Page 21 of In Good Company

Cal walks in right after him, the scowl on his face a stark difference from Jude’s wide grin. He’s wearing an all-black outfit, his blue eyes seeming even brighter as he stares at me from under the brim of his hat.

Jude rests his elbows on the counter, putting his focus solely on me. “I have no doubt whatever it is will be delicious. What’d you make me?” He lets out a yelp as Cal’s elbow finds his ribs.

“She didn’t make anything for you. She prepared lunch forme. You just happened to come over.” Cal’s voice is a little tight as he glares at his friend.

Jude doesn’t let Cal’s grumpiness deter him. He rolls his eyes in Cal’s direction before looking at me once again. “So what’d you makeme, Lucy?”

This makes me laugh. I take a step back and wipe my hands on my apron. I cast one more look over the food before looking at the men standing across the counter from me. Spending more time with both of them is going to take some getting used to. Before I started working at Pembroke, I’d never really met anyone with extreme wealth and power. The club and working side jobs introduced me to this world of old money and deep pockets, but I’ve still never spent this amount of time with people who hold the power they do. I don’t even want to think about the net worth of the two men standing in front of me. They’re just two normal guys. One who I work for and one who it seems I’ll be cooking for a lot. They both justhappento have money…and both look like they walked out of a Polo Ralph Lauren catalogue.

I clap my hands together and shake my head to rid myself of the distracting thoughts, remembering that Jude had asked me a question. “I marinated chicken thighs all morning and then prepared them on the grill. For the sides, I made thick-cut french fries and a summer salad with fresh berries from the farm stand this morning.”

“That sounds amazing, and I’m starving,” Jude notes. He dramatically rubs at his stomach as if he’s actually been starved.

Cal aims a dirty look in Jude’s direction. “Why are you here again? Get your own private chef. You can afford one.”

Jude snickers. “Maybe I should reach out to your old one. I heard he suddenly has a ton of free time.”

The muscle along Cal’s jaw ticks angrily as he appears to grind his teeth. I stand by quietly, wondering what’s going on between the two of them.

Cal lets out a long sigh, staring at his friend for a few more seconds before looking back at me. His eyes soften ever so slightly. “This all looks—and smells—incredible. Thank you.”

The sincere way he says thank you makes me smile. “Just doing my job, boss.”

Jude whistles. “Boss. Way to butter him up before he eats his meal, Lucy. I knew I liked you.”

Cal rolls his eyes. “Do you really have to comment on every single thing?”

This makes Jude beam. He nods. “Yes. And it’s the reason you stick with me. I do most of the talking while you do the brooding.”

I can’t fight the giggle that escapes from my chest. I try to play it off with a cough, knowing it’s probably unprofessional for me to laugh at a joke that’s at my boss’s expense, but I can’t help it. Jude’s comment took me off guard.

I turn toward the oven range, trying to make it seem like I have to clean something up so I can attempt to wipe the smilefrom my face. It doesn’t work. I know I’ve been caught by the deep, rumbly growl that comes from Cal.

“Aw…look, Jude,” Cal declares, an unexpected teasing tone to his words. “Someonefinallyfinds you funny.”

My stomach growls loudly at the different smells filling the kitchen, and I hope no one can hear it. I try to ignore my hunger and turn back around, only to find the biggest grin on Jude’s face. He reminds me of a golden retriever—goofy, loyal, and incredibly lovable.

“Lucy, I’m calling it now. We’re going to be best friends.”

I gesture to the plated food in front of us. “Try this and make sure you approve of my cooking first.” I look over at Cal, who, surprisingly, has the smallest whisper of a smile on his lips. “Then you can decide if I’ll take Cal’s spot as your best friend.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Jude reaches across the counter and grabs one of the plates. I’d prepared enough food for four people but only plated enough for two. Jude and Cal had popped in earlier for a minute to grab drinks before going to the backyard to talk some kind of business. I didn’t know if anyone else was joining and didn’t want to plate food that wouldn’t get eaten.

I try to clear my throat over the sound of my stomach growling again. Going forward, I really need to be better about making sure I eat in between preparing meals. I got so busy getting familiar with the kitchen and preparing lunch that I completely forgot.

Jude is already seated in the kitchen nook taking his first bite while Cal just stands on the other side of the counter. He stares at the plate that’s left with a frown.

“Does the food not look good? I can prepare something else if?—”

Cal’s piercing blue eyes meet mine. “Where’s yours?”

I straighten my back as I look around for a moment, a little confused by his question. “Um…what?”

He sighs as he angrily folds his arms across his chest. The position brings way too much attention to his tan, defined forearms and the way his polo shirt fits his frame perfectly. “You didn’t make yourself a plate?” he pushes, his voice tight.

I shake my head. “No. I don’t typically eat the food I prepare. Sometimes my clients let me if there’s a lot of food left over and…” My words trail off when he rounds the counter and wraps his large fingers around my wrist.

“Come,” he demands, pulling me toward where Jude sits.

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