“Hi.”Other than the slight red of her cheeks, she barely acknowledged his presence.
“Can I talk to you?”He stepped forward, closer to her and her shoulders stiffened.
“Like I said, I’m busy.”
“Josie, did I make you upset?”
“What would you have done to make me upset?’She turned to him and he saw her dark eyes flash with anger.
He moved beside her, took a lid down from the shelf and set it on the counter.
“Hey!Don’t touch that.”
“Sorry, I just wanted to help.”
“I don’t need help!”
The anger in her voice took Ares by surprise.He took a step back.
“Everything okay here?”A slight man with brown hair leaned against the doorway.Ares didn't know who the guy was, but right away, he didn’t like how he was looking at Josie.
“We’re fine, Carter,” Josie emptied the pot and set it to the side.
“If you’re sure.I’m in the dining room if you need me.”Carter tapped the doorframe with his knuckles.“I’m right over here in the restaurant.”
“Thanks, Carter.”Josie gave him a smile and Carter’s eyes never left her face, and Ares wanted to punch the guy.But he turned and left, giving them privacy.
“Josie, sorry—”
“You’re not an employee, you haven’t been trained in safe food handling, you can’t touch anything I’m going to serve to customers and you should go.”
“Did I do something wrong by suggesting Chef McNabb give you a call?”Ares kept his tone low and gentle.
She turned to him, arms crossed over her chest, her dark eyes a sheen of tears.“He thinks it’s nice to be owed a favour by you.”
“Josie, I didn’t mean anything by it.”Ares brushed her arm.She jerked away from his touch.
“I don’t need help.”
“I know that.”Ares’s chest felt tight, he hated that he upset her.“Do you?Because you are always offering it!”
Ares frowned.“I’m sorry to upset you.I think you’re talented and capable-”
“Sure.”
“I do!You know I love your food!I have always sent people to you.When Chef McNabb mentioned he needed a new hire, I thought it was exactly the same as recommending your pasta for lunch.”
Josie exhaled.“You do like my pasta.”
“The butternut squash is my favourite.”
“It’s different, though, okay?You recommending my food is supporting my business.You telling Chef to give me a call is—” she shook her head.“It’s just different.”
The fact that she dared to tell him off made his cock twitch.He found her breezy confidence so damn sexy.
“I want to kiss you.”
5 JOSIE
