Page 83 of Worthy Promises
“Frugal,” Worthington argued.
“Cheap,” Kitchi retorted with a smirk.
Worthington grabbed a pen from an owl-shaped holder and jotted something down on a notepad in front of him. “And there is our Kitchi being written up for insubordination.”
With a laugh, Kitchi waved Worthington off and gave his attention to his laptop. “Except all our forms are online.”
“Perhaps it was a note to remind myself to take care of the form later,” Worthington countered.
“That’s an extra unnecessary step, and you’re far too efficient and good at your job to do that,” Kitchi said.
“How dare you compliment me right after I’ve complained that you need to be fired,” Worthington complained.
“Oh, please, you couldn’t survive without me or Ashby,” Kitchi replied.
“I genuinely hate it when he’s right,” Worthington drawled. “I could hardly function as CFO without either of you.”
Although Oliver had plenty of work to do, he hadn’t even touched the power button on his laptop. It was far too much fun to sit and listen to the other occupants of his new office. But he had people counting on him, so he turned his computer on and wondered if the old lonely Oliver would recognize the smiling man at the D’Vaire mansion sitting next to the love of his life.
“Hey, Rafe, have you discussed the plan with Noir and Kendrick yet?” Brogan asked. “She’s heading closer and closer to giving birth.”
Rafe’s dark eyes widened, and he scowled. “Why do I have to tell her? She’s Sander’s cousin. I think he should discuss it with her.”
Aleksander’s head whipped around to face his mate. “Kendrick is your brother. You could talk to him.”
“No, it’s Noir’s kitchen,” Mac said. “She’s the Seneschal Duchess. Someone is going to have to break it to her.”
“Yeah, Brogan’s right. Noir runs the kitchen, and Kendrick assists her,” Rafe said to Aleksander. “You need to talk to your cousin.”
“Or we could both discuss it with her,” Aleksander retorted. It was the first time Oliver had ever witnessed Aleksander and Rafe disagreeing about something of any importance in front of anyone else. They were rarely apart, and Oliver would be jealous of their relationship if he didn’t have a partner and best friend in Worthington.
“I really think she’d take it best hearing it from you,” Rafe argued.
“We’re a team, babe,” Aleksander insisted. “We should talk to her together.”
“Noir and Kendrick just finished breakfast and won’t be prepping lunch yet,” Mac said. “You could go talk to her now.”
“I mean…what’s the rush?” Aleksander asked.
“Agreed. It can wait another day or three,” Rafe added.
“The woman is going to give birth before you two discuss it with her,” Mac predicted.
“You know, I don’t see why we can’t force one of our Dukes to discuss it with her,” Aleksander suggested.
“I think that’s the best idea,” Rafe replied.
“Oh, fuck no,” Mac said, his black scaly gaze full of fear. “I’m not walking into the kitchen and telling Noir we’re kicking her and her mate out of there for at least two months.”
“Even though Noir adores Henry, I don’t think she’s going to love the idea of handing her kitchen over to anyone,” Brogan added.
“Start with the positive,” Worthington suggested. “It was extremely generous of Henry to suggest he and his family move in for two months or longer to give Noir and Kendrick the time they desire to adjust to their new baby.”
“Great point,” Mac replied. “You guys should make Worth talk to Noir.”
Worthington shook his head, and Oliver could appreciate the panic in his blue eyes. Noirin was a formidable woman who took her duties as chef seriously. She unequivocally ran the household. No one had allowed her any say on what her minimum absence would be from preparing meals as they feared she’d insist on returning too early.
But now they had to face her and admit they’d gone behind her back and made decisions for her. While she’d likely appreciate the break, she also prided herself on her work ethic and genuinely enjoyed providing for her family.
