Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“Thanks for taking this on, kid,” Forrest says. “None of us had the time or the willingness to do it ourselves.”
“It was fun. Once I got this place organized, it gave me something to do. However, it took me a while to get all five of your schedules to align. I go back to school the week after next, so we need to make a decision today, unless one of you wants to take on training the new hire. All three can start immediately. Drake is no longer working, and the other two didn’t seem to mind not giving two weeks' notice, which I don’t agree with. That could be us one day on the other side of that situation.”
“Who is your pick?” Roman asks.
“Drake.” I don’t hesitate. “He’s chill, and I think he would fit in well.”
“And we don’t have to worry about male clients hitting on the other two like they did you.”
I playfully roll my eyes at Roman. “That was nothing and you know it.”
“What happened?” Forrest asks.
Roman goes on to tell him about the incident that’s not really an incident three weeks ago. “So, yeah, I think a man might be a better fit.”
“What?” I turn to look at him. “You do realize you have just as many female clients that also throw themselves at each of you. Double standard much?”
“You’re right.” Roman nods his agreement. “I want to preface this by stating that it’s not meant to be offensive. However, a man with morals won’t take any of them up on it. Especially if he’s been in this position already and is in a committed relationship. We don’t have to worry about him getting hurt or dragged out of here by someone much bigger and stronger than he is while we’re in our rooms doing our jobs.”
“So what you’re saying is because we don’t have a dick swinging between our legs, we’re helpless.”
He reaches under the table and places his hand on my leg. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. I’m saying that as employers, it’s our job to ensure safety.”
“You’re digging the hole deeper.” Maddox laughs.
“Yeah, you should just stop,” Lachlan agrees.
“I’m enjoying the show.” Legend reaches for a muffin, peels back the paper, and takes a huge bite. “Please proceed.”
“I can see where you’re both coming from,” Forrest speaks up. “Let’s just interview all three candidates and we can discuss after.”
“I closed the books at four today so that we could meet after everyone is finished and make a decision. I know it’s impossible to have you all be finished at the same time, but at least we have a cutoff. The last appointments are at four, and they all seem like they’ll be a couple of hours at most. Hopefully, by six thirty or so, you’ll all be finished. I’ll pick up lunch and dinner today to make this as easy as possible for each of you.”
“Take cash out of the register,” all five say at once.
“I know the drill.” I laugh, because what else can I do? These five men all have hearts of gold. They mean well, even when they piss me off.
“Fine, get to work. I’m having lunch delivered from the deli down the street, and then I’ll probably just order pizza for dinner.”
A chorus of “Thank yous” and “You’re the best” greet me as they each grab another pastry and head off to start their day.
“I’ll help you clean up,” Roman says.
“Kiss ass,” Legend mutters, and raucous laughter from the guys filters down the hallway. They think he’s making up for ruffling my feathers, and while helping me cleanup is nice. I’m hoping for another kind of make up.
I start combining what’s left over into one box, to toss the others into the trash. That’s when I feel his arm wrap around my waist, and his lips against my cheek. “Morning, baby girl,” he whispers.
My body melts into his. “Morning, Rome.”
“We don’t have much time, but I need those lips before I can start my day.” With that, he turns me in his arms and kisses me. It’s over before it started and nothing close to what we shared last night, but it’s enough. For now.
“How’s your hip?” He brushes his thumb lightly where my tattoo is beneath my loose-fitting sundress.
“Good. I’m surprised that didn’t come up this morning.” I assumed the guys would all be talking about it.
“I didn’t tell them, and Forrest didn’t mention it. I’m sure he doesn’t want to talk about the fact that I had to get you naked, or mostly naked, to ink you.”
“I’m a big girl.”
He winks. “I know.” He kisses me again before he releases me and steps back. He gives me a wicked grin and points his index finger my way. “You, baby, are addicting. I need to get to work.” He turns on his heel and disappears out of the room.