Page 63 of Truce Of The Matter

“What smells so good?” Rex’s sexy voice booms from behind and we both turn to see him.

A huge grin is plastered on his handsome ass face. He’s leaning on the door frame, comfortable like he’s been in that spot for hours watching us. He doesn’t even shift when we turn to acknowledge him.

“We’re cooking, Daddy,” she announces proudly.

“I see and I smell chicken.”

“And strawberry pancakes and eggs. I’m scrambling them,” she gushes.

We turn back to the stove and he walks up behind us. His hands tug at his oversized shorts on me then he chuckles. He towers over us, looks at everything then grabs one of the cooked pancakes. “Daddy!” she exclaims. “We not ready yet.”

“I just want a taste test,” he says before pecking her cheek. He turns then pecks my lips. “I know all of this wasn’t in my kitchen,” he says.

“It wasn’t,” I reply, smirking.

“Did you go to the store dressed like this?” he asks, amused.

“Um no. Definitely not. I had the stuff delivered.”

He just stares at me for a moment, his smile unwavering. Then he takes a huge bite of the pancake. “Shit, this is good,” he raves.

“Thanks. I couldn’t have done this without my little helper,” I say and I don’t know whose smile is brighter, his or hers. “Sit. We’re almost ready to eat.”

He leans back to my ear, then whispers, “Thanks for this.”

Then he walks to the fridge before I can respond. The eggs are done so I turn the burner off and remove the pan. Aryel gets off her stool and snags the whipped topping from the fridge. I finish up the last pancakes then slice the chicken breasts. We all work together to bring the food to the dinette table so we can eat.

It’s after two by the time I leave Rex’s. I don’t know who wanted me to stay more, him or Aryel. If I didn’t need to swing by the restaurant, I probably would have stayed longer. I’m doing group interviews today for two new positions, prep manager and front of the house lead. For years, my parents opened in the mornings and handled the morning prep. Now that my mother is gone, I don’t think my dad wants to do it anymore. He hasn’t stepped foot in Redmond’s since her passing. So, I need new people. While I’m an early riser, committing to opening every day is too much for me. Besides, I like my schedule. I float in between all shifts when I want. It works better for me because I’m accessible to all shifts and my presence isn’t set in stone, which keeps them on their toes.

I rush home, shower, and dress and make it to the restaurant fifteen minutes before my interviews start. Taj has sectioned offthe three tables in the back right side of the restaurant and three of the five candidates are already here.

“One of them has on a damn suit. I don’t think he realizes that this is a restaurant. We cook food. A suit ain’t it,” Taj teases.

“He’s just trying to be professional.”

“You’ll see.” We walk through the kitchen then I fix a cup of ice water from the fountain machine in the dining room. I have to control my laughter when I spot the young brother dressed in his Sunday best. I’ll give him grace though. Maybe he came straight here from church. “Told you,” Taj mumbles before we introduce ourselves.

Our final candidate arrives five minutes late and I make a note on her resume. I do not tolerate tardiness. When she’s seated, I begin by introducing myself and Taj. Then, I say the most dreaded statement to job candidates.

“Now, I want each of you to tell me a little about yourself.”

The interviews last a little over an hour and I think I’ve found my two new employees. I’ll sit on it for another day or two but I’m pretty sure I’m going to make offers to Kyron in the suit and Lovely. They both have the personalities and experience I’m looking for.

The minute I’m in my office, my cell chimes with a text from Rex and my entire face lights up.This man.I swear he’s in tune with every aspect of me. The timing of his text is perfect.

Rex: Still interviewing?

Me: Just finished.

Instead of texting back, he FaceTimes so I close my door then answer. His handsome face fills my phone and I see he’s in his great room. He looks unbelievably sexy just relaxing on his extra-large sectional.

“You look comfortable,” I comment while smiling.

“Comfortable but lonely. I miss your sexy ass.”

“It’s only been a few hours.”

“A few hours too many. Making you cum in my tub, waking up with you in my bed, and seeing you cooking with Aryel this morning hit different. I saw exactly how things should be with us. I real shit didn’t want you to leave this morning,” he professes and I can’t stop my blossoming smile.He always makes me smile.

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