Page 106 of There's No Us Without You
I get to work preparing the vegetables and other side dishes for tonight and store the cold items in the massive industrial fridge. The evening starts a little slower than I expected, but by 7 p.m. we’re in full swing and I have sweat in places I didn’t even know could sweat.
I’m running off the adrenaline coursing through my body, and Smith even let me make the sauces from scratch, telling me he’s never tasted anything as good since my dad was here.
This made my heart swell in my chest, and I had to blink back tears.
When we’ve finished cleaning up, I head out the front to catch up with Stella. I already miss working with her, but being in the kitchen is where I belong. Fingers crossed Smith puts in a good word for me with Tony.
I’m fidgeting with my apron and grinning to myself when I enter the front of the restaurant. I just can’t give this place up, not yet.
And that kiss with Emerson . . .
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to do it again, even if he doesn’t want to.
My god, how could anyone not fall in love with him after just one lip lock? My heart was practically tripping over itself the moment the tip of his tongue touched mine.
Familiar voices have me slowing my footsteps and when I find Emerson talking to Stella, his hands tucked into the pockets of his black jeans as he leans back on his heels, I almost forget how to breathe. The way that dark-grey collared shirt fitssnuggly over his chest has me wanting to rip it from his body just so I can run my tongue over his muscles.
Jesus, I’m losing it. Who knew such a reaction could be had?
What’s even better, he has the sleeves rolled up, his beautiful skin glowing under the halogen lights. And the way his veins run down his forearms and into his hands has me squirming.
It’s the first time seeing him since last night, and I can’t help the way my body heats up when he’s near.
I’m drawn to him, his body like a giant magnet to mine.
Carter hovers behind Emerson, shoving a hand through his sandy blond hair as he shifts from one foot to the other. Even though I’ve only met him a couple times when he’s picked Emerson up for training, I like him so much more than Cooper.
I clear my throat and wave to gain his attention, but he’s too busy ogling Stella to notice me.
It’s Emerson’s attention I do catch, though, and when he spots me hovering, the smile on his face is genuine—even after what happened last night. “Hey, beautiful,” he says, motioning for me to join him.
Don’t read into his words, Eden. They mean nothing.
Stella tries to hide her own smile by squeezing her lips together, but it doesn’t work. Besides, she needs to focus on the pretty blond man who hasn’t taken his eyes off her in the time I’ve been standing here.
“I need to finish up here,” Stella says, motioning to the tables that still need cleaning. “It was nice to meet you.” She smiles at Emerson, but when she glances at Carter, her freckled cheeks flush and she puts her head down before darting away.
That’s interesting.
When I reach Emerson, he spins me around, dancing his eyes down my filthy front. “Don’t you look damn adorable. How was your night?”
I bite my lip and nod my head, almost bouncing on the spot. “It was awesome. I had so much fun.”
At first, I thought seeing him again after last night would be awkward, but if anything, it’s the total opposite. Everything feels... normal.
“So,” Carter says as he steps up beside me and slings an arm over my shoulder. “How close are you and Stella?”
“Nice to see you, too,” I say, poking him in the ribs.
“Of course it’s nice to see me, Reeves. Look at me.” Carter holds his arms out wide and glances down his body. “So, how about you ask Stella if she wants to join us tonight?”
I frown. “Tonight? What’s going on?”
“Didn’t you get Will’s text?” Emerson says. “There’s a new DJ playing at the bar.”
“No, my phone’s been in my bag all day.”
“Well”—he glances at his watch—“you better move that fine arse, Pop-Tart, or I’ll be Will’s plaything for the next month if I don’t get us there on time.”
