It’s true, but not because they think our employees are beneath us; it’s just part of their business practices. Those lines are never to be blurred because once you make it known you’re willing to cross them, you open yourself up to office rivalries, inappropriate flirting, and other distractions. Thankfully, those of us at the top are all related, and my direct team are all happily married with families of their own and a deep respect and understanding of the rules. Outside of them, I typically don’t interact with many employees on a daily basis.
“Just agree to meet her next time you’re home. I’ll send you her number, and you can reach out. I really think you’ll hit it off,” Luke pleads.
Wanting to get back to my wine and the riveting financials of Ricochet Ridge, I reluctantly agree just to get Lukas off my back. I love my brother so much, and I know he wants me to find what he has with Annie, but it’s still embarrassing having your brother set you up at thirty-two years-old.
“Fine. Send me the number,” I tell Lukas, knowing I’ll most likely never use it.
When Lukas and I end the call, I wrap up my work for the evening, my mind too distracted to focus on the numbers and reports I’m seeing, although I continue thinking about money.
How much damage it can do.
How much good it can do.
How people often change depending on whether they have it.
And the dangerous things people will do to get it.
Chapter 6
Zeke
Our reservation list for lunch is full, as usual, and I have a long line at my stand. The snow is falling relentlessly today, and I hug myself, stomping from one foot to the other beneath my heater to keep my blood flowing.
The door opens behind me, and I turn to thank the departing guests for coming, but when I spin around, I’m met with the very welcome sight of Talon, who wasn’t here yesterday. Even though it was only one day, it feels like it’s been much longer since I’ve laid eyes on him.
Immediately, I notice he’s carrying a bowl, steam rising from its contents.
Jesus. If that’s for me, I’m in trouble because it doesn’t take much to send me into an emotional tailspin these days, and apparently, feeding me is almost enough to make my dick hard.
Pathetic.
“Hey, Zeke,” he says, holding the bowl out. “I brought you some chili, and before you get all bent out of shape about it, Rebecca told me we eat for free from the employee menu whenwe’re on the clock, and chili is an approved item, so this really isn’t even a kind gesture.”
I’m dangerously close to laughing again. It’s shocking how well he has me figured out already.
Talon’s grin is the only reason I take the offering.
“She also told me you’re allowed to sit down and eat, so why don’t you go get out of the cold for a few? I’ll watch the list while you’re gone.”
I bristle, and what’s meant to be a simple question comes out harsher than intended. “Why are you so concerned about me?”
Instead of being offended by my rudeness, Talon simply smiles and says, “Just trying to make sure you have enough sustenance so the wind doesn’t blow you away.”
He’s teasing again…I think.
Honestly, I could use the break. I haven’t been able to feel my fingers for the last half an hour, and I don’t know what brought Talon to Ricochet Ridge, but Idoknow his mind is far sharper than what this job requires, which means I trust him to stand guard in my absence.
“Okay. I’ll only be gone for five minutes,” I finally agree.
“Take your time. If I get overwhelmed, I’ll just hit this button that says ‘Delete All’ and seat people on a first-come, first-served basis.”
My eyes widen in horror, making him crack up, laughing from deep in his belly.
I can’t remember the last time I laughed like that, and sadness wells inside me.
“Hey,” he says, placing his hand on my shoulder, leaning down so his face is only a couple inches from mine. “Zeke, I’m kidding. I would never do that. Trust me. I’ve got this. Go eat.”
I nod, gripping the bowl like it’s the most precious thing I’ve ever been given, and head inside.
