Page 4 of Grade A Girl
He pops his head out from around the corner and shrugs. “I tried. She wouldn’t let me,pendejo.” Then he flashes me a shit-eating grin. It’s a good thing I like Victor; otherwise, I wouldn’t put up with his shit.
“I knocked on the door, but no one answered, so I went to the front as Victor was coming in.”
“There’s a bell. Next time, use that.” I pull open the fridge door and drop the box down. Victor will unpack everything in a few minutes. I lead her to the back door, and we walk through the chilled air to get the rest of the boxes. The days are getting colder now that it’s September. She guides me to the truck, and we each grab the last two boxes.
We drop the last of them in the fridge, and she hands me the invoice to review. Everything I ordered is listed, but I’ll have Victor double-check it later anyway.
“Wow, it smells amazing in here. What’s on the menu?” She smiles up at me, and my knees go weak. That shit isn’t supposed to happen to me. Women don’t get to me.One did.Her smile tugs at my heart, and I can’t help but melt some of my icy exterior. I’ve had walls built up for so long to protect myself. Yet around her, they seem to be slowly crumbling.
“Thanks. It’s a bone-in pork chop with an apple and thyme glaze, roasted Brussel sprouts with garlic, and whipped potatoes.” Her face lights up, and she licks her lips and hums in appreciation as I finish rattling off what’s on the plate. “Want to try a bite?”
She beams. “Really?” I nod. “I’d love to. I haven’t had lunch yet today. I’m starving.”
“Well, we can’t have that, can we?” I cut some of the pork and hold the fork out for her to take a bite.”
She wraps her lips around the tines, pulling the food into her mouth. She chews a few times as she nods in approval. “Holy crap, this is amazing, Kade. I can see why the restaurant is always packed.”
She finishes and swallows the bite. I offer her a Brussel sprout and watch as she hungrily takes it.I love a girl who can eat.I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and want someone who’s willing to try new recipes. I hand her the plate and fork, and she looks up, questioning me.
“You look like you could use it. Plus, if the way you’re scarfing it down is any indication, it must be good. I’m sure the patrons will love it, too.”
She smirks but shakes her head. “No, I should get back to the shop. We have an order coming in later, and I want to make sure to stay on top of things. I’ll stop for something quick before I go back.”
“Well, shit. If she’s not going to eat it, I sure as hell will,” Victor announces as he clasps the last button on his chef jacket.
I growl at him and pull the plate out of his reach. “No. You can start on the next dish. I’ll walk Charlie out.”
I place my hand on the small of her back to lead her to the door, and her warmth radiates up my arm. It feels like an electrical hum coursing through me, heating me from the inside. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help wanting to touch her. She pats the back pocket of her jeans, and I wish it was my hand there. I sneak a quick glance at her ass, anddamn.She looks great in the jeans, not that I expected differently.
Not anticipating her move, she turns suddenly, smacking into my hard chest. Her hands fly up to my pecs as she gasps, and I cling on to her upper arms, steadying her. I stare down into her expressive brown eyes, not wanting to break this connection between us. After another few seconds, she shrugs out of my hold.
“I forgot my keys,” she responds quietly, keeping her eyes trained on the tile between us. Her cheeks are a nice shade of pink, and I can’t help the smirk that graces my lips. She walks over to the counter and waves and smiles at Victor as she picks up her keys.
“See ya around,chica,” he says.
I watch the exchange and bite the inside of my cheek to keep from yelling at Victor. As I hold the door open, she steps out into the cool air.
“Same time Wednesday?” she asks, smiling.
I offer a curt nod. “I’ll be there.”
“Any idea what you’re going to want? I’d like to make sure I have it in stock.”
I shrug. “It all depends on how these meals go over. If I’m basing the menu off your reaction, then I’ll take more pork for sure.” I try to smile, but I’m sure it looks like a grimace to her.What the fuck is wrong with me?
She nods slowly. “Good. I’ll make sure to have it.” She waves at me. “See ya later, Kade.”
“Wait,” I call after her. She turns and watches me, her brown eyes full of questions. “Your dad gave me his cell in case I needed to add something last minute to the order. Can I have yours so I can do the same?”
She smirks and her eyes brighten in amusement. “This isn’t a ploy to get my phone number, is it?” she teases.
I shrug.If I said yes, would you fault me?