“He sure does,” Hunter comments sitting beside Ramon. “Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand what he said to you?”
I shake my head. “How can I misunderstand ‘I don’t want the rest of the staff knowing you’re sleeping with the boss?”
Ramon slams his whiskey down. “You have a point. It’s entertaining watching my brother chase his tail between his legs.” He looks to Hunter before turning back to me. “You want some advice Rosie? Actually, I’m going to give you some regardless—don’t let him get between those legs of yours until you’ve made him sweat. Keep ‘em shut tomorrow. Let him beg. Because I can tell you, I like the idea of you making my brother beg.” He grins and I can’t help, but laugh at the glee on his face.
“Don’t you love your brother?”
“Yeah, I do. But I have to agree he’s being a dick with you, which tells me you mean something to him. More than he’s felt before. Go knock him dead Rosie.”
“Hmm. We’ll see. He really hurt me last week, but I’d rather change the subject to you. You’re much more interesting.”
“Rosie, I’m not interesting at all.”
I stare between Ramon and Hunter for a short while, until I finally get the hint—they want to be left alone. Hmm. I think I’ve worked out Ramon’s sexual preference, but is Hunter the same?
Chapter 11 ~ Ruben
I’m like a fuckin’ girl is the first thought that runs through my head when I look at my bed having finally decided on my favorite pair of soft, pale blue jeans and a long sleeved tee shirt in a darker shade of blue. The first items I actually took from my closet, which is now half empty.
I shake my head at how stupid I’m being all because I have a date with Rosie. It doesn’t stop me from spraying some of my favorite cologne, or looking in the mirror to make sure my hair isn’t sticking up all over the place.
She has me tied in knots. The other week when she’d caressed Hunter’s back I’d felt like killing the fucker and came close to ripping my brother’s hand off last night. I’m not the jealous type—at least I never thought I was, until Rosie.
With a stomach full of nerves, I grab my phone and dial Sebastian. This call isn’t going to go down so well, in fact, I bet Sebastian will kill himself laughing at my expense. Hopefully Carla will be the one to answer.
“Hello.”
Yes!
“Carla, I need your help. I’m, um, taking Rosie out today and I’m not sure where to take her. In the evening I’d have been okay, but I told her I’d pick her up at eleven. Help.”
She chuckles. “Ruben, calm down. Rosie isn’t high maintenance. It’s a glorious day out today so why don’t you take her up into the mountains and take a picnic. She loves nature so it will sure be a hit.”
“Okay, I can handle that.” I continue to pace wondering where I’m supposed to get a picnic from at such short notice. “Where—”
Carla interrupts me. “One minute Ruben, your brother is being his nosy self.”
I listen to Carla telling Sebastian to go and do something else while she finishes talking to me. He’s probably more interested in the fact that I’m going on a date than anything else.
“Carla, it’s cool. I’m good. Thanks for the help.”
“Stay calm Ruben, and it will all work out fine. Just go and have fun with your girl.”
Hanging up from Carla, I grab my keys and wallet and slipping my phone into my back pocket, I head out with plans to stop at the delicatessen and hopefully the girl there will know what to sell me for a picnic.
Climbing into my SUV, I drive the three blocks to the woman who is going to save my date wondering how I don’t have a clue about a picnic at my age.
Probably because I haven’t been on a picnic since I was a kid, and that had been with my parents and brothers—down by the river on my family’s property. We had some fun jumping in to the river with Mom shouting at us to not drown each other.
Grinning at the memory, I push into the store and sigh in relief when I spot Lorraine at the counter.
“Ruben, what a nice surprise. What can I get you?” Lorraine asks, coming around the counter to hug me.
Lorraine has worked here as long as I can remember, and has always had a smile for my brothers and me.
Releasing her from my arms, I grin, and admit, “I’m, um, taking someone for a picnic, and I’ve no clue what I’m supposed to take with me. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never done this before, at least not one I’ve arranged myself.”
Lorraine chuckles. “That must mean she’s someone special.” She has a gleam in her eye, waiting for me to agree, but I stay silent. “Ruben McKenzie, I do believe love is in the air.”
My face starts to heat as I look anywhere, but at Lorraine. “Maybe,” I mumble.
Rolling her eyes, Lorraine asks, “Well, let’s get this picnic sorted out. I’m presuming it’s going to be just the two of you?”
I nod.
“Okay. Take a seat over there while I make you a coffee, and then I’ll get your picnic together.”