Take It (Sinclair 1)

She shook her head. Her dark waves flowed around her. She was a pretty girl. Big hazel eyes, full lips, and striking looks. She was also a spoiled party girl that had just turned twenty-one. Granted, it was only a five-year age difference between them, but mentally and emotionally, they were light years apart. He’d traveled the world, learned new languages, built and sold businesses, and had all the “fun” he was willing to have. She only cared about the next best happy hour. And his restaurant supplied that; he didn’t owe her anything.

At best, she was good for a one-night stand, while he was looking for forever. She pouted her pretty lips and stuck out her full breasts, a move that probably hooked plenty of men, before answering him.

“I just wanted to make sure you didn’t need anything.”

Dex fought the urge to roll his eyes when she put emphasis on “anything.” Dex nodded, and she beamed.

“Yes, see that table twenty-two gets our top two most popular appetizers on me.”

She pouted again; her hope fell. God forbid she actually did her job. He needed to fire her before she got out of hand. Her eyes molested him slowly, pausing for an uncomfortable amount of time at the crotch of his slacks, before she acquiesced. Dex shuddered slightly; he needed a shower after that.

It looked like they would be the first people in his very small circle to know about his new project. Dex always dreamed of returning home and opening a restaurant in a promising location and couldn’t pass on the opportunity. It was a personal goal he hadn’t shared with anyone. He was confident in his culinary skills, but he knew the restaurant industry was finicky. He wasn’t in the mood for an “I told you so” from his dad. He would prefer to fail in incognito, but that was no longer an option. Dex took a deep breath and decided to rise to the occasion.

They ordered a carafe each of Bellinis, Mimosas, and Sangria. He personally made them and told the server to bring their order to him. He wanted to prepare it himself. He pulled on an apron and started to crack eggs, separating the yolk for Natalia’s egg white omelet. He moved around the staff and poured Nick’s waffle batter onto the waffle iron; his deft fingers chopped chicken and spinach for the other woman’s frittata. Dex smiled as he reviewed Kalilah’s order: steak, breakfast potatoes, eggs, and French toast. That’s what he was talking about. He made one small change to Kalilah’s order.

Once he had the waffle topped with freshly whipped cream and berries. He sprinkled his powdered sugar and cinnamon mix on the French toast and sent it out with their server. After a quick stop in his office to freshen up, switch shirts, and check his appearance, he made it to the table in time to see Kalilah slice her steak.

“I wanted it well done,” she whined.

Dex smiled at her back and walked up behind her and put his hands around her. He felt her stiffen then relax. He smiled in her hair. She knew him well enough to instantly know it was him. He grabbed her fork and knife and finished cutting the piece she started.

“Trust me, sweetheart.”

He put the fork to her lips, and she accepted it. Fuck, this would be sexy if she wasn’t his brother’s woman. She moaned about how good it was and looked up at him with warm brown eyes. Her lips were slightly parted and if this was his woman, she would have been thoroughly kissed. Nothing pleased him more than a beautiful woman enjoying his food. One of his hands dropped to her bare back, and she scooted out of the chair and pulled him into a hug.

“I’m happy to see you,” she whispered into his ear and hugged him tighter.

Dex felt warm all over. It wasn’t for sexual reasons. She was the first non-relative female that made him feel welcome and warm inside. Dex understood Nick’s obsession. Her sweetness was addictive. She was truly happy to see him, and it wasn’t for selfish reasons. She pulled back and beamed up at him.

“You! The Food Lab. Like Dexter’s Laboratory. I love it.”

Dex smile grew even bigger. She gets him. Even though his name was just plain Dex, he could sympathize with the character. While he’d been trying to be great, his annoying older sister would bother him. He’d started calling Deidre “DD” for that very reason.

“I always knew you were smart.” He glanced at Nick who hadn’t stopped eating since Dex arrived, then added. “And beautiful.” Nick didn’t flinch. Something was different. Dex spun her, “This dress is amazing by the way.” Kalilah smirked. She took the compliment but knew what he was doing. Nick stole a piece of Kalilah’s steak.

“Not gonna work, Dex,” Nick said.

Holy shit! Something was new. Dex winked at Kalilah and pulled Nick into a hug.

“Oh, so now you know I exist.” Nick quipped.

“Happy Birthday, big brother.” Then he whispered so no one else could hear. “I see Kalilah has already given you the ultimate birthday gift. Congratulations.” Nick quirked his eyebrows and Dex added. “You are more relaxed than you’ve ever been since birth.” He felt the rumble against his chest as his brother chuckled.

Dex made his rounds. “Natalia, you are looking as lovely as ever.”

She really was. He’d seen plenty of guys struck stupid by her looks, and today, with her in skin tight jeans, stiletto pumps and a figure hugging tank top, was no exception. They’d met over a year ago and hit it off, but not to the point of ever considering being a couple. They were meant to be amicable acquaintances. She smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek.

Dex moved to the startling hazel eyes that he had unconsciously been avoiding and extended his hand.

“And you are?”

She studied him briefly. Her soft looking hair was pulled up in a high ponytail, her pretty complexion was smooth and unmarred. She wore pink lip gloss on her kissable lips and soft pink eyeshadow. She smelled delicious and like Kalilah, had an amazing body wrapped up in a tight pink patterned sundress. Finally, she took his hand and shook it.

“I’m Cayla with a “C”.”

“Pleased to meet you, Cayla. Enjoy your meal on me.”

He disengaged before he embarrassed himself and grabbed Kalilah’s hand.