“Oh, you are Richie-Rich.”
“I worked my ass off to get where I am now. This was my dream car, so I bought it when Dulip took off. I know it’s flashy, but like I said, it represents what I achieved.”
“You don’t owe me an explanation. If I manage to do half of what you have, I’ll consider myself successful.”
I unlock the car and open the door for her, watching as she slips into the passenger seat with effortless grace. It’s hard not to notice how beautiful she is, and as I round the car, I take a deep breath. Ican’tlet my mind wander to the things I’d like to do to her, right here, right now.
As the car roars to life, our easy conversation dies, and the air between us is suddenly claustrophobic. “We can ride around as long as you like, but if you don’t give me your address, I won’t be able to take you home.”
“I’m sorry.” She rhymes off her address, and I’m surprised that it’s in a swanky part of town. She’s definitely not earning enough at Dulip to afford an apartment in that building.
“No apology needed. I’d be happy to drive around for a while.”
“Dropping me off at home is fine. I really could have taken the subway.”
“You’re a ballbuster. I get it. Just don’t shoot yourself in the foot. I’m offering you the chance to show me what you’re made of in the kitchen. If you pass it up out of pride, you’re an idiot.”
“Don’t hold back.”
“Not my style.”
“My food is the one aspect of my life that I will absolutely accept your help.”
“Good girl.” It slips out before I catch myself.
An awkward silence follows as I navigate my way to her apartment building. She doesn’t even look at me as she gets out of the car. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. Stevens. I’ll see you Monday at seven.”
“You’re welcome, Aspen.” I idle at the curb for a few minutes, pulling out my phone and typing a quick message to Flex.
Me: You still at the club?
Flex: I’m just not into you that way, bro.
Ever the smartass.
Me: You wish I wanted to swallow that minuscule dick of yours.
I laugh as I press send.
Flex: Yeah, right. I could hit a homerun for the Yankees, swinging my massive cock.
Me: That was weird.
Flex: Yeah. If you tell anyone, I’ll kill you.
Me: Are you at the club or not?
Flex: Yeah. Helena went home a couple of hours ago, but I had some work to get caught up on. What’s up?
Me: I need a drink. A stiff one.
Flex: What is your obsession with my dick? It’s not getting stiff for you.
Me: I’ll be there in twenty.
Flex: Cool. I’ve got a nice bottle of Scotch with our names on it.
As I drive to the club, my mind wanders to my new protégé. Is that what she is? Tonight took a turn I wasn’t expecting. Remove Aspen’s obvious beauty from the equation, and I still have a massive chubby for how easily she read my seasonings. I mean—who can pinpoint Japanese curry salt? It’s so specific.
