Page 46 of Blade

ChapterTwenty-Four

BIANCA

I’m finally back at work, doing what I love. I do have a tiny security detail surrounding the building, but it’s a small price to pay to calm Cameron’s nerves. He wasn’t happy about me leaving the compound, but he knew it wouldn’t go over well if he tried to force me to stay home. I rode with his sisters to work this morning after he gave me my charm necklace, informing me to never take it off unless I was at home.

Things in the kitchen are running smoothly today. The place has been nonstop busy since we opened this morning, but luckily for me, my team can handle it. “Jessica, how much longer on that alfredo for table ten and sixteen?” I shout across the kitchen.

“Less than a minute, boss.”

God that feels good. I worked my ass off to get the title of head cook. This is all I ever wanted growing up. My life has changed drastically over the past few months. I went from being a single parent while taking care of my terminally ill mother to having a fiancé, more family than I’ve ever had, and a mother with a clean bill of health.

I should really call Alan and thank him for setting me up with that interview with Sara. If he hadn’t, I would have never started working here and learned the truth about Cameron. I’ve never been a big believer of fate, but what other excuse is there for everything that transpired between me and Cam.

“Bianca, can you come to my office?” Sara asks, popping her head into the kitchen.

“Sure thing. Give me five minutes and I’ll be there.”

Sara nods and leaves the kitchen. After I’ve sent out a few dishes, I leave Jessica in charge until I return. Making my way to Sara’s office, I see her shutting down her computer and gathering her things.

“Cara and I have to head to the diner. Cam is picking you up. We just wanted to let you know we’re leaving and, B, please stay?—”

“Inside the building. Trust me, that lesson has been learned. I’ll see you later at the compound.” After a quick goodbye to them both, I head back to kitchen to finish up my day. Before I know it, my day is done and I’m hanging up my apron as Henry, the other head cook, walks into the kitchen. He mainly sticks to the night shift while I take mornings.

Cara and Sara decided not to replace Finn since Henry and I have a good working system. “Busy day?” he asks me as he ties on his apron.

“Very. Luckily, there were no complaints about the food. It’s been a pretty smooth shift.”

“Hopefully that luck runs through the night as well.”

“I’m sure it will. Call if it gets too crazy and you need me to come back.”

“Appreciate that, Bianca. Have a good night.”

“You too.”

Leaving out of the kitchen, I look over to see Torch waiting for me by the entrance. Walking over, he throws his arm over my shoulder while I wrap an arm around his waist.

“How was work, sis?” he asks me as he leads me out the front door.

“It was good. How was the stripper world?”

He throws his back, laughing. “Same ol’, same ol’,” he answers with a shrug and chuckle. He walks me to the SUV where Cam is in the driver seat, waiting. Normally Cam would have come into the restaurant and gotten me himself. Not wanting to read too much into it, I get into the truck, smiling wide. Once I’m seated in the passenger seat, I lean over the middle console and plant my lips against Cam’s. He gives a surprised groan but returns the kiss with just as much passion.

“Eww, Mama, stop it.”

I break the kiss with a surprised gasp and see our girls strapped in their car seats. Now it makes sense that he stayed in the truck. I look over to Cam when I hear him laughing. I slap his shoulder with the back of my hand. “You could have told me the girls were with you,” I hiss.

“But then that would ruin the surprise.”

“What surprise?” I fire back.

Cam chuckles and pulls out onto the street. “Coco, it’s called a surprise for a reason. I can’t tell you.” Giving a dramatic sigh, I sit back in my seat with my arms folded and a pout. Cam laughs, shakes his head, and keeps driving. The drive isn’t long at all. The girls keep me distracted, telling me about their day with my mom and Papa Smoke.

When the truck comes to a stop, I look out the window to see we’re parked in the driveway of a beautiful brick home. There’s a realtor sign in the front yard with a huge red sticker that readsSold.

I know this man did not buy us another house!

I look over to Cam. I guess he reads me perfectly because he shakes his head while pointing at my window. I look back out the window and that’s when I spot Miss Josie on the porch.

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