“Well, he’s not running an empire,” Lex says.
“You come more and bring him.” She points to me and leaves.
“I think she likes you.”
That makes me smile. I’ve been missing a mother’s love for a long time.
“What made you sad?” Lex growls, and he looks like he’s ready to murder anything within reach.
“I forgot what it was like to have a mom.”
Lex tucks me under his arm and soothes. “I’m sorry, rabbit.”
I expect him to move his arm now that he’s given me a half hug of comfort, but he holds me tight. And I can admit I like it too much and melt into his hold. His suit is soft under my hands, but the muscle underneath is hard, and he smells sweet, like ice cream. What would it be like to be the center of this powerful man’s world?
“I don’t have many friends,” he admits with a sigh. “In my line of work, it can be hard to figure if people are sucking up to me because I’m the boss.”
“That’s kinda sad.”
“I’m used to it, and I have Mal, my daughter, and my mom. They keep me grounded.”
I try not to let the hurt my own family caused me show on my face, but he catches it anyway. He’s always watching me so intently with his sharp blue eyes.
“Has Brendan been pushing you too hard? If you’re not ready to go out alone, don’t let him pressure you.”
“No, it’s not Brendan.” I sigh, not really wanting to tell this story. “My dad has a problem with my life choices, and my mom sided with him. So Brendan and I said fuck them and we moved here.”
“I’m sorry that they hurt you.” The way that he grits his teeth and stares at the corner has me worried.
“Are you okay?” I touch his arm, and his gaze snaps to me. I think about pulling my arm away, but he places a big warm hand on top of mine.
“I hate the idea of anyone hurting you,” he growls out, and there’s a twitch in my pants. That’s odd but not unwelcome.
“That’s sweet.”
“I haven’t been called sweet in a long time.”
“You’ve been sweet to me.” I smile up at him.
Lex runs a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair, and he looks like he might say more, but then Laolao comes back with our food.
“Thank you. This looks amazing as always,” Lex praises.
“Of course. Come visit more often.” She sets the plates down and gives my cheek a hard pinch. “You eat up, you’re too skinny.” And then she’s waddling away.
“I like her,” I say.
“I tried to hire her as my personal chef, but she said no.”
“Bummer, cause if this is as good as it smells then you need to ask her again.”
He lifts the lids with a flourish of steam, and then he plates up food.
“I’m going to put a little of everything so you can try it.” Is he putting this together for me? That’s sweet, and I practically swoon when he puts a big scoop of fried rice right in the middle.
“Thank you,” I say when he puts it down, and I take a big bite of the shrimp fried rice. The flavor explodes on my tongue, and I moan. “OMG, you need to ask her again and offer more money.”
He smiles and takes a bite of his own food.
