Unexpectedly Yours (Private Relations 3)

She was back on chopping duty now. Whenever she worked with Tom, he mostly put her on grunt work. She anticipated she’d be chopping for the rest of the afternoon. She did the onions first, since they were by far the worst.

They had decided on a comfort food menu since it was March, and still a little chilly outside. It included a tomato basil soup for the vegetarians, clam chowder, and baked potato soup. The main entrees were fried chicken, lasagna, and a vegetable curry. They had her macaroni and cheese along with a mixed green salad and risotto for sides. Dessert included mixed fruit salad, chocolate cake, and cheesecake.

She didn’t know how these people would be able to go back to work after a menu like that, but it wasn’t her problem to solve, now was it?

Glancing at her watch, she said, “Tom. I’m going to take fifteen. My hand is starting to bruise from all the chopping.”

“Sure thing, boss. We can switch off for a little bit, if you want.” he said, looking up from the mound of clams he was currently scrubbing in the sink.

“Mi

ght take you up on that,” she said, relieved to not be chopping something for the first time in a few hours.

After she had washed her hands, she moved into the office off to the side of the kitchen and sat on the couch. Pulling her phone out of her apron pocket, she dialed her parents’ house.

Fifteen minutes later, she was suitably satisfied that her father was no longer armed and mildly annoyed at her mother’s prying. She’d been enduring a series of unending questions about her love life for longer than she could remember. Her mother equated success with babies and a husband.

Tucking her cell phone back into her apron pocket, she moved back into the kitchen, surprised to see Jim standing there talking to Tom. She took a moment to appreciate the view. She knew technically he was her boss, but he was also gorgeous.

He was about six three she’d guess. Dark hair, dark eyes, dark mocha skin. His hair was closely cropped to his head and just the barest hint of a beard growing in. He was built, too. God, he was pretty.

“Hey, Jim!” she said, smiling. “How are you?”

“Elle. Just who I was looking for,” he said, with a grin. “Hey, gorgeous.”

Leaning down, he gave her a quick hug and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“Hey yourself. What’s up?” she asked.

“Not too much. Just wanted to see if you had time to grab lunch,” he said, leaning against the edge of the counter.

Elle winced and said, “I’m probably going to be here til pretty late. We’ve got a ton of prep to do. I don’t think I’ll have time to stop. Can I take a rain check?”

“Sure. Don’t forget to eat,” he said, turning to look at Tom as well. “You guys all work too hard.”

Reaching out, he squeezed Elle’s arm and then moved toward the door.

“See you later?” she asked.

Jim smiled and said, “Count on it.”

As he exited the kitchen, she caught the smirk on Tom’s face.

She narrowed her eyes and asked, “What?”

He laughed and said, “Nothing, boss. Just an interesting development.”

“That it is,” she said. “That it is.”

Moving back to the cutting board, she picked up the chef’s knife and started chopping mountains of herbs. Even Tom thought he was into her. Interesting. She really didn’t know what to make of it.

Chapter Two

Jim walked out of the kitchen, and headed over to the commissary to get a cup of coffee. Letting out a sigh, he handed a couple of bills to the cashier, then dropped the change into the tip jar. Moving to the end of the counter, he stirred in a couple of sugars and a little cream.

He walked out of the commissary with a wave and headed back toward the bank of elevators. He was absolutely nuts about Elle, and she seemed completely oblivious. He’d been flirting with her for months now. He’d hoped at some point she’d start to take him seriously, but it didn’t seem to be happening.

He was pretty sure she was attracted to him. She’d get this look in her eye, then, quick as a blink, that polite smile would slide back into place. Pressing the button for the elevator, he moved to the door that slid open. As he stepped inside, he heard a muffled voice say, “Hey, Jim. Wait up.”