I bashed down the thoughts of traveling with Anke and spending money I didn't have.
Trying to keep my tone light, I said, "It was a very small sampling. And while Europe may be known for their cured meats, I think I prefer American sausage the best."
56
Mace
"You want the last of the honeycomb to wash down all that American sausage?" I asked Josie, scooping up the gooey golden chunk of waxy honeycomb with my finger.
She leaned over the table, her mouth slightly open. I could see the curves of her breasts threatening to spill out of the low-cut dress she wore. Her lips wrapped around my fingers, and I grunted. The touch of her tongue against my skin sent shocks down my torso.
"Yum," she said with a moan, "the big finale!"
Good thing the door to the private dining space opened because I think I was about to jump across the table and crush her mouth to mine.
"We will be bringing up the main course shortly," the server said as his colleague cleared away the empty charcuterie board. "The chef is preparing filet mignon, with truffle macaroni and cheese, broccoli chard, and a Spanish red wine to pair. How would you like your steak prepared? Rare?" His tone was hopeful.
"Yes, thank you. That would be perfect," I assured him. We both looked at Josie.
"What?" she asked, confused. "Of course I want it rare. How else would you eat it?"
"Thank God," the server said with obvious relief. "There was a woman downstairs who asked for her steak well done."
"I hope you told her to leave," Josie exclaimed.
"Of course not. That would be rude," the server sniffed. "We simply told her it wasn't possible, that the grill doesn't get that hot."
Josie tipped back her head and laughed, and I decided it was the most wonderful sound in the world.
I poured her more wine and sat back, regarding her. "So you've helped kick off a multibillion-dollar launch, and you have several owners of large, powerful companies begging for you to come work for them. Do you have any plans to move up in the world?"
I tried to play it casual, but my heart was yammering. I had to know if she wanted to leave. I didn't want to hamper her, and I knew that if she took work with Wes Holbrook or with my brothers at ThinkX, she could hop from one major project to the next and write her own paycheck.
Josie looked thoughtful for a moment and swirled her wine glass around. I could barely breathe. "I guess my marketing contract with you is over," she said slowly, "and you have—" She took a sip of the wine. "Anke as your assistant."
"That doesn't mean we don't have work for you," I said.
"What about Tara?" Josie countered.
"I know she was tough at first, but I think she's warmed up to you," I said earnestly.
Josie gave me a critical look. "I don't know. She doesn't like me moving in on her turf." She frowned slightly.
"There are several good opportunities in Manhattan," I pressed. "I could help you find a job."
"Trying to get rid of me?" Josie asked, still looking at her wine. I reached over the table and plucked the glass from her hand, setting it aside.
"Josie," I said, taking her hand. "I am not trying to get rid of you. In fact, I want you to stay. Maybe we could fix up one of the cabins on the property." I looked into her eyes. "Or maybe you secretly hate my family and that would be too many brothers-in-law."
She gave me a crooked smile. "Your family is one of the things I adore about you," she said.
"And the easy way you can justbe, not just with my family but with me as well, is one of the things I love about you," I told her honestly.
She smiled at me, and maybe it was the wine, but it seemed a little sad.
"Whatever you decide for your career, I want to be there with you," I told her firmly.
"I want that too!" Josie said then started to cry.
