Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 156(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 156(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
Frankie has a sharp tongue, but I quickly realized she’s all marshmallow on the inside, but she has to trust you to get that from her. It means a lot that I’m getting it so quickly. They really have taken me into their fold. Even if all this shit with social media goes sideways, it would be worth it to get Brooks and all of them.
“Yes,” I tell her.
“No wonder Brooks went rogue today.” I’m not sure what he did, but whatever it is has sent Felipe into a total meltdown. I even noticed people calling him out about his name being fake too.
“Are you really pregnant?” I turn back around to see Gabby.
“Can I text you later?” I ask Frankie.
“Yes, but have more tea for me,” she says before ending our call.
“Yes, I’m pregnant.” Gabby nods. I notice she’s not in uniform. She is carrying an oversized purse that is filled to the brim.
“I’m already fired.”
“I didn’t—”
“I know.” She cuts me off. “I was a bitch to you, and I let my crush get the best of me. Brooks is a good one and never gives women the time of day romantically. He picked you, so that means something.” I didn’t see that coming. Today is filled with surprises. “Like I said, I’m sorry, and I wish you both the best.”
The door to the dining room swings open. Brooks's eyes land right on me, and he smiles. Then he catches sight of Gabby, and the smile falls away.
“Why are you here?” Brooks comes to stand next to me.
“I was just getting my things.”
“You’ve got them.”
Gabby gives a nod, turning to leave.
“Gabby,” I call after her. “Thank you.” She gives me a smile. “And Brooks will give you a glowing recommendation.”
“I will?” I elbow him in the side. “I mean, I will.” He nods.
“Thank you, and congratulations. I’m happy you found your one.” With that, Gabby turns to leave.
“Why do I feel like the asshole now? Maybe you should hire her back.”
“No.” Brooks stares down at me like I’m the crazy one now. I might be. “She lied. Hopefully she’s learned her lesson, but I have zero tolerance for anyone that would try to upset you or break us up.”
“You’re right.” I sigh. “I’m a sucker.”
“No, you have a soft heart.” He leans down, pressing his mouth to mine. “And I'll always protect it."
Yep, I’m totally in love with him. “I love you,” I blurt out. How could I not love him? I can be a hot mess, but he doesn’t care. All he cares about is making sure that I’m happy and protecting that happiness.
“I love you too.” He wraps his arm around me, lifting me off my feet. “And we’re getting married.”
“And we’re getting married,” I agree, not that it was a question. Everyone in the kitchen cheers, making me laugh.
It might have been a crazy-ass mess to get here, but I’m thankful for all of it. In the end, everyone got what they deserved. Fate has a way of doing that.
Chapter Twenty
BROOKS
“The Plate’s reservation book is full for six months. I had to turn so many people away today. Felt bad about it,” Slater comments as we climb the stairs to the condo. Her lush ass sways from side to side. More edible than the apple tart I served tonight where we formed the pastry into a round cookie shape and the apple and ice cream were blended, frozen and reformed into strips placed in a domed lattice structure covering an edible apple blossom. It was a big hit. Slater TikToked it, and everyone was asking her to get me to sell them separately. I shared the news with the pastry chef, who looked intrigued by the idea.
As for me, I’m in a hurry to get Slater in bed. She looks tired. These nights at the restaurant aren’t good for her.
“Do you think you should be staying up this late?” I smooth my hand around her ass. It’s gotten juicier as her pregnancy has advanced.
“The baby is happier at night. She’s more active, and it’s hard to sleep when she’s kicking me.”
“I’ll make you some ginger honey tea.” That seems to help calm the baby down.
Inside the apartment, as I’m making her nighttime drink, Slater holds up her phone from the living room. “Sara’s been calling me.”
The frown on my face is instant.
“She’s pretty remorseful. She was hurt worse by Felipe than me, and I understand getting caught up in wanting someone desperately. I’d probably do worse things to make sure that I got your attention.”
“No you wouldn’t.” But maybe I would. “You stepped right up to my face and propositioned me all on your own. You wouldn’t have lied to a friend, watched her date a man you liked, and then went behind her back to sleep with him.”