“It’s okay, Avery.”
Ares frowned.Avery bailed on Josie and he couldn’t imagine why Josie was being so kind to her.He reminded himself that this was a catering event, and it wasn’t not life or death, unlike what he dealt with at Axis Management.
“No, it’s not!My mother broke her ankle.I just got out of the hospital and my phone was dead, so I couldn’t call to explain,” Avery took off her coat.“Let me go wash my hands and then you’re out of here.I got tomorrow covered.”
Ares suddenly liked Josie’s employee very much.“Thank you, Josie, will take you up on that.”
Avery’s mouth fell open as she glanced Ares up and down.“What are you doing here?’
“He’s filled in for you.You need to be with your mom tomorrow.”
“No, I don’t.My aunt is coming over and I’m not taking no for an answer.You are more than a fair boss, and I know this was your night off.Be right back!”Avery flitted away towards the bathroom.
“Pretty girl, looks like we have tomorrow together.Whatever will we do?”
“I can’t take her up on it, Ares.She’s stressed and I don't want her to feel like she has to cover for me.”
“She offered.You say, “Yes” and you spend the whole day in the mansion of the guy you’re dating.It’s a good deal.”
Her eyes sparkled with laughter and she covered her mouth as people glanced at her.“Fine.Can we swing by my house so I can grab a change of clothes and toiletries?’
“Yes, if you insist.”
“There!I’m good.Go!I got this from here.There’s Nancy!”Avery gently took the serving spoon out of Josie’s hand.
A slender woman with short brown waved.“I know I should have come over before but I’m kind of shy and when I didn't see Avery I hung back.”
“No problem.It’s nice to meet you,” Josie shook her hand.“You’re going to help?”
“Yeah.I waitressed in college and I have my food handler’s certificates.”
“Avery’s reference is good enough for me.Welcome,” Josie handed her a Josie’s Plates apron.Nancy grinned, clutching it in her hands.“Thank you.”
“I thank you as well.Now I’m free to take this woman on a date,” Ares folded up Josie’s stool, and offered her his arm.“Are you ready?”
“Avery, are you sure?If your mom needs you and you need to leave tonight or can’t come in tomorrow, I’ll be here in a flash.”
“We’ll be fine.Ares, take good care of her.”
“Oh, I plan to do exactly that.”
Josie took Ares’s arm, her eyes filled with desire as she glanced at him and he wanted to kiss her so badly, but waited until they were out in the cool night air.
Then he set her stool down, cupped both sides of her face in his hands, and brushed his lips against hers.
How he could stand next to this woman for three hours and not kiss her was a testament to his willpower.
“Hi,” she smiled at him.
“Hi.Let’s get you home, so I can take you home.”
They exchanged a grin and all his stress from the week melted.This woman was the balm he didn’t know he was longing for.
***
The minute Ares held open the patio doors for Josie and she was safely inside, he wanted to pin her against the wall and kiss her.
But he restrained himself.“You know what I learned tonight?”He offered her his arm as she took off her shoes.
