Page 21 of Before the Storm
“I did,” she said.
“She’s having some difficulties with her pregnancy. Her doctor doesn’t want her on her feet anymore.”
“Oh no. That’s terrible. I hope she and the baby are going to be okay.” Instinctively, she placed her hand on her stomach.
“From what she told me, she’s showing signs of early labor. She needs bed rest and that’s what she’s going to get. But she’s a front manager and one of our best employees. I’m going to be having a meeting with my brothers and Jack first thing in the morning about how to deal with that and I’d like to toss your name out there for the position.” He held up his hand. “It’s temporary, until she comes back. It would mean a bump in pay and regular daytime hours, though we’d still need some swing shifts from you. But I wanted to ask you how you felt before I pushed that agenda.”
“What about Pam? Or other people who have been there longer?”
He jerked his head. “I’m surprised Pam’s name came out of your mouth, considering the way she has treated you, especially today. But she’s not in the running, for more reasons than one. As far as everyone else goes, there will be others we discuss and you might not get it, so you need to be prepared for that.”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to be the new girl whom no one likes.”
“You work harder than anyone in Blue Moon outside of Jack. There’s only one other person I would consider, and the only reason I wouldn’t give it to them is because they prefer nightsover days, and we need someone who can be on all days. You seem willing to work whatever hours we throw your way.”
“I could certainly use the money.” She gripped the door handle. “As long as you don’t think it would cause too much of a disruption.”
“We won’t allow it. We’re a close family at Blue Moon. Everyone likes you.”
“Except Pam,” she muttered.
“She’s on thin ice with all of us.” He took her hand and pressed his lips on her palm.
She held her breath as warmth spread across her skin like melting butter. Her heart hammered in her throat. For the first time in her life, a man’s touch didn’t feel like an assault. It felt safe. As if she were meant to be in this moment.
With him.
“Good night, Janelle.” He released her hand. “Sleep well.”
“You too.” She slipped from the truck, missing the running board, and plummeted to the ground. “Ugh.” She landed flat on her face.
“Oh shit.” He raced around the front of the pickup and lifted her off the pavement. “Are you okay?”
She wiped her hair from her face. “Yeah. Just a bruised ego.”
He laughed. “It’s a long way down when you’re what, five foot four?”
“I’m five five, thank you very much.” She glanced up. “Although, I guess that’s tiny next to the Jolly Green Giant.”
“Oh my God. I’m not that tall.”
“You’ve got to be over six feet.”
“Six two.” He smiled, holding her by the biceps. “Are you sure you’re all right? Do you need help up to your apartment?”
“No. I’m fine.”
He took her chin with his thumb and forefinger. His gaze tore deep into her soul.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Janelle. Inside and out,” he whispered. “I’m captivated by you.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, letting his lips linger.
God, she wanted more. Needed more.
Did she dare?
It wasn’t ladylike to demand it.
In her culture, a woman never initiated contact. They never asked for anything. It wasn’t their place. It was for the man to dictate. And it was never about pleasure. At least not for a woman.
