Page 6 of Pretty Desperate (Pine Village #6)

I hope she doesn’t, because I wasn’t lying when I said I needed her.

I can’t see pulling this off with anyone else.

I need someone I know and trust, and even though I’m not super close to Jillian, I feel confident in placing my trust in her.

We have mutual friends, one couple being Blair and Gabe.

I went to school with Gabe and have considered him a friend most of my life.

Since she moved to town, I’ve gotten to know Blair too, and feel like she’s good people.

That extends to other mutual friends we share.

I’m lost in my thoughts as I drive back to the restaurant.

My place is open Wednesday through Friday evenings for dinner and both lunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

I left my sous chef in charge of the kitchen so I could run and speak to Jillian, with the understanding I’d be back to help close.

I wasn’t sure how long my impromptu meeting with Jillian would go, but I’m pleasantly surprised it took less than an hour to convince her to help me.

Pulling into the alleyway behind the businesses along Main Street, I park in my designated spot beside the back entrance.

I climb from my vehicle, grabbing the plate of sweet treats, and make my way inside.

The rear entrance is used by employees and for emergencies, so I use my key for access.

Immediately, I’m assaulted with the pleasing aroma that comes from my kitchen.

I pass the employee break room and hit my office.

The door is locked, as it always is if I’m not in it.

The only people who have a key are Marlin, my number two and sous chef, and Veronica, my dining room manager.

She’s the face of my business, dealing with waitstaff and customers, while Marlin and I try to stay behind the scenes.

I’m in constant contact and have control over what happens out front.

Veronica has control to a degree, but big decisions are mine.

I try to make appearances when I can out in the dining room too.

It’s good for business if patrons see me.

I always take a few minutes to ask customers how their meal is and thank them for stopping by.

I can’t always get out there during the highest volume of customers, but I still make an attempt the first chance I get.

Now would be a good time to do that.

It’s Sunday evening, so it won’t be completely packed.

I set my blondies on my desk and head toward the dining room.

I offer a smile to the two servers who are busy refilling drinks and delivering plates of food.

Spotting Veronica at the hostess stand, I start in her direction, stopping by a couple of tables to greet customers as I go.

“You weren’t gone very long,” she says when I reach her side. “Couldn’t have been that hot of a date.”

I snort. “Date. Unless you’re referring to the date on a calendar, I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”

She grins, shaking her head. “You know, it wouldn’t hurt you to go out every now and again. You can have a life, as well as a successful business.”

“I’m well aware,” I counter.

“That’s why you have Marlin and me,” she goes on, her eyes always scanning the room.

“I’m aware.” I glance around the room. It’s not super busy.

Not only is it Sunday evening, but it’s also Labor Day weekend to boot.

Most are out enjoying the last bit of summer fun they can get before the weather transforms into fall.

The locals will still be here, but I’ll have a little less out-of-towner foot traffic. “Everything going well out here?”

“Of course it is,” she boasts. Veronica runs a tight ship, ensuring excellence to keep the customers happy. “A birdy saw you entering the empty building next door yesterday.”

I slowly nod, trying to decide how much to say.

Recalling Jillian’s request to keep our deal private, I opt to wait to share the news about the potential building purchase until I know more.

I guess Mrs. Krokus could still back out, and the last thing I’d want is for people to expect a deal to come down the pipe, but nothing transpires.

That’s another reason I don’t want to take our fake dating relationship public yet, until we know this building sale is truly in the works.

No reason to get everyone all worked up if the deal doesn’t work out.

“Just checking it out,” I state.

“It would be a great space for extra seating. You could open up the wall between the two and really make it into something special.” She meets my gaze. “Not that it’s not perfect the way it is, but I know you’d love to have a little more wiggle room in both the dining room and kitchen.”

I nod, refusing to take the bait. “There’s some salted caramel blondies in my office.”

Her eyebrows shoot toward the ceiling. “You take up baking in your spare time?”

“No, Jillian made them.”

Her all-knowing eyes feel like laser beams. “Jillian? From Flour Power Bakery?” A Cheshire cat grin spreads across her pink lips. “Really?”

“She was trying new recipes for the bakery, and I was lucky enough to get a sample,” I say, hoping that’s the end of it.

“A sample. I bet you did,” she adds with a whisper.

“Anyway, I’m gonna head back and help Marlin tear down,” I state, turning the conversation away from Jillian and back to work.

“All right. I think we’re done seating new tables, and the last two checks are in the kitchen now.”

I lift my chin in acknowledgment and turn to retreat to the kitchen.

As I go, I stop by a few more tables and greet the diners, happy to see the townsfolk enjoying their meals.

Tonight’s special was a sweet and spicy pork chop with mashed red potatoes and fresh asparagus.

I spot a few specials in the dining room, which lets me know to keep it in rotation.

Making my way to the kitchen, I nod in greeting to the kitchen staff. Tucker, the dishwasher, is busy loading up the machine with dirty dishes and silverware, and Marlin is finishing up the last dinner plates before sending them out with the server.

“Hey, boss.”

“Evening,” I reply to the only other man I trust to run my kitchen.

“Been somewhat steady since you left, considering it’s a holiday weekend,” he says, tapping the bell to call the server.

“That’s good. You never know how these weekends will turn out.”

I nod in agreement. “I’ll be in my office for a bit. Holler if you need me.”

“Will do,” he replies, turning his attention back to his work.

The thing is, I know he won’t holler. He doesn’t need help.

Even if the place was jam-packed, he still wouldn’t ask for assistance.

Marlin is cool under pressure and gets the job done.

He’s an incredible asset to Prime Steak House.

Honestly, I’m surprised he’s still here and hasn’t been scooped up by some big Michelin star restaurant.

I’ve told him as much, but he swears he’s happy here.

He prefers the slower pace of our small town, and as long as he’s content, I’m good.

The first thing I see when I enter my office is the plate of blondies. I want another, but I’ve already had two. Instead, I’ll save them for the staff when they’re closing down the restaurant.

My mind goes to Jillian. Beautiful Jillian with the bee-stung lips that taste like sugar. I wasn’t lying when I said we had chemistry. We have it in spades, and all I want to do is explore it a little more. More kisses. More…everything.

But I need to keep a clear head. We’re in an unofficial business arrangement, and that’s the way it needs to stay.

Sure, I can enjoy the kisses and any other PDA we engage in, but that’s it.

That’s where I draw the line. I have to keep the personal and the business aspect separate. Shouldn’t be too hard, really.

Liar.