Page 59 of Giddy-Up
Matt didn’t bother to swallow before asking, “What’s this sauce?”
“It’s a red pepper coulis,” Riley replied.“I wanted something smoky but sweet that would complement the tangy goats cheese.Do you like it?”
“Do I like it?”Matt guffawed.“Sweetheart, I’m two bites away from getting down on one knee and asking you to marry me.”
“Hey!”Wade shot his brother a dirty look.“You just try it...see what happens.”
“Jesus.”Matt laughed.“Your face!Calm down loverboy.Don’t get your panties in a twist.”
His panties were in a twist.Irrational jealousy had never been his thing, not until he met Riley.Now, he could easily beat his chest in anger if an unsuspecting male goes anywhere near her.
That’s normal.
He was well aware it wasn’t.But all he could do was at least try to not act like a caveman when the urge to beat his chest arose.
Ignoring his brother, he simply grunted and went back to his short-rib ravioli.Fucking heaven.
Contented hums continued for the next half an hour.There were only a few questions for Riley as she watched on patiently.Apprehension keeping her brows pulled together for far too long.
Wade looked to each of his brothers once they were done, his silent question acknowledged by a nod from all three men.
Jonah was the one to speak up first.“We love it, Riley.All of it.I’ll need to talk to the suppliers and run the numbers...but if they work, then we’d like to move forward with this menu.”
“Really?”Her elated squeal made his heart squeeze.
“Really, petal.”He couldn’t keep quiet any longer.“We also have a chef position open, if you’re interested?”
Rounded eyes went to him, before traveling to each of his brothers.“Me?But I...”He already knew what she was going to say, and Wade and his brothers had already discussed it.The job was hers if she wanted it.“I didn’t go to culinary school or anything.I’ve got no qualifications.”
“Darlin’, this feast here is all the qualifications we need.”Zach’s tone was gentle.“You won’t be the only chef, we’ll get a sous chef in too, someone who’ll be able to cover days you’re not working.And of course, there will be some kitchen staff to help out.But it’ll be your kitchen.Your menu.You’ll run it.”
As soon as Wade noticed her eyes swell, he was up off his seat.Two strides later and he was pulling her into his arms as she spoke into his chest.
“I just can’t believe you would take a chance on me like that.”She pulled back then, peering up at him, not hiding her disbelief.“It’s not because you’re having sex with me, is it?”
He smiled while his brothers sniggered like schoolboys.“No, baby, I’m not offering you the job because we’re having sex.Besides, it’s a family business, this is a joint decision.And the last time I checked; you weren’t sleeping with my brothers.”
Matt cleared his throat and started to say something, but Wade beat him to it.Twisting to face him he warned, “Don’t you fucking dare.”
More sniggers from his brothers rang out as he turned back.
Fucking children.
“You’re talented, Riley.This is what you should be doing.Seeing you in the kitchen...you shine.So fucking bright.”
Riley was on her toes, her hands wrapping around Wade’s neck as she tugged his head down.He was treated with a kiss so raw with emotion it stole his breath.
“Guys!”Matt sighed.“Can we at least pretend to be professional here?”Jonah and Zach were back to laughing.“We really need her to sign some sort of contract.”
Wade ignored his brothers and carried on kissing his woman.There was plenty of time to be professional.Right now, though, they were celebrating.
***
“Yes, Mom, a chef.”
That was the third time Wade had heard Riley say that to her mother.He was trying really hard not to get pissed off.The phone conversation he’d heard may have been one sided, but it didn’t take a genius to work out her parents weren’t reacting with the joy and pride Riley deserved.
Luckily, by the time Riley hung up, all it took was one look at how happy she was for his temper to wane.
