Page 40 of Laying His Claim
She knew that, but this was different. Why didn’t he understand? “Yes,” she acknowledged. “And I’m not ungrateful. But this is my chance to do something for me, while also helping others. I’m a good cook. I know I can do this.”
Pushing back his chair, Justin rose and walked around the desk to stand in front of her. He took her free hand in both of his and smiled down at her. “Being a chef in a restaurant is a lot more work than just making dinner for us here at home,” he reminded her. “You’ll be on your feet for hours. Are you sure you’re physically able to take on the task?”
Not this again! “A couple of weeks ago you promised to believe that I am capable. I’m not handicapped. I can do this,” she reminded him.
Justin examined her face for what felt like forever to Jalissa, and then his own softened. “Very well. I believe in you. Set up an appointment, and I’ll be there. Okay, sweetheart?”
She couldn’t have been happier.
* * *
Justin held Jalissa’s hand as they walked into the restaurant, while Seb, held in the other arm, settled comfortably against his shoulder. All the way downtown he’d listened indulgently as Jalissa chatted excitedly about her trial menu, which would be simple and quick, with fresh ingredients and a flavorful selection of spices.
It made him happy to see her so fired up and confident. Although he was capable of caring of Jalissa and Seb financially as long as they needed him to, he understood how much it meant to her to have some independence, as well as a creative outlet for her talents.
He just wished she’d take it slowly. After all, it wasn’t long ago that she had been flat on her back in a hospital bed, unmoving and insensible. Was her body up to the physical demands she would be placing upon it?
But Jalissa was Jalissa - fiery, determined, and strong - and that was just the way he loved her. Why would he think she would be—or should be—willing to compromise?
The owner was waiting eagerly at the door to greet them and, after introductions, she invited them inside. Justin drew back during the short tour; it was Jalissa’s day, not his. The restaurant, simply calledMelanie’s,was warm and cozy, beautifully lit and nicely furnished, and with his trained eye Justin could tell that it had a lot of potential to do well.
As they entered the kitchen, the women chattered excitedly and Justin faded comfortably into the background. He found a seat in one corner with Seb on his lap, sucking happily on a chocolate wafer that Melanie had offered him. He watched with great admiration as Jalissa whirled around the kitchen like a dervish, chopping, sautéing, sprinkling and tasting. When she was done—in record time—they sat together to enjoy the meal.
“Darling!” Melanie enthused, “This calamari! How did you do it?”
“Grandma’s recipe,” she answered, and winked at Justin.
Melanie lifted her glass. “Here’s to grandmas everywhere. When can you start?”
The women began negotiating, and from time to time Justin stepped in to ask for clarifications or offer suggestions, using his own knowledge of the business to ensure that Jalissa got the best possible terms. Despite his interference, Melanie didn’t seem the least bit perturbed, bowing instead to the knowledge of someone who was well known in the restaurant industry. Whose name meant something.
When negotiations were over, the women stood, hugged, and kissed each other on both cheeks. “I’ll have your documents ready for you to sign when you come in tomorrow,” Melanie promised.
Jalissa clapped her hands together in a surprisingly girlish gesture. “I’m so excited! I can’t wait!” She threw Justin a glowing glance that made him melt, then hugged Melanie again. “Thank you!”
“Thankyou,”Melanie countered, and saw them to the door. “Pleasure to meet you, Justin.”
“Same here. And take care of my Jalissa, will you?”
Melanie glanced from one to the other, beaming. “Oh, I will!”
He took Jalissa’s hand again, relishing the feel of it, glad that she wasn’t pulling away. They were acting like a family more and more, and he didn’t want that to end. “What do you say we take Seb for some ice cream? He just whispered that he’s craving a big scoop of strawberry.”
She twinkled at him, still riding on a high of pure joy. “Oh, Seb told you that, did he?”
“Yes, Mademoiselle, he did.”
“Then let’s not disappoint him.”
Hours later, when Seb had had his sugar crash and was fast asleep in his crib, the pair had fallen into their own bed. Justin held Jalissa in his arms, enjoying the feel of her braids splayed across his chest. Her fine motor skills were so good now that she was able to nimbly and swiftly do her hair in any style she pleased, but he’d always liked her braids best, the way they framed her face and accentuated her strong, determined look.
They’d been kissing and caressing each other for what felt like hours, coming together and then dancing away to prolong the excitement. Putting off that moment when he claimed her body elicited every ounce of pleasure within her.
In an idle fashion, Justin toyed with her hands, stroking the length of her fingers. She and Kaiya had popped out to the spa just the day before and her manicure, though short and neat as befitted a chef, was also pretty, sparkly and feminine. Remarkably, the vibrant red was close to the color of the Kawasaki motorbike that still stood in his garage, waiting for its owner.
Staring down at their clasped hands, Jalissa asked, completely out of the blue, “Where’s my ring?”
“Hmm?”
