Page 12 of Mateo & Nicole

It had always been just him and his siblings. Now, with all this new blood, he couldn’t fight the worry that swirled within him.

He was responsible for all these people—their livelihoods were in his hands.

“Wow,” Daniel grunted at his side. “I knew you’d hired twelve guys, but it seems like so much more when they’re all here.”

Mateo nodded, hating that Daniel had noticed the same thing he had. This would be okay. They had enough work for the men to do. And if he had to let some of them go… well, he’d cross that bridge when the time came. “To be fair, two of these guys are helping in the kitchen… so…” He eyed his friend. “It’s definitely going to be a change around here.”

Daniel flashed him a smile. “I’ve half a mind to move in with them so I can get the full experience.”

The flat look Mateo gave his friend only made Daniel laugh.

“You’re right. I don’t think my brother is all that thrilled about the prospect of me moving out when I get married to your cousin. I should probably make the most of the last few months I’ll be at home.” He clapped Mateo on the back with another grin. “We officially start training tomorrow, but I’m going to get them all together for a meeting tonight—if you want to join. We’ll stay late in the cafeteria after supper.”

At the mention of the mess hall, Mateo’s heart stuttered. After giving Nikki a tour of her new workspace, he hadn’t seen her. He couldn’t decide why he felt like he was avoiding her. She was his employee. He had every right to check in on her and make sure she had everything she needed. Today she’d serve supper. It would be the first meal she would prepare for the men he was now overseeing.

And the thought of catching sight of her had his insides doing flips.

Maybe there was something wrong with him. After Caroline, he hadn’t been with anyone—at least not seriously. No one had interested him in the slightest. He’d figured it was because the betrayal that Caroline had wrought had been that bad.

But now… he was wondering if it had to do with the fact that he hadn’t found the right person.

Nikki could be that person.

No.

What was he thinking? She was Caroline’s best friend—or she had been. But on top of that, she was his employee,andshe had a kid! Even if he was interested, chances were slim thatshewould be. Most single moms were also single-minded… concerned mostly with taking care of their kiddos.

Daniel chuckled and nudged him, reminding him that he’d asked him something. Or he was waiting for something. “You okay, man?”

Mateo sighed. “I’m a little distracted.”

“Could it be due to a certain little someone?” Daniel wagged his brows suggestively. Man, the guy had certainly come out of his shell since he’d found Aria. He was more open and social—and it had everything to do with Aria. They were meant for each other. Where one person struggled, the other excelled. He’d helped Aria learn to trust and open up again while she’d made him more confident with his friends.

Mateo didn’t bother meeting the guy’s eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Daniel snickered. “I heard some stories about her, you know.”

Stories? What kind of stories? Mateo slid his gaze to his friend but only let it linger for a moment. “Who are we talking about again?” He needed to play dumb if he wanted any chance at keeping his distance. Sophia was already planning something, and Mateo knew better than to stand in her way or try to avoid it.

His friend nudged him again. “You and I both know who I’m talking about. Sophia told Aria that Nikki is a sweetheart—her words, not mine—and that she thinks the two of you would be a great fit.”

“Yeah, well, Sophia is a romantic about everyone but herself—so I wouldn’t put much stock into what she’s planning.”

“So, she is planning something?” Daniel drawled.

Mateo forced his expression to go blank. “I have no idea, but my sister is nothing but a meddler. If she’d been in town when you met Aria, she would have pushed you two together until your faces looked like they were smashed against a windowpane.”

That had Daniel laughing. “Fair enough.” They were quiet for another moment before Daniel shifted and gave Mateo a side-eyed glance once more. “What are you going to do about it?”

“What am I going to do about what?” Mateo grunted.

“Your sister pushing you and Nikki together. Do you have any inclination…”

Mateo shook his head. “None whatsoever. First and most important, she’s my employee. That would be an HR nightmare.”

Daniel snorted. “You’re HR, so you can’t use that excuse.”

Choosing to ignore his friend’s statement, Mateo folded his arms across his broad chest. “And we have a history.”

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