“You like it dirty.”
“I do. I’d be honored to have your help. Really.” I swallow. “But I don’t want either of us to get hurt. Again. You did give me a lot to think about today. I still can’t promise you anything, though. Not yet. If you’re okay with giving me some time—some space to work through things in my head…”
His eyes light up. “I’m more than happy to give you all the time you need, E. I want you to know I don’t expect anything from you. I’ll admit the…well, the intensity of our connection after so much time apart has taken me by surprise. If I could, I would take you out every night, and wake up with you in my bed every morning. Obviously that’s not possible for a lot of reasons, but—yeah, I’m really enjoying your company, E. Having fun. There hasn’t been nearly enough of that in my life. So can we just keep it at that for now while you figure some stuff out? Keep it fun?”
I nod. “I can do fun.”
“Great.”
“Great.”
We look at each other for one beat, then another. The space between us thrums with energy.
But judging by the way I see him in every recipe I jot down later that night—the way I can’t stop thinking about the tender, possessive way he touched me on his boat—what I feel for Ford is so much more than just fun.
I just don’t know where that leaves us.Chapter SixteenFordFord: Not gonna lie, Monday really blows after you spend your Sunday naked on a boat with a hot AF cookbook author. Still dreaming about those tacos. The ones you made, and that other one, too.
Eva: You and the terrible vagina puns.
Ford: Maybe you should send some of your favorite romances my way. The steamier, the better, so I can brush up on better euphemisms.
Eva: The best romances don’t use euphemisms, IMHO. But I will be more than happy to pass on some romance. There is so much good stuff out there these days!
Ford: I’d love that. How goes the recipe testing?
Eva: Gotta be honest. Our brainstorming session really kickstarted my muse. I’ve been in the kitchen since seven! Mom’s coming over soon to help.
Ford: Jealous of your mom. Tell her I said hi.
Ford: So I was thinking.
Eva: What were you thinking?
Ford: Once a month, Luke and Gracie host a Saturday morning brunch at the barn for friends and family. What if we tested some of your new recipes at the next one? Invited some of our favorite people to sample your food so you can see if you’re on the right track?
Eva: Wow. I love that idea. LOVE it. Even if it does make me want to puke a little [puke emoji]. What can I do to help make it happen?
Ford: I can reach out to Luke and see what their availability is. I’ll also put together a guest list. You just keep brainstorming.
Eva: Thanks. Sincerely. I’m flattered you thought of me.
Ford: Gotta be honest. I can’t stop thinking about you.
Eva: I think about you too. In a *fun* way of course.
Ford: Of course
Eva: How’s work going for you so far today?
Ford: Busy. This is the first time I’m coming up for air all day. Doesn’t help that Bryce woke up screaming with an earache. Turns out she’s got a double ear infection. Spoiler alert, but kids are constantly sick. Mine included.
Eva: Poor baby. I hope she feels better soon!
Ford: Me too. Her cousin is due to arrive at the end of the week, and I’d hate for her to miss it if she’s sick.
I feel like I’m running a marathon at full speed all week long. Greyson took the week off to prepare for the baby’s arrival, so it’s just me running the ship at Montgomery Partners.
We onboard another executive assistant, and promote two of our most promising Vice Presidents to Directors to help with the workload. They’re very good at what they do, and it’s nice to pass off some of the more tedious tasks like building models and putting together presentation decks.
Still, things are more than a little hectic as I dash around town like a lunatic. From the second I’m up, I’m on the go. Office to prescription pickup at the pharmacy to meeting to site visit to grand opening back to office. Then home to feed Bryce and put her to bed before pulling out my laptop to tackle the hair-raising mess that is my inbox.
She isn’t sleeping all that much on account of her ear infection. Coffee has become my new best friend, as have carbs. Glad I got to show off my bikini body to Eva over the weekend, because it is totally going to shit this week.
Despite the chaos, I manage to juggle it all without totally losing my mind. Mostly because 1) I got my fill of fun and Eva this past weekend, and 2) I know I get to see Eva again this upcoming weekend. By some miracle, I managed to book Luke’s barn for her tasting this Saturday during one of my only open slots of time.