by Rye Hart
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Okay, time to tuck you in.” He moved toward the bed.
“No! I want Amber to do it.” She gave him a look of defiance.
I pulled her covers up to her chin. “There you go. Sleep tight. And feel better, okay?”
“Good night,” she said and closed her eyes. She was asleep almost instantly.
Luke and I padded quietly from her room and went back downstairs.
He turned to me, his voice so soft. “Thank you. For everything. You made a sick little girl very happy today.”
“It was my pleasure, Chef Harrison.” I nodded, not sure what the hell to think about everything. Was I really in his house? With him being decent? Shit. Him being nice was not helping my desire to reach out and offer him anything he wanted for the night.
He held up a hand to stop me. “Please, I think you can call me Luke at this point. At least when we’re not at work.”
“Okay. Luke it is.” I paused for a moment, wondering if I should say something else. I had a habit of saying things that pissed him off, and I knew it was a touchy subject. Screw it.
“Listen, I know it’s not my place to say this, but Emery really needs a mother in her life.”
Luke’s face darkened. “She had a mother. She doesn’t need another one, and you’re right. It’s not your place.”
I decided to be ballsy. I’d racked up a few points with him that night; time to cash them in. “Can I ask you what happened?”
“She’s not here. That’s all you need to know.” His eyes narrowed a little as he pursed his lips.
“Look, I’m not trying to butt in where I don’t belong. It’s just, I know what it’s like growing up without a mother. It’s hard on a kid. That’s all.”
Luke looked at me. “You seem to have turned out all right.”
I shot him a teasing smile. “Fuck me. Was that a compliment?”
“Absolutely not.” But the slight smile on his face told me otherwise. “And were you asking me to, or just being vulgar?”
My body jolted. “Being vulgar,” I whispered roughly.
“Guess you’re in good company for that, hmm?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
I had to get back on track. All I was seeing was him fucking me senseless in my mind. Not a good place to be when we were alone together downstairs. I had to change the course of this conversation, and fast.
I shook my head. “God, a joke and a compliment all in the same day? Did I win the lottery? Is this a dream?”
He laughed softly. It sounded like a low rumble in his chest. Then the smile faded from his face, replaced by a pensive look. “Am I really that much of an asshole?”
“Uh, yeah. Yes. You’ve scared the hell out of me from the moment we met. In fact, I can’t even believe we’re talking like this.”
“Don’t let it go to your head. You know, I push you because I know you can do better. You’ve got talent and potential. Two things money can’t buy. I’m trying to turn that potential into greatness.”
My heart pounded in my chest. He’d never been so open and honest with me. It was shocking. And here I thought he hated me when it was really was just the opposite. He was hard on me because he cared.
“That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
“Don’t get used to it. I’m gonna be the same mean bastard tomorrow.” He paused. “Tomorrow. Shit. I don’t know what I’m going to do with Emery. She’s still sick, and I don’t want her stuck at work all day. She needs to be at home, resting.”
“I can take care of her,” I offered.
His eyes narrowed. “Are you just angling for a day off from work?”
“Are you kidding? After that rousing speech you gave me? I’m more fired up than ever.”
He shook his head and laughed. “I should have kept my mouth shut.”
“Too late now. I’m going home right now to type it out and put it on an award.”
“Christ, no.”
I spread my hands out above my head like I was printing out a sign. “The Chef Harrison Award for Talent and Potential.”
“That’s not even funny.”
“Then why are you smiling?” I gave him a cocky grin. God, he was gorgeous. Why didn’t he have a woman with him? Obviously, he wasn’t an asshole all the time, right?
“’Cause you’re insane. But I’m serious though. Nothing is going to change in the kitchen. I expect nothing short of perfection from you. From everyone.”
I nodded. “I know.”
“And as much as I appreciate everything you’re doing for Emery-- and I do appreciate it more than you’ll ever know--it doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you.”
“I know. That’s not why I’m doing it. She reminds me of me growing up. So, I’m happy to help.” I looked at his lips and imagined what it would be like if he kissed me just then.
Not a chance.
“That sounds great. Now go home and get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.” He walked me to the door and moved back. “And don’t be late. ”
CHAPTER SEVEN - LUKE
I woke the next morning with Amber still on my mind. Had she really been in the living room the night before and I hadn’t taken full advantage of it? Yeah. Fuck me.
Groaning, I rolled over and let my eyes move across the picture of Em. She was the reason I wasn’t willing to do anything with Amber. It was a bit of a thrill to see my little princess enjoying someone else’s company, but what happened when Amber would finally decide she was tired of us? Of me? ‘Cause she would.
Where sex with her would be fucking incredible, that’s ultimately all I would want, and that wasn’t fair to her. She was an employee of mine first. I could keep my dick in my pants; I had to.
After laying there a few more minutes, I got out of bed and slipped on a pair of jeans to walk up to Emery’s room. I usually just called up the stairs, but I wanted to see her and make sure she was feeling better.
I stuck my head into her room and smiled. “Wake up, little one.”
Emery rolled over and opened her eyes. “Morning, Daddy.”
“How are you feeling?”
“A little better,” she said. “Not all the way.”
“Well, Daddy has to go to work, but I’ve got a little surprise for you.”
Emery perked up. “What is it?”
“Amber’s coming over to take care of you while I’m gone. Would you like that?”
“Yes, I really like her, daddy.”
“More than Marla?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m glad you like Amber so much.” The doorbell rang. “That should be her now. Be right back.”
I walked back downstairs as my heart skipped a beat. Fuck! I was getting sappy over the woman loving on my daughter. I was doomed.
I opened the door and my jaw almost hit the floor. Amber stood there, but there something different about her. At that moment, I realized I’d never seen her outside of her work clothes. She looked more gorgeous than ever.
She wore a long flowing sun dress that accentuated her curves in a very distracting way. Her black hair flowed down her shoulders, almost shimmering in the sunlight. I had the wild urge to run my fingers through it. Bright red lipstick stained her lips, drawing my gaze to her ripe mouth that looked to be made for kissing and sucking.
My sudden interest must have shown on my face.
Amber arched an eyebrow at me, her cockiness knowing no bounds. “See something you like?”
I shook my head, as if coming out of a trance. “Sorry, no. It’s just, you look different today. You actually look nice.”
She smiled sardonically. “I can’t tell if that’s an insult or a compliment.”
“No, I mean—Well, you know what I mean.” The woman had me flustered. It was not a feeling I was used to. Amber seemed to delight in my discomfort.
“Relax, I’m just kidding.” She held up a brown paper bag. “I brought some ginger ale for Emery. It seemed to help
yesterday.”
“Yes, thank you. She’ll like that. Please, come in.” I led her into the kitchen. “There’s food in the fridge. Feel free to help yourself. If Emery’s feeling up to it, you can try giving her some plain toast. I’ve got Pepto in the cabinet, and there’s a list of phone numbers to get ahold of me on the table.” I tapped a finger to my lips. “Let’s see, what else?”
“I think I got it. If I can handle working for you, I can handle just about anything.” She gave me a sweet smile and my cock twitched in my jeans. Fuck. I didn’t even have on a shirt or shoes. Her eyes moving across the wings on my chest caught my attention. Was she going to be ballsy enough to say something about it? To ask more questions?
Her left hand squeezed into a ball, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she were thinking about reaching out and tracing it. I wouldn’t survive it if she did. She would find herself pinned to the wall, or spread out across my kitchen island. Both would work.
“Right,” I said, trying to still my nerves. “It’s just that I worry about her.”
Amber reached out and patted my arm as I tensed. “I know, and it’s adorable. But everything is going to be fine. Now go get dressed, and then get out there and feed the hungry masses.”
I nodded. “All right.”
After standing there a minute too long, I walked back to the bedroom and got dressed quickly. Every cell in my body was screaming for me to make something happen. I wasn’t going to survive being around her and remain aloof. But I had to. I’d been wearing a mask since Jen left. I could keep it up. I was fucking Luke Harrison. I could do anything.
I walked back down the hall and grabbed my keys as she stood in the kitchen, her hip popped out as she leaned over the counter, reading something. The thick curve of her ass pushed against her skirt and my body ached with need.
“I’m out, but again, you call me if you need anything. Anything.”
“Will do.” She turned and smiled. “There’s the asshole chef I know.”
She had me there. I rolled my eyes and walked to the door with her behind me. The scent of her perfume rose up and filled my senses, leaving me a little dizzy with lust.
“Good luck today,” she whispered as I opened the door.
I walked out and grunted something incoherent. It felt too much like we were playing house. I got in the car and put it in reverse, watching in the backup camera instead of turning my head around. I wanted to see her a little more.
She waved as I pulled out of the driveway. A strange sensation of vertigo overcame me. It was like having a vision of the way life could be. Being sent off to work by an adoring wife, Emery having a mother taking care of her while I was away. not coming home to an empty bed.
It was a nice idea, but that kind of life just wasn’t in the cards for me. Life was what it was. No sense in torturing myself with fantasies that would never come true.
***
I walked up the stairs after work, tired from a long day in the kitchen. Things got crazy without Amber there, but that seemed to be a trend now. In the short time she’d been in my life, she’d become an essential part of it. And not just at the restaurant. The fact that she was so good with Emery was a life saver, but also a little scary.
As I reached the top of the stairs, Amber walked out from Emery’s bedroom. She smiled when she saw me. I was about to speak when she placed a finger over her lips, indicating I should be quiet. I nodded and gestured down the stairs. We walked down in silence.
“She just fell asleep,” Amber said softly.
“Good. How is she?”
“Feeling better. Letting her stay home today was a good call.”
“I think having you watch over her was the best decision honestly.”
Amber’s cheeks reddened at the compliment. She looked down at her hands. “Well, it’s no trouble. I’m glad I could help.”
“Seriously, Amber. Thank you.” I broke one of my rules and reached out to squeeze her shoulder. Fuck, she was beyond beautiful. So innocent and sensual all at the same time.
“I should be thanking you. I had a great time today. I read her a couple of stories before she showed me a cartoon with a talking dog. Then we spent like two hours watching baby elephant videos on YouTube. It was a blast.”
“I’m glad,” I said, rocking my head back and forth to loosen a kink in my neck. “I hope you can do it again some time.”
“I’d love to,” she said, and paused. “Is everything alright?”
“Oh, my neck? It’s just been a long day. Things were busy.” I rubbed it and watched her closely.
“Is that your way of saying you missed me at the restaurant?” She smiled softly.
I couldn’t tell if she was teasing me or not. Her eyes moved around my face, and for the first time in a long time, I wondered if I looked alright. Did I have shit on my face? Did she like my beard? Ugh. Dammit.
“I definitely could have used an extra hand today.”
“Here, let me help you. Turn around.”
I eyed her sideways. “Why? Are you gonna braid my hair?”
Her eyes crinkled with amusement. “I might. Now hush and turn around.”
“Is that any way to talk to your boss?” I asked, mostly joking, but still surprised at how familiar we’d become in the last few days.
Somehow, she’d slipped past my defenses when I wasn’t looking. One day, she was just an employee. Now she was taking care of my daughter and joking around with me in my home.
She waggled a finger in my face. “We’re not in the kitchen. You’re not in charge.”
“Fair enough.” I turned around so that my back faced her. Her being in charge sounded like heaven if I were being honest with myself. I wanted dominion in the kitchen and the bedroom, anywhere else was up for grabs if someone had the balls to try for control.
She climbed a couple of steps so that she stood a little taller than me, and her hands settled on my shoulders with a delicate touch. I stiffened at the unexpected contact. It felt incredible.
“Relax,” she whispered. Her voice was soothing in my ear.
Amber kneaded the tense muscles around my neck. Her fingers worked like magic, smoothing away the bunched up knots. I groaned contentedly. It had been a long time since a woman had touched me like this, or taken care of me really.
I’d been with more than my fair share of women since Jen, but it was one night stands with a rare conversation thrown in. We’d get done fucking, and out they would go, or more like, out I would go. Nothing soft or caring at all. Certainly, nothing like this. It was just a massage, and it shouldn’t have meant anything, but it did. It felt like heaven after a long day, and my defenses were completely down. I wanted to come home to a beautiful woman that loved me. Not that she did, but I sure as fuck wanted to pretend she did for the night.
Whatever her intentions, my body reacted to her touch. My insides pulsed with sizzling electricity. As my muscles relaxed, my dick grew thick and hard. I tried to fight the urges rising in me, but I might as well have tried to resist gravity or the changing of the tides.
It wasn’t going to happen. I was far too needy to pass up the opportunity like I had the night before.
Something screamed inside of me to back away, but I ignored it and spun around instead. I trapped her hands in mine and studied her expression. Lust. Good. She wanted me as bad as I wanted her.
“Luke?” she whispered as her eyes widened and her lips parted. It was all the invitation I needed.
I leaned forward and kissed her.
CHAPTER EIGHT - AMBER
The kiss took my breath away. Not because it caught me off guard, but because it felt so damn good. A warm tingling fluttered through me, making me feel like I was floating.
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been yearning for this very moment for some time. The massage had just been an excuse to touch him. From the moment I first saw him, I’d imagined running my fingers over his thick muscles a million times. I wanted to touch every part of him, to
kiss and lick my way up his body so slowly that he trembled beneath me. It had seemed like a pipe dream earlier that day, but maybe not anymore.
A low moan escaped my lips, sounding loud at the base of the stairs. The last thing I wanted was to wake up Emery and have her discover us like this. Luke seemed to be thinking the same thing.
“Come on.” He took my hand and turned, walking us down the hall to a closed door. He opened it and pulled me inside with him.
The furnishings in his bedroom were sparse and masculine. It was exactly the kind of place I expected him to sleep. But the décor was not the most pressing thing on my mind. I needed to taste his lips again.
I shut the door softly behind me, sealing us away from the rest of the world.
He turned and took the step that lay between us, sliding his hands over my hips and pressing me against the door. “I’ve wanted to taste you since I met you.”
I moaned as he rolled his hips and pressed his lips against mine again. The soft, warm brush of his tongue had my body tingling with need.
His body enveloped mine, taking control over me. Liquid heat rushed through my veins and pooled in my core. I ran my hands over his chest, tracing the hard lines of muscle that he had to work hard to get.
“You’re not the only one.” I grabbed the hem of his shirt and yanked it up to reveal his chiseled stomach. It could have been carved from solid rock.
Luke took a step back and shrugged his shirt the rest of the way off. The dim bluish light coming in the window painted his body in muted colors. A dark tattoo spread out over the top of his chest, the wings beautiful, delicious. He looked like he’d stepped out of the past. A primal warrior of some forgotten civilization, proud and powerful.
The sight of him standing before me sent shivers through me, but I was done just looking. I wanted more.
I closed the distance between us and kissed him again, lifting one of my legs and hooking it over his hip. It had been far too long since I let a man take care of me, and my memories were rushing back to try and find one of the guys I’d slept with that were anywhere near this hot. It came up short.
