Page 22 of Unloaded
Our tiny apartment is old and rundown, but at least we each have our own room. It’s all I can afford at the moment. Marley and Shelby pay me well, but I’m saving for a down payment to on something I can call my own. It’s foolish to think I could put down roots, but I haven’t found any indication that my stepfather is still looking for us in all the time we’ve been in Virginia Beach, which is encouraging that, perhaps, we are finally free.
I grin at myself in the faded old mirror while brushing my teeth, after my shower. I’m thinking a small house, or better yet, maybe a small farm. Definitely a small hobby farm, grow my own vegetables, raise my own meat.Oh yeah! It’s a plan, but first I’ve got to get through today.
Back in my room, I slip on my forest green, lacy undergarments. A cute little set I’d purchased on a whim. They make me feel sexy and confident, despite my pooching belly, wide hips, and thunder thighs. I work out regularly to stay fit, but I prepare food for a living. I love food and unfortunately, God didn’t give me a metabolism to match my appetite.
I slip on the olive-green dress I’d purchased a few days ago just for this event. I turn sideways, checking again to make sure the dress doesn’t make my ass look too big or show all my belly rolls. It doesn’t look great, but it’ll have to do. I don’t have time to change, and I don’t have another dress this nice.
My favorite necklace sparkles in the jewelry box on my dresser catching my eye. I pick it up and secure it around my neck watching the pendant glitter as the sun hits it. My mother had given it to me when I’d graduated high school. She’d said it was a family heirloom, passed down to her from her mother. I can feel her watching over me.
Marley and Shelby are both new mothers and neither is ready to leave their baby for even a few hours yet, so I’m in charge of this event. It is going to be perfect. I’ll make sure of it or die trying.
Checking my watch, I see it’s time to get going. I peek in on the boys before leaving. They are both still sleeping in their beds. Ricky has his covers kicked off. I walk into his room to pull the comforter up over him. I press a kiss to his forehead before heading out to get my day started.
It’s a short drive toBaby Girl’s,so I arrive with plenty of time to spare. Letting myself into the back door with my key, I reset the security system once inside. It’ll be a while before the others arrive. It isn’t wise to be here alone without the system armed.
Even though there isn’t any evidence my stepfather knows where we are, I’m not taking any chances. Besides, Rosco would be furious if he found me here without it in use. He’s been more than over protective, lately.
Further inside, the kitchen is silent, dark, and a little creepy. My heart pounds as my imagination plays out all kinds of scary scenarios. The fluorescent lights brighten the familiar space, calming my fears when I flip the switches. I grab my apron and tie it around my waist. Time to get to work.
An hour later, my helpers begin to arrive one by one. We work well together, and before long, we have everything ready to load into the company van. Matthew, one of the men who works for Invictus, will be driving the van loaded with food. The servers will be riding in a second van driven by Jason, who also works for Marley’s husband’s security company.
Luke insists we have security with us at every event we cater. He’s overly cautious after Marley had been kidnapped not once, but twice. I can’t blame him, and having them with us makes me feel better, too. Especially today when I’m in charge.
When everyone is loaded up, I walk over to my van to follow. A truck pulling into the parking lot causes me to pause. Rosco Robertson pulls up beside me.
“Get in,” he demands. I raise my eyebrows in shock.Who the hell does he think he is to tell me what to do?
“Excuse me?” I snark. He gives me an annoyed look.
“Get. In.” He growls.God!His voice does things to my body. My core clenches. I can feel moisture leaking to dampen my panties.My pussy needs him to be inside me, STAT! Whoa girl! We don’t have time for that. Besides, he’s being an overbearing barbarian.
“Seriously? What’s your problem?” I question, shifting in an effort to alleviate the ache in my lady parts. He’s made it more than obvious he has no interest in me. I don’t know why my body can’t remember this.
“My problem is you.” I’m certain I look like an owl my eyes are so wide, because I can’t believe he’s said that. However I don’t get a chance to retort before he continues.
“I’m here to take you to the catering event, but you’re not cooperating,” Rosco rumbles in his deep sexy voice that always causes my body to light up. My nipples are so hard I’m afraid he will notice them.Gah! My body is such a slut.
“Now get in the damn truck, Rachel!” he roars. My body shivers when he says my name, even though his tone pisses me off. It’s the first time I’ve heard him say it in months. I wasn’t sure he even knew what it was anymore. Most of the time he calls me angel, which isn’t any better. Anything he says to me has my body aflame with want, but he isn’t going to tell me what to do.
“I don’t need you to take me. I’m perfectly capable of driving myself,” I retort, rather sassily, crossing my arms over my chest. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get going. You’re going to cause me to be late.”
Before I can open my door, he is suddenly beside me catching my hand. I never even heard him open his door. Sparks fly and a tingling sensation washes over me to settle in my chest.
“What the hell?”
“Don’t be difficult,” Rosco rumbles in my ear. His body is right behind mine. Like a magnet drawn to metal, my body leans into him. His free hand wraps around my waist. I catch a whiff of his decadent scent. God, I could just eat him up. He smells so good!
“Let me drive you, please?” His voice has softened immensely.Well, shit!Now, he’s playing nice? How am I supposed to tell him no?
“Why?” I turn to face him, which is a colossal mistake. He is right there. All up in my personal space. Our eyes meet, and I swear he looks like he wants to eat me. I can hardly breathe, and my heart is pounding so loud I’m certain he must be able to hear it.
He takes me in from head to toe and back again. His pupils flare, seeming to like what he sees. I’d taken my apron off before leaving the restaurant. I glance down at myself to see my bra is doing nothing to hide my hardened nipples. Gooseflesh has erupted on my skin and now my panties are a soaking mess. I’m glad that I’m standing, because I fear there’d be a wet spot on the back of my dress.
“Rosco?” He still doesn’t answer my question. I lift my eyes back to his, noting his are stuck on my boobs. His eyes slowly drag up to meet mine.
“What?” he questions. I roll my eyes in dramatic fashion.
“Why?” He frowns, seeming to have checked out of this conversation. “Why are you insisting on driving me to the event? I wasn’t even aware you would be going. Marley arranged for Matthew and Jason to drive the vans.”
