Page 43 of In the Works

Reaching across the table, I grabbed the woman’s cool hand. “You are a genius. This was the best meal I’ve ever eaten.”

Carrie grinned. “See, that’s how you compliment someone.” Releasing my hand with a squeeze, Carrie grabbed the two dinner plates from in front of us. “If Vic bores you to death, there’s more cake with your name on it.”

But before her old friend could slip away, Victoria slid a black steel card across the table. “Give your crew a really nice tip, please. Hundred percent, at least.”

Raising an eyebrow, Carrie scoffed. “They just give these out to anyone, huh?” Before Vic could respond, Carrie took the card and headed to the back.

I watched Vic closely as she surveyed the place. It was dimly lit, brick walls surrounding us and touches of warm wood throughout the room to absorb the amber light. Vic lookedpleased as she reached for the slice of cake in front of her. Delicately, her fork pierced the sponge.

No one could ever accuse Victoria Bradley of being selfish. From the research I had done before signing on to work with her, she had sworn to donate all of her wealth before she died. The only exception was that she wanted her family – and eventual spouse – to be set for life.

Vic raised the fork toward my mouth, using her free hand to cup under the cake. “Here.”

Doing as I was told, I opened my lips and let the dessert slide onto my tongue. I wrapped my lips around the cold metal prongs and pulled the chocolate into my mouth. It was unbelievably rich, nearly melting on my tongue.

Victoria watched me closely as I ate. Once I chewed, she took a bite for herself and sighed as she tasted it.

We ate the rest of our slices in silence, taking in the last of the meal. After the card had been returned and the plates cleared, I smiled at Victoria. “So, what’s next?”

“Next?” She laughed. “Was that not enough?”

Feeling bold, I shrugged. “What if it wasn’t?”

A cheeky smirk took over Victoria’s face. “Then I won’t stop until you’re satisfied.” She stood from her chair and pulled mine out before I could argue with her. She wrapped her arm around my waist, pulling me into her.

Under her button-up, I could feel the lean muscle she carried.

After a quick goodbye to Carrie, we walked out of the restaurant, and into the breezy night. The streets were quieter now, most of the regulars already at home.

Victoria opened my door and watched as I slid inside the Carrera, her eyes obviously lingering on my ass in the sleek red dress.

“Where are you taking me Ms. Bradley?” I bit my lip as I looked up at her.

Without answering, Vic closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. I was in her hands now, but for once in my life, I didn’t mind giving up control. I knew she’d take good care of me.

22

SARAH

Victoria droveus a few minutes to the edge of town. There, a warehouse towered over the other buildings.

“Did you bring me here to murder me?” I teased her.

Rolling her eyes, Victoria turned off the engine and guided me toward the entrance. “Well, I know how much you love design. And as much as it can be work, it’s also one of your passions. So I thought I’d show you my favorite hidden gem in the area.”

I stopped in my tracks. “After a dinner like that, you want to end this in some weird warehouse?”

Turning on her heels, Vic grabbed my hand with a grin. “Who said anything about ending it here?”

As she walked forward, I followed her lead. The outside of the building gave very few clues as to what was housed inside. But I had a feeling what it might be.

Victoria pushed open the heavy metal door and held it open for me. Motion-activated lights flickered on overhead, illuminating the massive warehouse.

My jaw dropped as I registered aisles upon aisles of tile. Above each stack of labeled boxes sat a small sample of each tile.I gawked, slowly walking forward to scan the display. “A private tile collection? How did I not know this was here?”

Vic shrugged. “I have no idea. But it turns out I have connections here that you don’t.”

As I whipped around to glare at her, Vic winked and gestured for me to keep walking. Most people probably would have thought tile shopping after a first date was strange or unromantic, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. To me, it felt like a love language I didn’t know I had.

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