Page 19 of Entertaining Distraction
“I know. Life goes on, right? Are you here to eat?”
“Actually, I’m looking for Mike and Jose. I need to speak with both of them.” Jenn was fully aware of Charlotte’s job, and probably also knew Donovan’s new sous chef had served time. While Mike was all for giving people a second chance, he also made sure his other employees were aware of who they were working with. During one of their recent evening chats on the phone, he’d mentioned to Charlotte it would be irresponsible of him not to. There was no guarantee the ex-cons wouldn’t become repeat offenders. But he also stressed to his employees he wouldn’t tolerate anyone harassing them or anyone else for things that belonged in the past. No one was perfect.
Jenn pointed to an occupied, round table toward the back of the room. “Mike’s over there with Mrs. D., Uncle Jake, and Nick, and you can go back to the kitchen to see Jose. He seems like a nice guy—I’m happy he’s getting a second chance. He’s got the cutest little five-year-old boy with his fiancée. I keep telling him he has to bring them by one day before I leave.”
As Jenn hurried over to one of her customer’s who’d signaled for the check, Charlotte strode down the bar. Nick was the first one to spot her and his grin grew wide. “Hey, Charlotte.”
Mike’s head whipped around to face her, and a combination of lust, shyness, and embarrassment filled his eyes. She was certain that last emotion was there because of the elderly woman sitting to his right, with her back to the room. It wasn’t every day a male sub had to introduce his Domme to his mother.
From her seat, Mrs. Donovan glanced over her shoulder, while all three men stood as Charlotte approached. Her gaze was drawn to the man who’d been occupying her thoughts lately—more than she’d expected him to. She loved the stain that appeared on his cheeks and knew he was recalling their phone sex from last night—it had been incredibly hot. If Jake or Nick noticed Mike’s reaction to her presence, neither acknowledged it.
“Hi, Charlotte,” Jake and Mike said at the same time.
“Hi.” Her gaze moved to their mother. “Hello, Mrs. Donovan, how are you?”
The woman eyed Charlotte, and it was evident she didn’t remember they’d met several times at get-togethers at the Trident compound, but she’d never be rude and say that. “Hello, dear. I’m fine, thank you for asking.”
“Mom,” Mike said, knowing his mother didn’t recognize the other woman. “This is Charlotte. She’s a friend of ours.”
At that, Nick’s eyebrow shot up and a smirk appeared on his face then disappeared just as quickly when Jake gave him the evil eye. It always amazed Charlotte how the men of Trident Security could have a whole conversation with each other without saying a word. It had to be a military thing because she’d never noticed it with those who’d never served.
“Oh, I remember.” It was clear Mrs. Donovan didn’t, but she was trying to cover to be polite. “Won’t you join us, dear?”
Mike jumped at the suggestion and grabbed a chair from a nearby table. “Yes, have a seat. Are you hungry?”
“Actually, I am, but first I need to talk to someone else.”
“Uh ... right ... he’s in the kitchen. I’ll walk you back and order whatever you want while I’m there.” He glanced down. “I’ll be right back, Mom.”
“Take your time. Jake and Nick will keep me company.”
As Charlotte followed Mike toward the kitchen, she overheard Mrs. Donovan ask the other two men, “Is that Michael’s girlfriend? She’s very pretty.”
Trying to ignore how good it felt to hear herself referred to as “Michael’s girlfriend,” Charlotte put on her professional face as Mike held open the swinging door to the kitchen for her. “What can I order for you?”
“I’d love the chicken salad sandwich—the one with the apples and cranberries—thank you, Michael.”
That blush appeared on his cheeks again. “You’re welcome. Come back to the table when you’re done, and I’ll have Jenn bring your sandwich out.”
As much as she wanted to step closer and kiss him, she wouldn’t. This was his business, and she had her own duties to perform. But after that, maybe she could convince him to lock them in his office for a little while.
“Thank you,” she repeated, giving him a brief heated stare before glancing around the large food prep area, not seeing who she was looking for.
Mike saw her confusion and addressed his chef. “Where’s Jose?”
“Out back, taking a phone call.” The big man hit a small silver bell with the spatula he was holding. “Daniella, order up.”
When Mike started for the back door leading to the alley, Charlotte stopped him. “That’s okay. I wanted to talk to him in private anyway.”
“Sure ... um ... can I get you something to drink?”
“I’ll take a Diet Coke with my lunch, thanks.”
His gaze trailed down her body, stirring up her desire once more. “Diet Coke? Charlotte, the last thing you need is diet anything.”
This time, it was her cheeks that heated—something that rarely happened anymore. She shrugged. “I developed a taste for it back in college. The regular stuff is too sweet—I prefer something with a bite to it.” Winking, she turned on her heel and left him standing there, gaping at her.
The door to the alley was cracked open to let in some air, and Charlotte pushed it further. Sitting at a scarred, wooden, picnic table some of the employees used for cigarette breaks, Jose’s gaze darted to her when the door’s hinges squeaked. His eyes went wide as he spoke into his cell phone. “Ah ... look ... I ... uh, gotta go. My parole officer is here ...yeah, later.”
