Page 36 of Raspberry Cake
“I brought my house chair just in case.”
He stared at it, feeling stupid for not seeing it sooner. “Oh, I didn’t even realise.”
“They’re very similar—don’t beat yourself up over it.”
He started with the top of the frame while Eveline began with the bottom. They worked quietly side by side, with soft country music playing in the background. The silence was far from awkward, rather comforting even. They both startled when someone knocked at the front door. Confused, he went over and peaked to see Shannon standing there with bags of food in his hand.
“I know you’re there, I have lunch. Now open up.”
Turning his back to his friend, he warned Eveline, “You’re going to meet my best friend and I’m really sorry for what is about to happen.”
She only threw her head back and laughed. “Bring it on.”
He opened the door in time to find Shannon’s hand raised to knock again. “Finally. What took you so long?”
Renley stepped aside and revealed the woman behind him. “Eveline, this is my best friend, Shannon.”
She gave him a wave. “Hi Shannon.”
“Oh shit.” Then pain rippled through Renley’s shoulder thanks to Shannon’s fist. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re on a date?”
“You didn’t ask.”
Shannon turned to Eveline and smiled. “Hi, Eveline.”
“I hope you brought enough,” Renley teased, indicating the food.
“Should be fine. Eveline seems like she weighs less than a sack of potatoes.”
Renley barked out a laugh. “Don’t let that fool you. She likes her food.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you two starve,” Eveline chirped, joining them at the table.
He leaned down and kissed her hair. “Very generous of you.”
They all sat down sharing the wings and fries, with Shannon curiously eyeing Eveline. “So, you’re his boss?”
“Yes, when we’re clocked in. I’m mostly in the office anyway while my partner handles most things at the job sites.”
“Do you usually date guys you just newly hired?”
“Watch it,” Renley growled.
Shannon threw his hands up in defence. “She’s your boss, I’m allowed to ask questions.”
“Respectfully, so fix your tone.”
Before Shannon could respond, Eveline sighed and began speaking, “Renley and I first met when I hired him as my escort for the night. When he stepped into my office a few days later, I let him decide whether he wanted to work for my company or not. In neither instance did I ever imagine we’d be dating. He initiated that.”
Shannon’s jaw dropped and Renley wasn’t sure if it was her words or how confident she delivered the story that had him speechless. “You’rethe woman that paid him for a good time.”
“Yes.”
“Oh…”
“I would prefer for that part not to be shared outside of this room,” she added sternly, but not rudely.
“My lips are sealed, but damn that explains it.” Then Shannon’s head snapped around to Renley. “You fucker! You didn’t tell me!”
