Page 55 of Boss with Benefits

She left and I sank into my chair, fucking depressed because I was falling in love with Rachel Arya and there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it.

27

DERRICK

The bell above the door jingled as I stepped into Jaq's Gourmet, my family's deli in Brooklyn. The familiar scent of cured meats, fresh bread, and spices hit me, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. It was a Wednesday afternoon, but the place was bustling with its usual mix of regulars and curious tourists.

"Uncle Derrick!" A high-pitched squeal cut through the chatter, and I was nearly knocked off my feet by a small whirlwind with pigtails.

I laughed, scooping up my niece Avery and spinning her around. "Hey there, munchkin! Where are those troublemaking brothers of yours?"

As if on cue, two identical boys came barreling around the corner, their faces lit up with mischievous grins. "Uncle D!" they shouted in unison, crashing into my legs.

"Oof!" I grunted, pretending to stumble. "Have you two grown a foot since last week? You're gonna knock me over one of these days!"

Aaron, always the more talkative of the twins, looked up at me with wide eyes. "Does that mean we're strong enough to be detectives like you now?"

I ruffled his hair, chuckling. "You don't need to be physically strong to be a detective. You need to use your clever mind."

"Derrick!" My sister Maria's voice carried from behind the counter. "I thought you couldn't make it to dinner tonight."

I set Avery down and made my way over to Maria, giving her a quick hug. "How could I not when you guilt-tripped me into it."

She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Telling you to come spend time with your niece and nephews is not a guilt-trip."

Before I could retort, our mother appeared from the back room, her face lighting up when she saw me. "Derrick! Come, come. I've just made a new batch of gelato. The kids can help us taste test."

The kids cheered, practically tripping over themselves in their rush to follow her to the back. I moved to join them, but Maria caught my arm, her eyes narrowing.

"Not so fast, bro," she said, her voice low. "What's going on with you?"

I raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

"You look like someone kicked you in the balls and stole your favorite toy," she said, crossing her arms. "What's up?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Maria was always the sister who could read me, especially when I was holding something back. "It's just work stuff."

Maria snorted. "Right. And I was a virgin when I married Jimmy. Come on, I know it's about Rachel. “Have you finally admitted to yourself how you feel about her?”

I hesitated, glancing around the deli. It was mostly empty now save for a couple engrossed in their phones. Still, I lowered my voice, leaning in closer to Maria.

“Yes, but I don't want to," I said softly. It was the first time I'd admitted this to anyone, and it sent a jolt of fear through me.

Maria's eyes widened, a smile spreading across her face. "I knew it! I saw the way you looked at her when we were at the lake house. Did something happen between you two?"

I groaned, raking my hand through my hair. “No, and I can't like her."

My sister leaned back and crossed her arms assessing me. "Why not? We all loved her. She's smart, funny, full of life."

"And nineteen years younger than me. Not to mention my employee," I cut in, lifting my head to meet Maria's gaze. "She's in a very different place in her life."

Maria rolled her eyes so hard I was afraid they might get stuck that way. "Oh, please. Once you reach your mid-twenties, age doesn't mean anything. Besides, women mature faster than men. Everyone knows that. And as for the employee thing…you can always fire her."

"Har har." I shook my head. "It's not that simple."

"Yes, it is," Maria said. "Derrick, you come alive when you're around her. You're actually someone I'd want to hang out with."

"Hysterical."

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