Page 35 of Highest Bid

“Yeah, well I’d hate to admit it, but seeing you and Galan together gives me hope for my own sorry ass. That man wants you in his life—no small feat for him.” He smiled then nodded toward Colleen. “As for Miss Jealousy on Two Legs, nothing will open her eyes to genuine love, not until she finds it for herself.”

Genuine love? Layla would have scoffed if not for the burning ache deep in her chest. She’d wanted Galan from the day he’d interviewed her. That want had only intensified over the following six months. Until she’d been ready to do just about anything to get his attention.

Layla retrieved her plate of food. “Thanks, Ned. As always your advice is appreciated. And so is your delicious gastronomy skill.”

Ned grinned and headed back to his cooking station. “See that you eat it all. I don’t want your boyfriend on my case.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Despite Colleen’s hostility and Layla’s own self-doubts putting a damper on her mood, once she started eating she couldn’t stop. Every mouthful was juicy, meaty goodness with the crunch of fresh salad to top it all off.

Ned brought out an orange juice to wash it all down, and he beamed at seeing her near empty plate. “I do love a woman with a good appetite.” He turned serious then as he flicked a look at his watch. “Five minutes and we’ll need you onboard.”

She nodded, accepting the drink. “I’ll be there in two.”

The next four hours of service flew by, her deep sleep and nourishing meal giving her the energy needed to all but run around, taking orders, delivering food and drinks, between cleaning tables.

Though she was busy, she sensed Galan’s presence as soon as he entered the Garden Café and bar. She turned and smiled, drinking in his clean-shaven face, gray dress pants and red shirt. He didn’t need a jacket and tie; he looked formidable and possibly even more handsome without them.

Holding a black folder, he brushed his free hand down her arm. “I hear you’re due for a break.”

She nodded. “I guess I am, though I feel a little guilty after starting my shift with a meal.”

He drew her to an empty table. “Don’t worry about it. You’ve more than earned it.” Pulling out a chair for her, he took his own and immediately got down to business. “So my brothers and I had our meeting and we all came to a mutual agreement.”

Despite herself, she was a little breathless and eager. “What did you all decide?”

He opened the folder and drew out a formal looking document with Galan and his brothers’ signatures scrawled across the bottom. She gasped at seeing the increased salary figure. “I can’t accept that, I’m a waitress, not a stripper.”

He chuckled. “You could easily earn this and more if stripping was your career of your choice. Besides, when you read the document, you’ll see the remuneration we’re offering doesn’t come without stipulations.”

She looked up as Colleen threaded her way through the tables to get to them, an order pad in hand. But Layla wasn’t thinking about the other woman. Her head was reeling with the figures on the paper in front of her. “What stipulations?” she asked, too stunned now even to read.

Galan leaned across the table to reach for her hand. “We want to promote you as wedding reception coordinator. It means Elsa can concentrate on events in the ground floor function room. It also means you’ll be doing no more waitressing or bar work, but I’m thinking you’d be okay with that.”

She blinked, elation bubbling within. “I told you that was my dream job.”

He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “Yes. But that wasn’t what sealed the deal. You’re organized, with great customer skills, two of the best qualities for the position. And I know you’ll be happy to attend any future workshops to hone your skills.”

Layla stared down at their linked hands, hardly daring to believe the job had landed in her lap. She’d done some waitressing and bar work in both function rooms, where everything from weddings to conferences were held, but she’d never dreamed she’d get the role focused solely on wedding receptions. She lifted her eyes back to his. “Are you sure this is what you and your brothers want?”

“I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t,” he said simply. “You’re perfect for it. And as for your pay raise, you’ll be earning every cent of it. You’ll be starting first thing Monday morning.”

Colleen cleared her throat, her voice wiped of all emotion when she asked, “Would either of you like to order drinks or something else from the menu?”

Galan didn’t take his eyes off Layla, and she shook her head with a glance at the tight-lipped waitress. “No, it’s all good, thanks, Colleen. I have to get back to work soon, anyway.” She refocused on Galan. “Where do I sign?”

“You don’t want to read it all through first?” he asked.

She shook her head, joy dancing within. “I’ve read enough.”

She signed where Galan prompted, and he nodded with satisfaction before releasing her hand and peeling her copy free and handing it to her. She folded it and stood to put it into her back pocket, her hands trembling.

Her pulse raced, her outlook sharper, brighter. This must be how someone felt winning the lottery, except Layla had also been gifted the handsome hero.

Galan pushed to his feet. “I’ve got a lot to get done.” He smiled at Layla. “Find me when your shift is finished.”

Her answering smile burst free. “I will.”

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