Page 51 of Time for Change

Nodding, I step through the door, knowing if I don’t do it now, it’ll only be harder to leave later. “Lock up behind me.”

“Of course,” she informs me, taking the door in her hand but leaning out. “Drive safe.”

“I will. Talk to you soon, Sweets.”

She nods with a little grin before stepping back inside and securing the door. When I hear the second lock engage, I slowlymake my way down the hall, grateful for the colder air to help cool my raging libido.

Five days. I can surely make it five short days until I see her again.

And this time, if things go well, she’ll be in my bed.

All night.

“Fuck,” I mutter to myself, running my hand over my face.

This is going to be the longest five days of my life.

Chapter Fifteen

Stevie

“Good morning,” Isaac says with a smile on his face as I enter the building using the back door.

It’s Tuesday morning, and I’m incredibly excited for today. Not necessarily because of work, though I do enjoy what I do, but because tonight is my evening with Jack. We’ve texted back and worth since last Thursday, and while I’ve enjoyed our communication, I’m ready for tonight. He’s cooking dinner, and then if all goes as planned, I’ll be spending the night at his house.

Naked.

The thought of Jack and I taking our relationship to the next level has me all sorts of excited. I took extra time this morning shaving my legs, grooming my lady bits, and slathering my body from head to toe in lotion. And even though I’ll run home to take a quick shower to wash off the restaurant after work, I’m still incredibly anxious for tonight.

Anxious and ready.

“Morning,” I reply, shaking the falling snow out of my hair and trying to brush thoughts of Jack from my head. “I’m over this weather.”

“Me too, but the kids love it,” he says with a chuckle before turning more serious. “Would you mind if we have a word? Go ahead and put your stuff away and clock in. We can go up to my office for a few minutes.”

I nod, trying to keep the worry from my features. Am I in trouble? I’m just finishing up my training. Is it possible I haven’t done a good enough job? Am I going to be fired?

“Calm down, Stevie. You’re not in trouble. I wouldn’t have had you clock in if I was letting you go,” he assures me with a wink.

“Oh.” I exhale deeply, trying to steady my racing heart. “Okay. Give me a minute,” I tell him, walking down the hall and slipping inside the break room. I take off my coat and shove it in the locker I use, placing my bag inside as well. I retrieve my apron, dropping my cell phone into one of the pockets, and wrap it around my waist. Finally, I grab my name tag and stick it on my shirt with the magnets. With a slow release of breath, I close my locker, use the computer on the wall to clock in, and return to the hallway to go upstairs.

As I approach, I find Isaac where I left him, waiting. “All set,” I tell him with a pleasant grin. Even though he says I’m not in trouble, a part of me wonders why I’m being called to one of the owners’ offices. Usually Garreth handles employee issues, but since he’s not working today, perhaps Isaac is dealing with the matter.

We take the steps to the office upstairs, and I smile when I see his space. It’s immaculate. Everything is in order, all in its rightful place, including the man. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down and a tan and blue tie, tan slacks, and brown loafers. I think about BJ—my half sister—with her blonde hair with pink highlights and the rocker-vibe she puts out. They’re opposites, much like Jameson and Madelyn, and I’m sure that’s why they click.

Opposites attract.

“You’ve been here a couple weeks now. How’s everything going?” he asks, pointing to the chair in front of his desk.

“Going well,” I tell him as I take a seat, hoping it’s not a lie.

Instead of moving behind the desk, he has a seat in the one beside me. “Good. I’m hearing great things, Stevie. Garreth says you caught on quick and really don’t even need to be considereda trainee at this point. Starting today, you’ll have your own section, but if at any point you need help or have questions, ask one of us.”

I nod, grateful to have the opportunity. “Thank you.”

He turns more to face me, setting his elbows down on his knees, and gives me his full attention. “I wanted to talk to you for a few minutes about theotherthing.”

My throat suddenly goes dry, because I’m certain I know what theotherthing is. I haven’t told anyone else about my real reason behind moving to Stewart Grove, but considering he’s married to my half sister, I’m sure he’s well aware of the situation.

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