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He jerked back. “John and you?”
I nodded. “You were right. He’s been such a help. I’d like to have a manager for all areas of my life.”
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. What was I saying that he didn’t like?
“It always helps to have people you trust around you,” he said.
John came through the kitchen doors again. “I have a copy of the menu. I thought you’d like to see it too, Mr. Raven. They’re ready to go to print if you okay it, Morgan.”
I took the menu and turned so Kade could read it with me.
“I think it looks great. Just enough dishes to be interesting, but not too many to overwhelm the kitchen,” John said.
“I agree.” Kade’s voice sounded distant. “Great work, Mr. Parker.”
“These are Morgan and the chef’s ideas. I just do what I’m told.”
Kade had an expression that seemed to want to tell John to jump off a cliff. Weird.
“Well, I’m heading out. I’ll see you tomorrow,” John said.
We watched as John walked out the door.
“Everything okay with you?” I asked Kade.
He turned his attention to me, but something had shifted in his eyes. Something I wasn’t sure I liked. “Yeah, sure.” He nodded toward the door. “I’m heading out, too. Do you need a ride?”
“No, thank you.” I walked him to the door, wanting to hug him and kiss him. Maybe have my way with him on the bar. Instead I said, “Have a good night, Kade.”
17
Kade — Friday, Two Weeks Later
The restaurant’s soft opening was tonight, and for once, I wasn’t as eager to launch as I’d been in the past. I’d given Morgan and John free rein these last few weeks, as they both seemed to be on the right track and hitting it off. It was that last bit that had me reluctant to show up. It was incredibly annoying that she’d give herself to me, twice, and then move on to a new guy. Jesus, I didn’t feel like I’d ever had a chance. Yes, we’d agreed to one night only, but I was pretty sure the fact I fucked her in the restaurant kitchen indicated I was ready and willing to extend our relationship. Apparently, she hadn’t noticed or didn’t care.
I strode into the restaurant around four to find John giving everyone a pep talk. I could feel the excited energy from everyone there, which was a good thing. I caught Morgan’s gaze, and she smiled in a way that made me feel like she was happy to see me. I had to remind myself that it wasn’t a special smile just for me.
She made her way to me. “Hi. You made it.”
I put on my own smile. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Would you like to say something to the staff?” she asked.
There was a flash of annoyance in John’s eyes, but then he smiled too. “Yes, come say hello.”
I shook my head and waved. “I know you’ve both got it under control. You’ll all do great tonight. Is there anything you need me to do?” Two of the waitresses looked at me as they whispered to each other. I recognized the interested gleam in their eyes. A few months ago, I’d have been interested too. Perhaps in the both of them together. Weird, how one woman could completely change that. Frustratingly, it was the one woman who apparently didn’t want me.
“I’m expediting tonight,” Morgan said as everyone dispersed to their jobs.
“I know you’ll do great. But don’t you want to be in the front to see how everyone is doing? To take your bow, so to speak?”
She shook her head. “To be honest I’m nervous. Besides, John is more of a schmoozer.”
“You seem to have fallen for his charm,” I said as I sauntered up to the bar to order a drink. They were all working, but I wasn’t. Plus, I needed to relax if I was going to watch my rival for the woman I wanted.
“He’s good at what he does,” she said, waiting with me at the bar.
“Hmm, I bet,” I quipped. I picked up my drink and took a sip when what I really wanted to do was gulp it down.
“What?” she asked.
“You and John. You make a good couple.”
Her eyes narrowed questioningly. “Team, you mean.”
“Okay.”
She stared at me for a moment, but then the confused look disappeared. “I’m heading to the kitchen. Do you want to come with me?”
“Sure.” It was fucking annoying to realize I wanted to come with her anywhere. Why was I so into her? Maybe it was wanting to have something I couldn’t. Except I had her, twice. I still wanted her.
I followed her into the kitchen and stayed out of the way as dinner service began. The crowd was slow at first, but I figured that was okay. It was better to let everyone settle in easy, instead of getting slammed and overwhelmed right out of the gate.
