesn’t mean you should be crushing on him. Got it?”
“I mean, obviously. He’s my boss, he’s older, and—”
“Even if he weren’t those things, he would be off limits as far as I’m concerned.” He shakes his head. “Forget it. I don’t know what I’m worried about. He’s not seeing anyone—and he will never see anyone. You know what I mean?”
“Ah…” I wrinkle my nose. “He’s that kind of guy.”
“No, no. Don’t get me wrong. Theo is my best friend. I love him. He’s a good guy—or as good as a man can really be—but you know how he is about his work. It’s the only thing he’s ever been able to commit to. You deserve better than that.”
It’s rare to see Theo this serious, but he is now, even though his words are slurring. Everett wants to crush whatever I feel for Theo—which is nothing—but if it were something… he would probably be right to dissuade me.
I trust my brother.
None of this matters. It’s not as if Theo would ever be interested in me. My crush is just that—a crush. Nothing will ever come of it.
“I understand,” I murmur. “Just curious. I miss having someone to gossip with. Nothing else. I promise.”
“Good.” He backs away. “You’ll let me know if you get any vibes, right?”
“Yeah.” My voice rises. “Of course. There are no vibes.”
“I’ll kill him…” Everett mumbles, clumsily ascending the staircase.
I’m not lying. Not exactly.
There are no vibes coming from Theo, that’s for sure.
I may feel some vibes, considering that seeing him with Joy made me bubble with jealousy—I felt sick, and I couldn’t even finish my dessert.
But whatever I feel for him is harmless.
I’m not the first woman to have a crush on an attractive older man, and I won’t be the last. There’s safety in knowing nothing will come from it.
Even before Everett confirmed it, I knew that was true.
Theo has been kind, professional, and even protective of me. He probably looks at me as a younger sister.
A sick satisfaction still lulls me to sleep, knowing he can’t belong to anyone else.