Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Damn it all to hell.
I rise, head to my bedroom, take a shower, and take care of what I’d like to be taking care of inside Kelly.
Then, after toweling off, I fall into bed, naked. Morning will come early, and I’m going to need a good strong workout. I need a lot of release before I can deal with Kelly again.
I only knock once, and Kelly opens the door to her apartment.
I resist the urge to suck in a breath.
She looks—in a word—spectacular.
Her gorgeous auburn hair is swept up into a high ponytail, and she’s wearing a light purple blouse and black dress pants, as I suggested. On her feet are black leather slides. Good. I was afraid she’d wear high-heeled sandals or boots, and we’ll be doing a good amount of walking today.
Since I told her what to wear, I figured I shouldn’t show up in jeans and a T-shirt, so I’m also wearing black pants, black leather dress shoes, and a white button-down, no tie.
I try not to gape at her, but damn, she looks good. Almost as good as she looked in that miniskirt last night.
Kelly cleans up nice—and whether she’s going for professional or sultry—she can pull it off.
I hate to think of her this way, but it’s very clear why she was chosen to go to the island. Every woman I’ve met from that damned island is picture-perfect to look at, and Kelly is certainly no exception.
Again, I wonder about her naked body. What kind of scars she might have.
Because all of the women have scars—the kind that can and can’t be seen.
I will never see Kelly naked. The kiss was a mistake, and that’s my first order of business this morning.
To apologize.
“Before we go,” I say, “I need to apologize for last night.”
“Yeah, you really should.”
She’s determined not to make this easy. “I truly am sorry. I overstepped my boundaries, and it won’t happen again.” I check my watch. “Are you ready to go? I made a list of some restaurants in the area that are hiring.”
She walks out the door, carrying a small black purse, and closes it behind her. “Yes, I’m ready.”
“Good.” I gesture for her to lead and we walk to the elevator.
Our first stop is a delicatessen about a block away.
“Seriously?” She scoffs. “You want me to work at a deli?”
“They’re looking for servers. You won’t be slicing meat or making sandwiches. You’ll be serving.”
“I can’t make any money there.”
“Are you kidding me?” I gesture toward the front window. “Do you know how many seatings they have at this place? You’ll make plenty of money, and if you’re good, your tips will be great.”
“Fine.” She huffs and opens the door.
Even at ten in the morning, the deli is hopping. They do a huge breakfast and lunch business, according to my research. But already I see that this place is a mistake. It’s jam-packed, with people yelling orders behind the counter, and I have no idea who’s in charge.
So I grab Kelly’s arm and escort her back out.
“Excuse me?” she says.
“I agree with you. This is not the best place for you. We’ll be sitting around forever before we find someone to talk to you.”
“Good. I don’t want to work in a deli.”
“Well, you’re in luck. The next restaurant is called The Glass House. It’s one of the best restaurants in Manhattan, and they’re looking for servers.”
Her eyes widen. “The best restaurant in Manhattan?”
“One of the best,” I say.
“I… Leif, I worked at a diner in Phoenix. I’m not qualified to work at the best restaurant in Manhattan.”
“One of the best,” I clarify again, “and if you’ve worked at a diner, then you’re good on your feet, you’re quick, and you can keep lots of orders in your head at once. You can work anywhere.”
“But Leif…”
The sound of my name from her lips gives me a jolt. The kind of jolt I really don’t need around her. The kind that makes me want to do things she’s clearly not ready for.
“Hey,” I say. “It’s my job to help you. I’m not going to steer you wrong. Trust me.”
She scoffs.
I roll my eyes.
That sweet attitude was bound to be gone after a second or two.
“Why should I trust you?”
“That’s your prerogative. You don’t have to trust me. But the military trusted me. Buck trusted me. The citizens of this great country trusted me and all the other military men and women to keep them safe. But I don’t know, Kelly. Why should you trust me?”
She opens her mouth.
Yep, here it comes. More acidic words from this beautiful woman.
“You think I could do it? Wait on tables at a fine restaurant?”
Color me surprised. My jaw drops, but I close my mouth quickly to reply. “Absolutely. You worked at the diner for what? Five years?”