Page 37 of All We Need

Dex: *sniff* I smell BS.

Booth: I’d never lie. Thanks for sorting the cabin.

I lock my phone and throw it on my rumpled sheets, strip out of my clothes, and stand under the scalding water in my shower until my skin turns pink.Theentire time,Ithink aboutAlessandra.Notideal when naked.

She might grate on my nerves, but she’s still stunning to look at.Whichangers me even more.

OnceI’mdried off,Ido a few hours of work, make dinner, then climb into bed.Mymind runs through endless ways thatI’mgoing to makeAlessandrafeelwelcome.

It’s obvious she knows nothing about the restaurant or the history of this town.Luckyfor her,I’mvery knowledgeable.

She wants to prove herself as worthy?I’llbe the judge of that.

By the end of the year, she’ll know so much, there’ll be no point in her sticking around.I’llbe so attentive and dedicated, she’ll have no choice but to give meEmployeeof theMonth.Shemight also want to serve my head on a platter.

I fall asleep, grinning like theCheshireCatat how cleverIam.

TheEinsteinofSuttonBay, if you will.

Armed with two thermoses,Ijab at the buzzer with my elbow and wait.

It’s rareImanage eight hours, but last nightIwent to sleep satisfied and smug.

Stage 1: teach her all there is to know aboutMainefishing.

The thumping of footsteps sounds before a crack appears in the door.Illuminatedby the streetlamp, offering some semblance of light on this dark, frigid morning,Ijust make out a pair of sleepy, suspecting eyes peeking through the gap.

“Morning,Boss.Readyto start the day?”

She winces at my overly perky voice.Nota morning person, it appears.

Bonus points.

“What’s going on?” she croaks and widens the door.

My eyes sweep over her body, andIstifle a groan.Shehas to stop answering her door in nothing but silk and bare feet.

I bare my teeth in whatIhope is a genuine smile.Shedoesn’t deserve my dimples. “I’vearranged a field trip.Foreducational reasons.Iwant to help you out.Teachyou about the ways of the town and its people.”

“Booth,I’mnot in the mood.Gobother someone else.”

I hold back my wince when the door slams against my foot. “Ah, so what you’re saying is you’re not interested in learning about the culture of this small town?Noted.”Ifold my arms andtsk.“Shame.Ithought you really cared.”

A puff of air escapes her lips and then she counts to ten under her breath. “WhosaidIdidn’t care?”

“Your attitude did.”Iraise an eyebrow in challenge; she raises one right back.Engarde.“Ifyou have better things to do than be an involved member of the management team…”

GoadingAlessandraArgirosis fast becoming my favorite hobby.Ifshe were a cat, her claws would be protracting.

She contemplates my invite.Likeme,Isuspect she loves a challenge, and she isn’t about to back down when her commitment is being contested.

“Where are we going?”Hervoice is tight with agitation, right whereIwant her.

“It’s a surprise.”Ithrust a thermos toward her. “Thisis for you.You’llneed layers for today’s adventures.Thermals, if you have them.You’vegot ten minutes to get changed.”

“This is a nightmare.Ihaven’t woken up yet, right?”

“Oh, you’re very much awake.Chopchop.”Theslapping of my hand on my thigh makes her jump. “Ol’Peteywon’t wait around all morning.”

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