Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 38960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
She rose and cracked her neck. “Let’s just say the senator making an appearance is a concern. Mr. Rhodes mentioned it was an election year for him so I fear he will be trying to campaign. And that’s the last thing these men and women need.”
Paul stared at her and nodded. “Let’s go. I know a great place. Are you adverse to food trucks? It may have stopped raining.”
She snorted. “Do I look like I have an aversion to any food?”
“You look beautiful, and I’m reminding myself you’re my boss and it’s inappropriate for me to say what I’m really thinking.”
“You and I are going to get along just fine, Paul. Just fine.”
She shrugged into her jacket and swiped her bag after closing down the computer. Paul waited while she locked the door. Side by side they walked past the front desk, which sat unmonitored at the moment.
Paul held the door and as they stepped out he swore beside her. “Food truck is out.”
Rain still fell, washing the city in a much softer drenching but still coming down hard.
“We’ll go another time.”
He offered her his arm. “Definitely, because you’re right. We’re going to get along just fine.”
They ended up at a small diner whose interior had been set up to be reminiscent of the Fifties. Claiming a booth in the back, they ordered food and she doctored her coffee while he sipped his Pepsi.
“Can I ask why you didn’t go for manager, Paul?”
His lips flattened for a second before he smoothed out his expression. She saw. Violet had always paid close attention to small facial cues. Especially from men.
“You weren’t asked,” she surmised, curving her hands around the warm mug.
“I wasn’t.”
“I took the job you wanted.”
A shrug.
“I’ll talk to Mr. Rhodes.”
“While I’m sure the Viking would love that, not sure what that’s going to do.” His eyes twinkled. “Yes, I heard you call him that and what can I say. I feel it’s apropos.”
She smiled while heat curled in her belly at the simple thought of Hastings Rhodes. “I’m talking about his brother, another Mr. Rhodes. He’s the one who brought me in. I’ll let him know about you, get you the position you want and deserve.”
“You don’t want it?”
She shook her head and sipped the warm drink. “I was brought in solely to assist with the main opening and make sure things went smoothly. I’m not staying.” Violet smiled at the waitress who brought their food, stomach growling as the plate of piping hot fries and a large burger slid over the table.
“Thank you,” she and Paul said at the same time.
“Let me know if I can get you two anything else.” She hurried off to greet the group of teens who had walked in.
Paul reached for the ranch dressing and dumped a bunch on his plate. “Why aren’t you staying?”
Adding ketchup to her own plate, she thought about her answer. “I’m more of a go where the wind takes me kind of person than a stick around and be tied down one.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Is that all kinds of being tied up?”
She snorted. “Day one and you’re asking me about my preferences in being tied up?”
“Or down. However you feel comfortable.”
She squeezed some ketchup on her burger and replaced the top of the potato bun with a pat. “I think we’ll wait until we’ve known each other for a week before we talk sexual desires and preferences.”
He leaned forward, eyes twinkling with trouble. “I’ll be waiting with bated breath.”
She lifted a thick, salty fry to stab in his direction. “You’re trouble.”
Paul nodded without shame. “I am. That I am.”
“Love the way you’re repentant about it.”
His grin had her laughing.
They discussed the job and how they wanted to handle things. After getting a game plan together to deal with the senator if the man decided, which she figured he was going to do, to make a nuisance of himself, they finished up their meal and paid.
The rain had picked up once more when they walked across the faded linoleum to the door. She reached back and freed her hood then covered her hair. Beside her, Paul slipped into his jacket, which he’d had next to him while they ate.
Side by side they exited into the rain and he waved down a cab. Together they climbed in the back and Paul gave the driver Welcome Home’s address. Exhaustion nipped at Violet, and she fought off two yawns.
Paul slanted a look in her direction but she waved it off. When they arrived, he got out and waited for her. She swiped her card and slid over the seat to enter the downpour once more. They jogged up the sidewalk to the two steps leading into the building.
“I’m going to have to have a ramp built,” she said as they got out of the weather. There was a temporary one, but it wasn’t good.