“Yeah, and my uncle’s the next president.” She scowled. “Cut the bullshit. You’re intent on snagging Rika’s attention and something tells me, it’s not just a case of blue balls. So?”
I threw my head back in a loud laugh. “What’s your fascination with my balls?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she huffed. “Answer the question.”
“She’s a beautiful woman—”
“And?”
I leaned forward deciding to go with the truth—well, some of it. “I want to offer her a job.”
“You?” Her tone almost accusing, she didn’t look convinced.
“I own The Crystal Oasis.”
“As in the global franchise?” I nodded. “You’re shitting me.” I laughed at her surprise. She eyed me for a moment, her expression openly suspicious. “I must say you’ve got balls—”
“Yeah two and they’re monster size.” I lavished her with a mischievous smile.
She didn’t bite instead muttered, “are you always this arrogant?”
“No. I just know what I want.” I shrugged.
Slowly, Tia shook her head. “You’ve got some nerve. Walking in here, pretending to be interested in the food—”
“I pretended nothing, Tia.” I ran an index finger along my chin, keeping my tone light. “I did ask to meet the chef my first day here.”
She blew out a frustrated breath realizing I was right. “Well, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
“Why?”
“Rika will never leave this place.”
“Want to take a bet on that.” I raised a brow, and she dared to laugh. “I always get what I want.”
“Is that so?” She crossed her arms over her chest, the action matching her defensive expression. “I’m almost tempted to accept the challenge.”
“Why do you sound so convinced I’d fail at enticing Rika to leave here?”
“One reason being she loves this place, it’s her home.”
“Zayne!”
The sudden shout had me glancing away as Rika rushed around the counter and into the arms of a tall, good-looking man. I hadn’t noticed him enter and continued watching as he enveloped her in a bear hug, picking her up off the floor. A stab of jealousy pierced my heart. My insides tightened, wishing to be on the receiving end of her embrace and bubbly laughter.
“And that there is the other reason.”
Attempting to rein in my resentment, I looked at Tia. “Is that her boyfriend?” She didn’t answer. “Husband?” I choked on the word, earning a frown from her. I hadn’t noticed a ring on Rika’s hand then again, I hadn’t actually looked.
“I need to get back to work.”
Tia walked away leaving me cursing and fisting my palms with the agony of not knowing Rika’s relationship status. As if she sensed my anguish, my gaze collided with my wife’s. I smiled. She didn’t return the gesture but tilted her head almost like she was studying me. Was she just as curious about me as I was about her or was my earlier taunting a bit too much?
“Remember me, Krisha,” I begged, stupidly wondering if the universe had delivered her back into my life, if it would be keen to let her remember me. She turned away and I pulled in a deep breath. “Guess not.” I reached for my ringing mobile. “Yes.” My frustration spilled through that single word.
“Trent? It’s Chris. I’ve got a copy of those records you wanted.”
I straightened in my seat. Chris was a nurse at the hospital where Krisha had given birth. I’d asked for his help to get me her records. “Thanks, man, anything out of the ordinary?”
