Page 6 of Falling for My Best Friend's Dad
Every time when a customer thanks me for my service, I search for Richard’s approval smile. He never fails to express his gratitude and appreciation for my dedication as well, and the fact further spurs me on.
Now, Richard’s plan of hiring a new full-time stirs me. I would love to work here every day from morning to night, to be the matron of this restaurant. Having been working here for six years, since I was sixteen, I feel like being part of it anyway. But it’d be crazy. It’d be throwing my college degree away, right? Be rational, silly woman. I chide myself. You must make a sensible choice. There’s no future for me in Richard’s restaurant. I don’t want to end up waiting at tables all my life. I want to have a successful career and make important business decisions.
When I get home, my family has already gone to bed. I tiptoe into the bedroom I share with Maria and get into the shower without waking her. Tomorrow morning I’ll sleep late. It’s the only day of the week I have the luxury. The thought alone relaxes me.
After I shower, I go to the living room with my phone, planning to check my Facebook account for the first time in months. I barely plop down onto the couch when my phone vibrates. It’s Ivy.
“Hey, Vineyard Bride,” I say as soon as I receive the call. “How many tons of grapes have you picked?”
She giggles before speaking. “Oh, Kayla. You have no idea. There’re just so many grapes. I can’t wait for it to be over!”
I chuckle. “I remember you said you couldn’t wait to get started!”
“I did, but after three months of picking every day?” she sighs.
“Hmm,” I decide to tease her. “Are you having second thoughts about marrying a vineyard owner?”
She laughs. “That’s the thing! As much as I’m exhausted over the farm labor, I have no regrets!”
“I knew it!” I say, shaking my head at my Gavin-smitten best friend. I’m about to tease her more, but I don’t. The poor thing must be drained. “Do you have enough time to plan for the wedding? It’s only a month away.”
“Yeah, Gavin says the harvest will be over in about a week, so we should be fine.”
“Okay, if you need help with anything just let me know.”
“Oh, that’ll be awesome, Kayla. Although I’m sure you’re busier than I. Dad says you’re working on Sundays, too.”
“Yeah, it’s just temporary, though, because your dad’s going to hire someone soon.”
“Really?” she says. “He didn’t mention it. Great. Then you could have some time off. Maybe you could even quit it all together.”
“What makes you think I would like that?” I ask.
She pauses. “I don’t know. I just thought you would like to focus on your day job.”
I sigh. “Not really. I…”
“Is your boss giving you trouble again?”
“No. After my last warning, he’s been behaving somewhat.”
“Good. But Kayla, you’ve gained enough experience from them, don’t you think? You could find a different job now, if you wish.”
“True,” I mumble uncertainly.
After I end the call, I stare at the phone for a moment and yawn. I’ll worry about Facebook tomorrow, I think as I go back to my bedroom. Once I’m in bed, I stare at the ceiling for a long time, thinking about what I’m going to do.
Should I quit my day job and work full time for Richard? Or should I find a different day job and quit the restaurant?
Finally, I can’t fight to open my heavy eyelids. But as soon as I close them, I see Richard’s smoldering eyes in my mind again. I feel his thundering heartbeats and his warm breath, and the flesh between my thighs becomes moist and warm. I smell the musky male scent mixed with a subtle woodsy note that comes from the cologne he’s been wearing for as long as I know him, a scent that’ll always stay in my memory even if I don’t see him again in my life.
Chapter 4
Richard
I stand where I am long after Kayla leaves the restaurant. I finish the wine in the glass, but I don’t move. My body is heated by the drink and by the moment between us earlier. The image of Kayla bending to pick up the napkins — I can’t get it out of my mind. Her skirt wasn’t short at all, but I caught a glimpse of her white panties. Shit. Her lissome legs looked good as always, but especially at the moment. I had the impulse to skim my hands over her silky skin. It was a miracle I didn’t. The moment she shuddered in my arms, I fought the urge to bend her over the table and hike up her skirt… Holy fuck. I’ve got to get a grip.
God help me. I’ve gone too long without a woman. It’s been five years since Olivia passed away. I miss her although she isn’t coming back.
