by Tina Martin
Tickled, Ramsey struggled to keep a serious face when he responded, “Think it over. She’ll be at the house on Wednesday.”
“I assume you’ve already talked this over with Gianna.”
“Not yet, but based on previous conversations we’ve already had about Geraldine I’m sure she’ll be okay with it. We have our first childbirth class tonight. I’ll mention it to her then.”
“And you’re absolutely sure she’ll go for it?”
“Yes. Gianna has already expressed a desire to give Geraldine a chance.”
Royal nodded. Blew a breath. “All right. I’ll think about it. Now, let’s go get Regal out of this restaurant. He’s been in rare form today. What’s with him?”
“Not sure. Maybe he had a good night.”
Royal grinned wickedly. “So did I, but I’m not talking about my crown jewels.”
The men laughed.
“Yeah, let’s get him out of there before Basile starts to think he’s a lil’ flaky,” Ramsey said.
Royal smirked. “It’s Regal…of course he’s flaky.”
“Yeah, but our clients don’t need to know that.”
“True. Let’s go.”
Chapter 13
Gianna sat on a mat, listening while the instructor, an ex-yoga teacher, instructed all the men in the childbirth class to sit behind their wives. Leave it to Ramsey to not only sit behind Gianna but also spread his legs wide while cradling his pelvis right up against her butt. He rested his hands on her stomach while fluttering his tongue at the nape of her neck.
Gianna jerked at the sensation of his hot tongue touching her neck. “Ramsey, stop it. The instructor keeps looking over here.”
“Let her look. I don’t care.”
“I do,” she whispered frantically.
“There’s no need to be shy, Gianna. Everyone knows what we had to do to get to this point.”
Gianna’s face turned red.
And to make her blush with hotness even more, Ramsey whispered in her ear, “They know I was inside of you, baby. If they knew how many times...” he whistled. “You wouldn’t be trying to act so innocently right now.”
A flush crept across her face. Gianna smiled, drowning in his heat. His scent. The powerful man that he was. He was so serious about work. Dedicated to it, she knew, but not as much as he was dedicated to her and their baby. He never lost his craving for her since the beginning of their courtship and marriage, and she would never get used to the way he made her feel. Wanted. Desired.
“Okay fathers,” the instructor said. “I want you to hold your spouse’s hand and practice some deep breathing.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “From what I saw last night, you got this deep breathing stuff down already,” Ramsey said, taking Gianna’s hand into his.
“Yes, I do.”
“Okay,” the instructor said, “You’re going to take a deep breath through your nose and release it slowly out of your mouth. So, breathe in...”
Gianna pulled in a long breath then released it slowly. She repeated this while Ramsey closed his eyes, left little kisses beside her face, then kept his face pressed against hers. “I have to talk to you about something.”
“Right now?” she asked, then pulled in a deep breath, releasing slowly again following directions.
“Yes.”
“Ramsey, you’re supposed to be helping me with these relaxation techniques.”
“I am, baby, but this can’t wait.”
“Okay,” she said, “But when I go into labor and snatch your lips off of your face because I don’t know how else to deal with the pain, it’s your own fault.”
Ramsey chuckled. “You’re not going to be that bad. I know for a fact you can handle a little pain.”
She narrowed her eyes at him.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist that one.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“I saw Geraldine today.”
“Where?”
“In Uptown. You know I had that meeting with the French designer—”
“Un huh.”
“While we were eating lunch, I saw Geraldine walk by, so I got up and followed her.”
Gianna’s eyes grew big. “You followed her?”
“I did. I wanted to see where she was going, especially since you said she told you she was ready to make a change and whatnot.”
“And?” Gianna said, following the instructor’s directions by extending her arm straight up into the air. “Where was she going?”
Ramsey ran his hands up her arm’s length and back down again. “She went to see a therapist.”
“She did?” Gianna asked feeling a sense of relief. Geraldine had told her she wanted to make a change and, according to Ramsey, she was seeing a therapist. That was not only a step in the right direction for her but also the proof Gianna needed that Geraldine was serious this time.
“Yes. I followed her into the office and had a talk with her.”
“Are you serious, Ramsey? I can’t believe you actually followed her. And what do you mean you had a talk with her? You hate Geraldine with a passion.”
“I don’t hate her. I just don’t like her. Anyway, after my chat with her, I realized something.”
“What’s that?”
“That I owe you an apology.”
Gianna put her arms down and gave Ramsey her attention. “Why?”
“You were interested in trying to establish some kind of relationship with Geraldine and I wasn’t being supportive. I should’ve been, but I wasn’t. I was being more protective than actually listening to you, and that’s why I’m apologizing—for not listening when you needed me to. I’m sorry.”
“I appreciate that, Ramsey. Now, tell me how this talk went.”
“It was progress for me because I still don’t necessarily trust your mother, but she does appear to be making an effort, so I invited her over for dinner.”
“You did what!” Gianna yelled so loud the entire class stopped and looked at her. “Oops. Sorry.”
Ramsey buried his face in her neck and laughed.
“Stop laughing at me, Ramsey.”
“You are something else. Why do you react so strongly to things?”
“I’m—I’m in shock...can’t believe you invited her to dinner.”
“Well, I did.”
“To our home?”
“Yes.”
“What do you think about it?”
“I think that’s a huge step for you but I also believe it will help me and Gemma.”
“That’s what I was thinking. Royal wasn’t too fond of having Gem anywhere near Geraldine, so if you think it’s a good idea, you may want to talk to her or possibly him about it.”
“I’ll call Royal when we get home.”
“So, it’s settled? You’re okay with Geraldine coming over?” Ramsey asked as his fingers wiggled up her maternity blouse.
Gianna squirmed and giggled, her body quivering at his touch. “Ye-yes. I’m fine with it. Now stop.”
“I don’t want to stop,” he said, and he didn’t.
“Ramsey,” Gianna said, giggling. “The teacher is going to kick us out.”
“Okay, okay,” he said, “But you gon’ get it later.”
* * *
Gianna was sitting on the sofa, getting hungrier by the second at the smell of whatever it was Carson was preparing for dinner. Ramsey was in his office checking for an email he needed to respond to according to an urgent text from Judy. He would’ve replied using his phone, but he found it easier to do so on his laptop in his office where he could concentrate.
In the interim, Gianna took the opportunity to call Royal, thinking it was appropriate to talk with him first before taking the issue straight to Gemma. If Royal told Ramsey he didn’t like the idea of Gemma being at dinner with Geraldine, chances are he probably didn’t mention anything about the dinner to her just yet. She reached for the remote to turn the volume down on the TV and dialed Royal’s number.
“What up, G?” he answered.
Gianna was smiling when she said, “Hey, Royal.”
“Hey…surprised to see you calling me. What has Ramsey done? Do you need me to handle him for you?”
“No,” Gianna said, all smiles.
“I’m just kidding. You got Ramsey under your thumb. If you’re looking for Gemma, she’s taking a shower at the moment while I’m preparing dinner.”
“You’re cooking dinner?”
“I am—making nachos—got the kitchen smelling heavenly over here.”
“That’s cool. I know Gemma appreciates having a live-in chef.”
A chuckle escaped. “She does.”
Gianna smiled. “Um…anyway, I called to talk to you about something.”
“To me?”
“Yes, about Geraldine. Ramsey said he mentioned dinner—”
“He did,” Royal cut in to say, “And I’ll admit I didn’t like the idea one bit.”
“Why not?”
“Do you really have to ask me that, Gianna? You know, just as well as I do, that your mother ain’t working with a full deck. Need I remind you of the hospital incident?”
“No. Ramsey already has, but he’s come around since then.”
“And so have you, I take it.”
“Well, I—um—look…I think Geraldine is trying, and since that’s the case, we need to try, too.”
Royal sighed audibly. Heavily.
“I know how much you love Gemma.”
“I don’t think you do. You know what you see, Gianna, but you can’t begin to fathom the depths of which I love your sister. I know you love her, too, but it’s my job to protect her and look out for her now. With that in mind, do you think I want Gemma to meet up with Geraldine?”
“No,” Gianna said downcast. “But it’ll be at our house in a comfortable setting. Ramsey won’t allow any discord in the house and he definitely won’t let Geraldine go off on a tirade—not saying I think that’s what she’ll do—I’m just saying. Everything will be fine, and if at any point Gemma wants to leave, she can.”
“All right. I’ll do it for you, but you remember this the next time you bake some blueberry lemon cupcakes.”
Gianna giggled. The blueberry flavors were among Royal’s favorites. “Okay. I will.”
“And thank you for coming directly to me concerning this. You could’ve gone straight to Gem.”
“Could have, but I didn’t want to usurp your authority. I’ve spent a long time taking care of and guarding my sister. Now, that responsibility falls on you.”
“And I gladly accept.”
Gianna smiled.
“When is this dinner with broom-rider, I mean, Geraldine?”
Gianna chuckled. “Wednesday, say around 7:30.”
“Got it. We’ll be there. I’ll talk it over with Gemma tonight.”
“Thanks, Royal. I owe you one.”
“Nah...you owe me some blueberry cupcakes.”
Tickled, Gianna responded, “I’ll have your cupcake payment ready. No worries.”
He chuckled. “Okay, Gianna. We’ll see you on Wednesday.”
“Okay. Enjoy your nachos and tell Gem I said, hi.”
“Will do. See ya.”
“Bye.”
Chapter 14
Ramsey left his office around 9:50 a.m. and arrived at the bakery around 10:05 a.m. where he sat and sipped coffee while Gianna was in the kitchen working. The first interviewee was scheduled to arrive at 10:15, and while he waited, he reviewed Beth’s resume again. Seemed she had worked at a bakery before but had noted on her resume that the place had closed down.
The doorbell chimed. Ramsey twisted his body to look behind him and that’s when he saw the Caucasian woman standing there clutching her purse. A brunette. She looked nervous. Mid-forties. A little stocky for her height.
“Good morning,” he greeted her.
“Good morning.”
Ramsey stood up, walked over to her and said, “You must be Beth.”
“I am…here for the interview.”
He reached to shake her hand. “Right. I’m Ramsey St. Claire.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. St. Claire. Are you the owner?”
“No. My wife runs this place. Have a seat, get comfortable and I’ll see if I can pry her out of the kitchen.”
“All right,” the woman said, setting her purse on the table next to the table where Ramsey was originally sitting.
Ramsey walked to the back, saw Gianna frosting cupcakes. “Gianna, baby,” he said putting his arms around her, resting his hands on her stomach. “It’s time for the first interview.”
“Shoot. Okay, let me frost these last five and I’ll be right out.”
“Take your time,” he told her, then walked back to the front and asked Beth, “Hey, can I get you some coffee, water or milk? It’s on the house.”
“Coffee would be nice.”
Ramsey took a large cup and filled it with coffee. He placed it on the table. “Not sure how you take yours but there’s cream and sugar over there.”
“This is fine, actually.”
Gianna came from the back, still wearing her apron and hairnet. “Hey, sorry about that.”
“No worries,” Ramsey said, “Beth, this is my wife Gianna. Gianna, Beth.”
Gianna’s eyes grew big when the woman turned around. “Beth?”
“Oh my word…Gianna Jacobsen?” Beth said, astounded.
“My gosh, it’s so good to see you!” Gianna said, giving her a hug.
Ramsey smiled as he watched on. Apparently, the women knew each other.
“Ramsey, this is Beth Woodley—the woman who taught me how to make cupcakes at the bakery I used to work at after I graduated high school.”
“It’s been a long time,” Beth said.
“Yes, it has,” Gianna agreed, beside herself with excitement.
“And you’re married now.”
“Yes, with a little one on the way,” Gianna said, touching her stomach.
“Congratulations!”
“Thank you. I’m excited. Oh, and you already met my husband, Ramsey.”
“Yes,” Beth said. “So, it’s not Gianna Jacobson anymore.”
“No. It’s St. Claire now,” Gianna told her. “Are you interested in the position?”
“I am. You heard what happened to Street Sweets, right?” Street Sweets was the name of the bakery where Beth and Gianna used to work together.
“Last I heard they had moved to Plaza Midwood, hoping to get more business,” Gianna said.
Ramsey sat down, crossed his legs and watched the women converse.
“Well, the owner, Marge—you remember Marge don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“She died. Her husband tried to keep the place up and running in her honor, you know, but poor Tanner—he was so heartbroken…didn’t make it three months. He couldn’t run the place without her. Had to shut it down.”
“That’s so sad. Was Marge sick?”
“Something like that. They were tight-lipped about her health issues with the staff, but when she stopped working, we all knew that wasn’t a good sign. You know how much Marge loved baking.”
Gianna nodded. “I remember. Yes. And what about Tanner? How’s he?”
“He moved to Virginia to be with his family. I’m sure that’ll be good for him.”
“Yes. No doubt.” Gianna glanced at Ramsey, noticing him sipping coffee while flipping through his phone. “Oh, I’m sorry Ramsey. We’re just over here playing catch-up and you’re waiting to do the interview.”
“Take your time. I’m in no hurry,” Ramsey said, setting his phone off to the side giving her his attention. “Since you two know each other, do you think an interview is necessary?”
“Not really,” Gianna said. “Beth literally taught me the basics of baking. I don’t think I would have succeeded in this business without her.”
“Is it safe to say we don’t need to do anymore interviewing?�
� Ramsey asked Gianna.
“I would say so. Beth, if you want the job—”
“Yes, I want the job!”
“Awesome. Are you familiar with the hours?”
“No.”
“Well, we’re closed on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday through Friday, we open at 10:30 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. I usually get here in the mornings before ten to get a jump start on the morning rush.”
“That will fit perfectly into my schedule.”
“Good. Um...am I forgetting anything, Ramsey?” Gianna asked him.
“Just the application.” He opened a folder and removed one. “We’ll need an official application on file. Also, we will conduct a background check. Other than that…” He thought a moment and said, “Oh…the wages were listed in the ad, correct?”
“Yes, and I’m fine with twenty dollars an hour.”
“Great, then we hope to have you on board within the next two weeks,” Ramsey said.
“Awesome,” Beth said.
“Then it’s settled,” Gianna told her. “I’ll be in touch.”
“We definitely need to catch up.”
“Yes, we do and we will. It’s so good to see you.” Gianna hugged her.
“You too. And it was nice to meet you as well,” she said to Ramsey.
“Likewise. Please return the application as soon as you can.”
“I’ll have it back to you by tomorrow,” Beth said. “Should I just drop it off here?”
“Yes. I’ll be here,” Gianna told her.
“Okay, well enjoy the rest of your day and thank you so much for the opportunity.”
“You’re welcome, Beth,” Gianna said.
Beth made her way to the door. After she was gone, Ramsey looked at Gianna and said, “That worked out.”
“It did. Wow! I had no idea she was one of the applicants. It’s almost like it was meant to be.”
“Just like us,” Ramsey said circling his arms around her. “I’ll have Judy notify the other candidates that the position is filled unless you want to wait until Beth’s background check comes back.”
“We don’t have to wait. I know Beth. She’ll pass with flying colors.”
