“Thanks Lorraine. You’re a lifesaver.”
Taking a seat, I drink the coffee Lorraine sent over with one of the other staff, who with her ‘sunny disposition’ looks as though she wishes to be elsewhere. It’s, as well Lorraine hasn’t seen her serve me with attitude otherwise, knowing Lorraine, the girl would be gone.
Shaking my head, I turn to stare out of the window wondering whether or not Rosie will be happy to see me. I’d caught her off guard last night when I’d told her I’d pick her up today for the picnic. There was no way I could sit back and watch her with my brother and Hunter without staking my claim. I figured a date was much better, and cleaner, than pissing on her leg. I chuckle with that thought.
“Daydreaming?” Lorraine asks.
I turn to look at her—my eyes open wide in shock when I see the huge hamper sitting on the sofa beside me. “You leave anything in the store?”
She swats me on the shoulder. “Don’t be silly. You need to go and show your girl how special she is…and Ruben,” she waits until I meet her eyes before continuing, “don’t screw it up.”
“That’s the last thing I want.”
“I know, honey. Now go get your girl.”
Pushing away from the table, I say, “Thank you,” as I hand her some money, which I end up shoving into her pocket when I hug her again, because she refuses to take it. “I’ll be offended if you give it back to me.” I quickly kiss her on the forehead before heading out the door back to my SUV to go get Rosie.
Storing the hamper in the trunk, I’m back behind the wheel and heading to Rosie’s apartment building. As her employer, I didn’t need to ask for her address because I have it on hand on the secured staff program on my laptop. I’ve also known it for a while and driven past on more than one occasion, but I’d been unable to work up the courage to go and drop in on her. I might keep that bit of information to myself though. I don’t want her thinking I’ve been stalking her—I haven’t been stalking—have I? Whatever. I know I’m not a sick idiot. She’s been mine since the moment she stepped foot in Kenza for her interview with Simon.
I’d asked him to do the interviews so I could be elsewhere, but the minute my eyes had met hers…I was lost. I’ve buried the emotions for so long and tried to get rid of them with other women, but my heart always beats frantically in my chest when I’m around her. And after having her under me, and knowing what it’s like to be inside her—I want more—a lot more.
My feelings for her are kind of screwed up as well because part of me knows she’s sweet and innocent, although she didn’t act really sweet and innocent when she was wrapped around me. But would she be willing to play?
Too late to start thinking about this now because not only do I have an erection bursting to get free, but I’ve pulled up outside the diner she lives above.
I look it over trying to get my mind from my aroused body part.
The diner reminds me of the diners that sprung up all over the states in the fifties and sixties, and looks well cared for. The chrome outside, and from what I can see inside, is spotless and shining bright where the sun hits it. The pale pink and blue colors blend well…
“Ruben?”
Shit! I’m losing it. Lost in thought again.
Rosie climbs in with a frown on her face. “If you don’t want to do this, just say. I’d hate to force my company on anyone.”
Fuck, this is starting well.
I turn in my seat to look at her. “I want to take you on this picnic, okay? I was just having a good look at the diner and admiring the chrome and the colors, and how they blend together.”
She starts to laugh. “You want to go in and meet everyone? I can introduce you if you’d rather eat here.”
What is she talking about? “No way. I’m not sharing you. Besides, I have a hamper full of food in the trunk.”
“You do?”
“Yeah, I do. So fasten your seatbelt and we’ll go up into the mountains to one of my favorite spots. There’s a stream and from there we’ll be able to eat with an amazing view of the valley below.”
“Mmm. That sounds wonderful.”
I quickly glance at Rosie who is snuggled into the seat before moving my eyes back to the road.
Chapter 12 ~ Rosie
Watching the beautiful landscape of Lexington as we drive by gives me time to think. Both Ruben and I have been avoiding each other since I slept with him. He makes my body react in ways it hasn’t reacted before and it frightens me. It also makes me think I’m heading for heartbreak with him. He’s not the settling down kind of guy. Even if Simon hasn’t pointed that out a few more times than necessary, I’d have known. But for some reason, Ruben has taken a liking to me and gets jealous whenever someone else shows interest, which tells me this thing between us means more to him.