Page 83 of The Mastermind

“What do you mean?” She held up a finger. “Don’t tell me youkept the business so that I had a job?That would be ridiculous! I could work anywhere, Remi.”

“You’re not just an employee. You’remygirlfriend—the first woman I’ve ever given that title to. Mind you, the media has written stuff about women and me. Some they called girlfriends, some fiancées, some my ex-wives. None of those are true. You’re my first girlfriend in its truest definition.”

“Did you date when you were in college?”

“Casually, but nothing serious. I saw them when I saw them.” I shrugged. I’d never wanted any woman as much as Audri. Maybe she had always been in my blood, preventing me from desiring anyone else. I brushed away an errant strand of hair from her face. “I also appreciate you as an employee. You’re an impressive asset I can’t live without.”

“Oh, do tell, my handsome DLS.” Her eyes sparked as she wrapped her arms around my waist.

“Though you don’t work directly for me, you’re a critical part of my successful business. I appreciate your professional contribution. I’ve seen your work and heard wonderful feedback from clients who are satisfied with your service.” My fingers touched her face. “But more than that, you gave me a reason to keep something because of its potential. I have plans for Starke Vision and this building. Fixing the garage is just step one, Sexy Dot.”

Embracing me, she rested her head on my chest. Could she hear the loud thumping of my heart?

“I’m happy I could inspire you. That means that you’ll probably stay in Providence more so than in New York City. When you go back, I can fly out to see you and make this relationship work. You have an empire to run, not just this business. I understand that and have accepted it.”

“Thank you.” I ran my hand down her hair.

Audri didn’t need to know I had already shifted things around so I could stay here with her. Running my empire could be achieved anywhere, as long as I had a computer, the internet, and a phone. I’d delegated a lot of the executive duties to Howard. Right now, I didn’t want to be anywhere but by her side.

Talk about a new form of attachment issue! This one made me happier.

That was another big change in me, something that I wasn’t ready to let her know yet. “You’re ready for dinner?”

“Yes, please! I’m craving for one of those burritos. Can we go there?”

“Let’s go.”

CHAPTERFORTY-ONE

AUDRI

As he ledme to the front door of the Burrito Shack, a delicious aroma snuck up my nose.

“It smellssogood.”

A woman from a nearby table waved. “Sit anywhere you like. I’ll be right there.”

Remi and I found a table with four chairs in the corner and sat down. The restaurant was busy on a Wednesday evening.

“You must be a regular here.”

“Not really.” Remi pulled out a chair for me and took the one beside it.

An olive-skinned man emerged from the back room carrying two trays of food. He had a slash across his forehead that disappeared into the hairline near his ear. Another man wearing the same cheerful yellow apron walked out behind him with two more trays.

“Hola, amigo! Good to see you! This is José, my buddy. He’s helping me with catering orders.” He placed the trays on the counter, walked over to a lady who had waved at them, and whispered something to her.

José nodded at us as he passed, and Remi and I returned the gesture.

“Are you close friends with these people?” I asked, glancing around. “It’s a cute place. I should take Kiera and Michelle here when they return to town.”

“Slash and his wife, Maria, own this restaurant.” Remi gestured to the chalkboard. “They have a small menu. See anything new you want to try?”

“Nope. Same chicken burrito with extra salsa for me.”

Slash came over and slapped Remi on the back. “What can I get you tonight, amigo?” He turned and beamed at Audri. “And who’s thismujer tan hermosa?”

“This beautiful woman is Audri,” Remi said.

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