Page 73 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

“I hope you’re hungry,” I said. I took a sip, watching her over the rim of my glass. It was hard to keep my eyes off her.

“Starving.” She looked around the room at the built-in shelves that were brimming with books. “How?” she asked curiously, clearly impressed.

I knew what she was asking. The tree house was the talk of the town, and it wouldn’t be open to the public for another month. Apart from a handful of staff, the place was empty.

“I have my ways.” Like having a big brother who had connections to a number of influential circles. “Would you like to look at the books? It’s quite a collection.”

“Maybe after we eat. I heard the owner used to live here before he transformed it into a library and café. I didn’t know they planned to serve meals here. I thought it was going to be just coffee and pastries.”

“You’re right, but I hired a chef. She’s prepared a menu just for us. I made sure she knew your favorites.”

Her eyes warmed; she was clearly taken by surprise. “Caleb…”

“You might know of her. She’s extremely popular, and she just opened her fifth restaurant.”

Her eyes widened. She knew who I was talking about. She had excitedly mentioned the chef to me a time or two.

“This is…”

“Too much?”

She shook her head, and a lock of hair fell to the side of her face. I leaned forward and tucked it behind her ear.

“It’s incredible. Thank you, Caleb. I feel so special.”

The waiter materialized with our food, and the delight on Red’s face made me decide that I’d do this for her often. She twirled her pasta with her fork, slid it between her lips, and moaned. I felt my insides tighten.

I cleared my throat. “So now finals are over, got any plans?” I shoveled noodles into my mouth and was pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavor. The food was incredible.

She put down her fork and dabbed the side of her mouth with her napkin. The way she did it was so feminine, it made me smile. “I’m planning on working a lot this summer, getting a second job so I’ll have more hours. I know I still have a year to go, but I feel like I’m so close to the finish line. My future doesn’t seem unclear anymore. And I’m…I’m really excited for what’s to come.”

She blushed again. I had no idea she could be even more irresistible than she already was. I’d been so wrong. I bit my lip and tightened the grip on my fork to keep from pulling her to me.

“What about you?” she continued. “You’re officially done with school. Congratulations, Caleb.” She grinned.

I grinned back. “Thanks, baby. There’s one thing. You can look for a second job…or if you’d like to apprentice under your favorite chef, just say the word. I told her about you, and she wants to meet you after dinner.”

I saw the struggle on her face whenever I offered her something. Last time, when I offered to pay for her loans, I thought she was going to slap me. I knew she was thrilled at the idea of meeting her favorite chef, and I also knew she wouldn’t accept my help with an apprenticeship. But I had to try.

“Or you can come with me to Regina,” I added.

Her eyes narrowed. “What’s in Regina?”

“I made a deal with my mother. I agreed to help with our hotels and real estate business as soon as I finished my economics degree. I’ve wanted to help out; I just didn’t want to do it while I was in school.”

Her eyes flashed with surprise and then distress for a second.

“My mom manages our hotels abroad, and Ben manages the ones here in Canada. I told her I’d help Ben and learn the ropes, so I need to fly to Regina on Friday to discuss.”

“In two days?”

I nodded.

“Will you…live in Regina then? For a while?”

I shook my head. “I’m just staying a few days. I’ll try to be home the night before my birthday to see you. Nothing can keep me away from you.”

When I saw her breathe a sigh of relief, my insides warmed. She hated the idea of being apart too.

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