The laughter that escapes her only confirms my fears—I made an ass of myself. “Oh my God, Aspen! What were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t! It just sort of came out, and then I couldn’t take it back.”
“What did he say?”
“That he hoped we could become friends.”
“Ugh. Sorry, girl. That’s harsh.”
“It’s not like I’d have a shot with a guy like him.”
“He’d be lucky to have a woman like you. You’re gorgeous, kind, and supremely talented.”
“And I work two jobs, and I’m a baby chef compared to him.”
“You work hard. There’s nothing wrong with that, and you have career goals. Remember, he was once just a ‘baby chef’ starting out and hoping to make a name for himself.”
“He’s amazing. I can’t mess this up. There is so much I can learn from him.”
“Did he seem pissed that you fawned over his drool-worthy good looks?”
“No.”
“Then forget about it and move on because I want to meet his brother so bad it’s insane.”
“Thanks for making this about you,” I jibe.
“That’s what I do, bestie, and you love me for it.”
“I need another drink.”
It’s four in the morning by the time I crawl into bed, but hanging out with Jude took my mind off Ryder, at least for a little while. As I stare up at the ceiling fan, watching it whir, letting it lull me to sleep, my mind wanders to the glint in his eye that twinkles when he gets excited about food, and the way the corners of his lips create a perfect smile that sends a jolt of electricity straight to my core.
This is going to be the challenge of a lifetime. Don’t fall for Ryder Stevens.
Chapter 8
RYDER
Ever since our conversation in my car last week, I can’t stop thinking about Aspen. It’s ridiculous. I’m like a fucking horny teenager. I wanted to tell her that I find her attractive, but I didn’t want to come off as some creepy boss.
I hate to say that I’ve tried to avoid her as much as possible this week, but that’s exactly what I did. The best thing I can do—what Ishoulddo—is walk away. That would be the smart choice for me, but this girl has talent. I canfeelit. Denying her the opportunity would be selfish beyond belief. I can keep it in my pants.
The second Aspen glides through the door, I accost her like some crazed lunatic.
“Come with me.” My voice is stern, with no room for question, and she forgoes stopping by the locker room and falls in line behind me. Good girl.Fuck.
I immediately put some distance between us, seeking sanctuary behind my desk. As I take a seat, I gesture for her to do the same, but she remains standing. Taking in the sight of her perfectly pouty lips, I drag my hands through my hair. Leaning my head back, I stare up at the ceiling, taking a fraction of asecond to compose myself. Am I really going to torture myself with this woman? She’s so fucking beautiful. I’m about to blow her mind with this proposal, and the thought of corrupting her perfect world has my stomach in knots.
“Have I done something to upset you, Chef Stevens?”
My eyes snap to hers. “Why would you think that? No. In fact, it’s the opposite. Take a seat, Aspen.”
“Is this about what I said last week? I didn’t mean it. I mean, obviously, you’re attractive. Hell. Sorry. I just meant that I’m not trying to hit on you or sleep my way to the top. I shouldn’t have said anything. I really want to work with you.”
“That’s not why I called you in here.”
“Oh.” She perches on the edge of the chair across from me, fidgeting with her hair, waiting to hear what’s got me so riled.
