My heart stops for a moment. I can’t let Kaleb see how her sudden appearance affects me. I take a deep breath and turn around to see Raina as she gets out of her car. Those jeans hug her thighs and put dirty thoughts in my head about ripping them off her. She’s well hidden under her brown parka, but I know what beauty lies beneath.
“If I ever catch that prick Jeremy, I’ll break his neck,” Kaleb mutters while smiling at his sister. “Hey, Ray!”
“Hey…” She stops in her tracks as soon as she recognizes me. “Hey, guys.”
“Good morning, Raina. You look well,” I reply with a polite smile.
“Alex. You too. Long time, no see.”
“How’s the new job?” Kaleb asks her.
Raina gives him a startled look. She’s a terrible liar. I always saw it as the mark of a good woman. But she is terrified of Kaleb’s reaction, should he learn the truth—not because she’s afraid of him; she loves and trusts her brother more than anyone in the world, but because Kaleb has always been on the more conservative side. He certainly wouldn’t want his sister ruined by three men, who also happen to be his best friends. Granted, the truth we’ve chosen to live might destroy our bond with Kaleb. Raina is right to be afraid.
“It’s not bad at all,” she tells Kaleb. “I like it. A handful of rich folks with surprisingly discerning palates. And the bosses gave me complete freedom over the menu and choice of ingredients.”
“I’m glad to hear you landed on your feet,” I reply, giving her a soft smile. “How long are you working there?”
She looks at me like I just poked her in the eye, but her voice remains steady. “Until the end of the month. It’s seasonal work.”
“Well, the reason I’m asking is because we’re opening a restaurant in Portland soon,” I say. “I’d love to bring you in for an interview. We’re still looking for a capable head chef.”
Kaleb laughs. “Are you serious? That’s amazing!” He comes in for a brotherly hug, and I welcome his affection with a light chuckle. “You won’t regret it, man. Raina’s the best chef in Portland, for sure. Hell, she’s the best in the state!”
“You give me way too much credit,” she replies with a shy smile, then glances at me again. “But I certainly won’t say no to an interview once I’m done with my current gig.”
“What’s the name of the place you’re working? You never told me,” Kaleb asks.
The color drains from Raina’s face. She didn’t cook up an elaborate lie for this, and I can see the panic setting in.
“You said it’s in Battle Ground, right? Just north of the city,” I cut in.
“Yes,” she whispers, her spirit screaming for my help.
“It’s The Sapphire Lodge, isn’t it? That’s the only luxury winter resort in the area.”
“That’s it. Yes. The Sapphire Lodge,” she safely plays along while I make a mental note to put in a call with a buddy of mine who actually works there, just in case Raina might need a confirmation for her lie at one point or another.
Kaleb playfully nudges her with his elbow. “I might pop in one of these days for lunch. I promise I’ll wear something nice.”
“You should pop into ours first,” I interject with a dry chuckle. “I’ve been trying to get your through our doors at Haus of Sin for years.”
I might’ve made it worse—at least that’s what Raina’s petrified expression is telling me. It’s one thing to worry about Kaleb going to the Sapphire Lodge, only for Raina not to be there, but it’s a whole other thing to actually be at Haus of Sin and for Kaleb to walk through those doors.
“Nah, you know I’m not into all of that depraved stuff.” Kaleb laughs and somehow saves the day while also leaving a bitter smile on his sister’s lips. “Multiple partners, bondage, all that. It’s not for me, thanks.” He pauses, realizing he may have just insulted me, and his frown is almost adorable. “I didn’t mean that you?—”
“It’s fine, Kaleb.” I laugh and jokingly tap him on the arm. “I get it. Our tastes aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay.”
“I am not judging either.”
“I know that, too,” I reassure him. “It’s cool. Don’t worry about it.”
Raina is obviously worried about it. She’s taking it personally, and the red blossoms in her cheeks speak of shame and embarrassment. Her brother’s opinion matters to her—as it should, yet it puts her at odds with her true nature, a nature she’s just becoming aware of.
I give her a reassuring smile. “I’ll reach out closer to March for that interview then.”
“Okay,” she manages with a soft nod.
Kaleb gives her a curious look. “Are you okay, sis?”
