Page 39 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
“I think I’d be more concerned if youweren’tstruggling with this. No one, unless you’re a sadist, enjoys ending someone’s employment, even if they are crappy at their job. The whole thing sucks. But we have the party to look forward to right after. Skye will be there.”
I frowned. “If you think a party will cheer me up, you don’t know me at all.”
Rhett’s lips quirked up. “You’re right, it’s more torture. At least you have flowers to look at.”
I studied the bouquet in front of me. Wherever he’d purchased them from had done an excellent job with the arrangement. It screamed fall, and I loved it. “You really didn’t need to bring me anything, but thank you. They will definitely help me get through today.”
“I’m to provide an update to my uncle after the party.”
My stomach clenched. Thank goodness Rhett had to deal with him and not me. “What will you tell him?”
“We’re doing our best, but it’s too soon to say one way or another.”
Ugh. Wehadto meet our goal. Executive chef positions didn’t open up often, especially not so close to my house. If I lost this job, the prestige I’d fought for, it would crush me. “Will it offend you if I say I’m not his biggest fan?”
He snorted. “I’d lie and tell you he isn’t so bad once you get to know him, but I won’t. He’s good at what he does, but he’s not the most personable. Family gatherings with my dad’s side are very formal affairs with plenty of arrogance and self-importance. I’m used to it because they’re my family, but few people can handle the expectations.”
Yikes. Rhett’s paternal family sounded like rich snobs. “Are your parents like that?”
His head waffled. “My dad can fall into the trap when he’s around his brother and parents, but when we’re alone, no. He’s more down to earth and just wants me to be happy and a contributing member of society.”
My lips twitched as I fought a smile. “So no running off to join the circus?”
Rhett smiled. “That wouldn’t support a family, so no.”
Did Rhett want a family someday? “Well, I for one am happy your dad crushed those dreams of yours early because I need you today.”
Rhett’s entire face lit up. He cupped his ear and leaned toward me. “Can you repeat that last part, please?”
I rolled my eyes at him, secretly enjoying his teasing. “I’m happy your dad crushed your dreams?”
He wagged his finger. “No, the other part.”
I scooted my chair back and stood. “I’m going to go wait in the kitchen for Darby to get here.”
Rhett stood and blocked my path, his arms folded across his chest. “Say it and I’ll let you go.”
I copied his stance. “The magic word isplease. Please move, Rhett.”
We entered a staring contest. The irises in Rhett’s eyes grew. The flecks of amber around his pupil stood out against the rich brown, like his eyes were caramel and chocolate, dancing together.
“Say it.” His words were low. Gruff.
Heat rippled inside my stomach. “What do you want me to say?” My words were husky. Not a tone I’d thought myself capable of.
“You need me.”
I licked my lips, totally lost in the angles and lines of Rhett’s facial features. Drowning in them, committing each dark eyelash, each freckle, each tantalizing detail to memory. There was nothing I couldn’t do—wouldn’tdo—in this moment. He had me trapped in his spell, and I gladly acquiesced. “I need you,” I said hoarsely, meaning every word.
Rhett’s breath hitched. His arms dropped to his sides, and he took a step closer to me. Following his lead, I dropped my arms as well. No rational thought came to me. No blaring alarms that this was wrong or bad or that we were crossing lines that could get us fired. I was too drawn in by him.
I slowly reached my hand toward him, my eyes never breaking contact with his. Our fingers laced together, like it was the most natural place for them to be. A bolt of lightning raced up my arm, into my chest, where it caused an explosion of heat.
Rhett’s other hand came up to my face, tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear. His fingers traced along the shell of my ear, lingering like he didn’t want to drop contact with my skin. I leaned into his touch, relishing the feel of his warm hand as it spread tingles across every inch of my skin.
Rhett’s face slowly drew closer to mine. I held my breath, waiting to see if he would close the gap. Were we actually pursuing the chemistry sizzling between us? My heart continued to go crazy in my chest as I started leaning into Rhett, ready to meet his mouth halfway. Because all I wanted was Rhett. To see if, despite my control-freak ways, someone could fall for me. That they would see there was more to me than my schedules and to-do lists.
Millimeters before our lips met, Darby’s grating voice said, “Of course you think you’re above the no-dating rule,Chef.“ She said my name with derision.
