Page 51 of Up in Flames

My muscles clench, and I death stare at the menu, probably being way too obvious that I heard everything.

That didnotsound like a typical work call to me.

Honestly, I am not sure what that sounded like.

Tension rolls off my shoulders, my neck stiff as my jaw aches from clenching it so hard.

Cain’s soft chuckle not only startles but confuses me, making me look up at him. “If you read that menu any harder, your eyes will pop out of your head.” He reaches out for my hand over the table.

My body tenses, and he winces slightly. I wonder why he’s so unconcerned about a member of his staff needing to go to the hospital.

That concerns me, so I ask without thinking, “Is that Morgan guy going to be okay?”

He nods. “He’ll be fine,” he declares, abruptly closing the topic.

My leg begins to agitate under the table. Maybe Cain is one of those terrible bosses like in the movieHorrible Bosses. I’ve only known him for a few weeks, and I can already tell I’d hate to work for him. He’s controlling as a partner, but a boss? I’d hate to imagine how demanding and dominating he’d be. I feel sorry for Trap and Morgan—whoever they are.

A waiter comes over to the table, breaking the tension, and even though I was staring at the menu, I wasn’t actually reading it. I was too busy trying to listen to the call.

Crap!

“Are you ready to order tonight, sir?” the waiter asks.

Cain nods. “Yes. We will have a starter each of scallops, and I will have the Steak Deville, medium, and Makaylie will have the grilled chicken breast. Thanks,” he orders.

My mouth drops open as I gawk at him. “You ordered for me.Again!”

The waiter turns and walks off. Cain nods, the smirk telling me everything I need to know.Cocky bastard. “I told you, everything concerning you goes through me first. So yes, I ordered for you,again, and I will continue to order for you in the future. And before you argue with me, this is non-negotiable,” he snaps.

Is he serious?I can’t choose my meals.

This is the most absurd shit I’ve ever heard.

Just as I go to rain down hell on him, his cell rings again. He puts his finger up as if to say one minute and abruptly answers his phone, halting my imminent tirade. Sitting back in my chair, I fold my arms over my chest in a huff, letting him know I’m not happy.

“What?” he answers the phone. “I heard. Did they take the deal we offered them?” He nods. “Okay, make sure they know this was a one-off. I won’t endanger my crew again.” Another nod. “Good. Now fuck off, and tell the other Bachelors not to bother me again tonight unless all hell breaks loose.” He ends the call.

Bachelors?What a weird thing to say.

Cain looks up at me. “They won’t interrupt us again.” Then he pulls my hand to his lips and gently kisses the back of it.

Sighing, I prepare to ask my question with suspicion in my tone. “Cain, what do you do for work again?”

He shifts nervously in his chair while clearing his throat. “I manage distribution and selling of, ah… goods,” he says with a cocky smile which I see right through.

“Mm-hmm… what kind of goods?”

“Nothing you’d be interested in. I think we should make Saturday in the park a regular thing. What do you think?” he asks, completely changing the subject.

I exhale as he sips water, eyeing and watching my every move. I figure I’ll let this slide for now until I can get us somewhere a little more private to discuss this in more depth. But I must say, his job sounds sketchy as hell to me.

I decide to go with a new line of conversation instead. “Yeah, I think we should make it a regular thing. I’ll have my book written in no time,” I reply, making Cain chuckle as our starters are served.

As promised, we continue our dinner with no further interruptions.

***

The living room of Cain’s apartment sounds of soccer blasting from the television. Rodberg is on the sofa, still in his white briefs, with his eyes glued to the television. He scratches his balls, and I smirk. Then he nods his head in a gesture of greeting but still doesn’t look at us. I’m not even sure if he knows I’m here.

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