Page 11 of Unloaded
“You took a shower before bed, then again this morning,” Nicky states calmly. “You don’t usually do that. I’m just wondering what’s going on?” I know my face has to be red as fire. I’m scrambling to come up with something, but failing miserably. “Did you get all hot and sweaty?”Oh God! Kill me now!
“I…uh…yeah.” I finally decide to go with hot and sweaty without the real reason for why I’d been in such a state. “It is pretty warm in here. You need to get moving. You guys don’t want to be late on your first day.” Nicky gives me a hard look but slides out of bed, heading into the bathroom and closing the door behind him.
“You shouldn’t lie to your brother.” I shriek at Ricky’s words. I’d had no idea he was awake. He chuckles before saying, “I’m sorry looking after us hampers your social life.” I’m stunned. I don’t know how to respond to that.
“Look I know you still think of Nicky and I as kids, but we know about sex and needs. We’ve all been cooped up in this tiny room for days and before that we were in the car for three days, so I get it. You haven’t had a chance to, you know, take care of things.” I’m floored.
“I…you…,” I stammer, my mouth opening and closing like a fish, because what do I say to this? I’d had the sex talk with them a few years ago when I’d found the evidence they’d discovered their dicks did more than pee, but after that one very awkward conversation we’d not talked about it. Ricky holds up his hand to halt my faltering.
“Rach, you never date, not since we’ve been on the run, so I know you must take care of your needs yourself. It’s like you told us; it’s nothing to be ashamed of. We are only human afterall.”How did my brother get to be so wise at such a young age?Being on the run, I suspect.
I just nod because I’m not about to admit I’ve been attempting to pleasure myself in the shower. Ricky stretches out diagonally on their bed. “Finally I can get some decent sleep. Nicky is a bed hog,” he grumbles, as his breathing evens out once more. I’ll never understand how he can fall asleep so quickly.
Despite the uncomfortable beginning to our day, I manage to get the boys to their new high school on time, and I’m fifteen minutes early for the meeting with Marley. She’d informed me yesterday Luke wouldn’t be able to meet with us, but Shelby and her future husband, Bo have joined us. Bo has remained silent and distant, letting the women do the talking, while he keeps watch over everything.
“We’ve decided to name the restaurant,Baby Girl’s,” Marley informs me. “Any catering will be done by Baby Girl’s Catering.” Marley, Shelby, and I are in what will be the office when the place is finished.
We’ve discussed their vision for the restaurant and catering business. I have to admit I’m getting really excited for the potential in this place. I hope they still want me, but this won’t be ready to open for months. I’m not sure I can hold out that long with what’s left of our savings. I can’t afford to let our stash get too low in case we have to take off on a moment’s notice.
“Let me show you the work that’s being done,” Marley says as she rises to her feet. We leave the office area to head into the construction zone. Bo has hard hats for the three of us. We leave the office area walking out into the main kitchen/prep area.
Looking down to make sure I don’t trip over anything, I follow the two women out. The moment we are in the room, I can smellhim.My head lifts to meet dark brown eyes boring into my soul. I shiver, feeling my pulse spike and my nipples harden.Why does he have to be so damn gorgeous?
“Rachel?” Marley turns toward me. “Did you hear me?” I force my eyes away from the god-like man in front of me and turn to face Marley.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” I ask, glancing back at Rosco, feeling slightly embarrassed that I’d allowed his body to distract me from the conversation with Marley.
“I was asking how soon you’d be able to start?” Marley inquires. “I know the restaurant won’t be open for several months, but we could use some help with ordering supplies, picking out décor, and working up a menu. Shelby and Bo are getting married in three weeks, and we’ve already gotten requests for several catering events. We could really use your help. There’s just so much to do.
“We’ll be preparing the food at our home, until this is ready. Shelby and I are both expecting a baby in a few months, so we are going to need all the help we can get,” Marley laughs.
“Of course, I’m happy to start whenever you need me,” I answer in a rush, thankful she’s wanting me to begin work so soon. We converse a few more minutes working out details on pay, benefits, and when I’ll start, which happens to be in the morning.Thank you, Lord!
It doesn’t take us long to settle everything. I’m ready to leave when Rosco moves closer, gaining Marley’s attention. She watches Rosco and I greet one another. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to keep my cool around him. He causes all my self-control to fly out the window.
“Nice to see you, again,” Rosco says in his deep voice, causing a wave of desire to flow through me. He holds out his hand for me to shake it. I haven’t forgotten how it had felt when he’d taken my hand last night, but I don’t want to be rude, so I grasp his hand.
Once again, it’s like grabbing hold of a lightning bolt. I draw in a sharp breath at the contact, knowing I’m making a scene.He holds on to my hand longer than necessary. It’s as if he is as reluctant to lose the connection as I am.
“You, too, Rosco,” I reply. His pupils dilate as if me saying his name is a turn on. He studies me a moment before dropping my hand. He turns to Marley and Shelby and begins to discuss the restaurant plans.
In minutes, the conversation has taken a turn I wasn’t expecting. It seems this family isn’t shy about discussing private matters, which is fine, to each their own. However I’m not a member of this family, so when the topic of bedtime activities between Marley and Luke comes up, I decide it’s time I make my escape.
“Well I suppose I should get going,” I interject before anyone can add more embarrassing information. “I have to pick my brothers up from the gym in a few minutes. Thank you again, Marley. I’ll see you in the morning.” Marley nods and gives me a wave.
“Let me walk you to your car,” Rosco suggests, stepping closer to me. I hesitate, because I’m not sure I’ll be able to contain myself. All I can think about is the kiss we shared last night and how much I want to jump his bones.
He notices my hesitation and surprises me when he says, “I’m not as bad as I look. I promise I don’t bite,” Rosco teases with a wink, then lowers his voice, “unless you’re into that.”
I smile at his joke, even though I try not to. I don’t need to encourage something that can never happen. Even if the thought of him biting me is a huge turn on. I should say no, but I find myself agreeing.
“All right,” I say, deciding I am in control of my body and my actions. “You can walk me to my car.”
“After you.” He motions with his hand for me to precede him. I head for the door, feeling his eyes on me.
The tingling that began when he took my hand is growing. I’d like nothing more than for him to kiss me again, but I know it isn’t a good idea. I wouldn’t be able to stop with just a kiss.
I will not climb him like a tree.I will not climb him like a tree.I repeat over and over in my head. I’m better than that.Right??Ugh!I’m such a mess.
