She smiles knowingly, as if she can read my mind. “Very well. I’ll let Carlotta know you’re here.”
“You don’t need to do that,” I insist. “I’m sure she’s busy.”
She waves her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. I can keep an eye on the kitchen for a few moments. She can take a break for her husband.”
“Uh...okay. Thanks.” Oh, that’s right; Charlee told her about the wedding.
One guy brings me some silverware rolled into a linen napkin and another delivers the alcohol. About halfway into my glass of wine, Charlee steps out of the kitchen wearing a white chef’s coat that’s splattered with various sauces. Her long hair is pulled back with several strays frizzing out and there’s a slight sheen to her face. She looks like someone who’s been busting her ass for hours, kind of a mess, but also insanely beautiful. Even more so when she flashes me a big smile. Damn it, how can Brody ask me to give her up?
“Well, this is a nice surprise.”
I try standing up when she approaches the table but she motions for me to stay seated. “Hey. I hope this is okay.”
She sits across from me. “Of course it is. What’s the occasion?”
I shrug. “I was hungry and I kind of...ended up here. I guess I just wanted to see you.”
She hooks her ankle around mine under the table. “I’m glad you came.” She looks behind her as a waiter leaves the kitchen with a full tray. “Although I’m afraid I don’t have more than a few minutes.”
I make a show of looking at the menu. “So, what’s good here?”
Her lips curve. “Everything. I’m making it.”
I laugh. “Touché, wiseass. Let me rephrase. What would you recommend, Chef?”
“Our special tonight is swiss chard gnocchi with brown butter and crispy prosciutto.”
My stomach grumbles in anticipation. “Jesus, that sounds amazing. I’ll have that.”
She laughs. “Hey, I have to get back in there. We close at nine tonight so I should be out of here by ten. You feel like hanging around and we can head to my place after?”
“Are you sure your boss won’t mind me being here after closing?”
“Not at all. Brody actually does it sometimes. It’s easier for me to chat with him when I can keep the doors to the kitchen propped open.”
“In that case, I’d love to.”
“Great.” She scoots out of her chair but makes a point to place a kiss on my cheek before fully standing. “I’ll send an appetizer out in just a bit and I’ll pop my head out as soon as we lock the doors, okay?”
“Okay, honey. You go do your thing.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
CHARLEE
“It was pretty hot seeing you in all your chef gear earlier,” Drew says.
I gasp when he runs his soapy hands over my breasts, making sure they’re really clean. “Fuck the racy lingerie. Why bother when shapeless white coats and sweaty skin does it for ya?”
“Who would’ve thought?” He angles me so the water can wash the suds away. “But don’t you dare get rid of the lingerie. That’s much hotter than the chef stuff.”
“Noted.” I place a soft kiss on his jaw. “I mean, how else would you build your creeper panty collection?”
His chest rumbles. “Right.”
I trail a finger down his arm before wrapping my hand around his cock. “Thanks for soaping me up. It’s much more fun when you do it.”
“Anytime,” he chokes out.