Page 37 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I chewed on my cheek. Could I manage? Was that a job I could do well? I hadn't worked with kids, much less a job this high up.

Cayden glanced at me. "You could apply. I think you'd be a good fit."

"Are you just saying that to get me out of your place?"

He snorted. "I already told you that you were welcome to stay as long as you need."

I smirked, enjoying seeing him get flustered. I looked back at the sign and decided I would. I liked kids, and I thought I did well then. I could do this.

I managed to handle Brad and all the tasks he needed me to tackle. I planned events and parties. I kept the apartment in tip-top shape, including myself. I could do this.

Chapter 16 - Cayden

I stepped off the elevator and stretched as I walked down the hallway to the apartment door. I unlocked the door and pushed it open. I froze as I took in Riley standing in the kitchen.

She was wearing a short red dress that stopped just a few inches from her knee. She was dancing around as she moved some music playing around her. She was in high spirits, swaying her hips as she moved around.

She looked happy, and I felt my heart leap. She seemed comfortable in the apartment and around me.

I took the kitchen in and saw she had pans out and was cooking. It smelt wonderful with herbs and wine.

She turned, and her eyes stopped on me. She smiled wider. "Your home."

I nodded. "I am. What's all this?" I asked, waving my hand. "Were you sick of my cooking or the fast food?"

She snorted, rolling her eyes and turning her attention to a pan. She stirred it with a wooden spoon. "No, I wanted to cook dinner to celebrate that I applied at the daycare center, and I'm pretty sure I got the job. The gal said she had one more person to interview, but I was the front running."

"Well, that's great. Congratulations."

She beamed. "Right! So, I figured I could make dinner, and we could have a nice dinner. I even bought a nice wine to pair dinner with."

I slipped off my shoes and walked into the kitchen. It looked like she had cooked up a feast. She'd made shrimp scampi and garlic bread. I could even smell chocolate, and sheturned as the oven timer dinged. She pulled out a pan, and she'd made brownies.

"You really did go all out," I said, taking a seat at the counter. "You must be feeling a lot better."

She blushed, nodding her head. "I am. I feel… in control of my life."

I understood that feeling all too well and realized she was where I had been all those years ago when I left. Not knowing what your future held or what was going to happen. It was scary, and it sucked.

"Well, I'm glad I could be of help."

She grabbed the wine bottle and uncorked it. She had two wine glasses out already and started to pour into them.

"You have more than just helpful, Cayden. I don't think any of this would have been possible without you. So, this is a bit of thanks for all the help."

I gave her a smile. "You don't need to thank me for being there when you needed someone."

"I do. So just accept it." She handed me a glass. "And help me set the table."

We moved everything to the table and took a seat. Riley served the food, and my mouth watered at the sight of it. "Have you always been a cooker?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I always enjoyed making fancy dinners for Brad." The words slipped out, and then she paused, realizing she'd brought him up.

She swallowed. "I guess old habits die hard."

"You know I don't need fancy dinners. I'd be happy with a box of macaroni and cheese."

She smirked. "I enjoy cooking. It wasn't just for him."

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