A Tablespoon of Temptation (A Recipe for Love Novel Book 1) Page 9

  “Working with people can be frustrating.” Danielle looked at the clock. It was nine o’clock, and her staff was late. What if they didn’t show?

  As the thought ran through her head, Willetta and Paul arrived with Todd and Flynn right behind. To her surprise, Chris pulled up the tail end.

  “Welcome to our first Department Head meeting,” Danielle said. “You have five minutes to get coffee or a soda from the lounge, and then we’ll start.”

  She needed the five minutes to calm her nerves. Maybe three cups of coffee was too much before a meeting. Maybe it wasn’t enough.

  She watched everyone file out of the room they’d just entered. Moving in the opposite direction of the crowd was James. He smiled and gave her a thumbs-up before mouthing the words, “good luck.”

  When everyone returned, she stood and addressed the room. She figured it was best to drop the bomb first and then work on cleaning up the mess.

  “Soft bonuses have to stop.” Her focus was on Chris because he was the biggest offender. “Whether you’re giving yourself extra time off or have a great side business selling what you can pilfer, it has to end. As valued members of the Luxe family, you will be compensated fairly. Your salary will be based on performance. Do your job, and you’ll get rewarded. Steal from the company, and you’re gone.” She took a silent breath and waited for someone to defend themselves. No one did.

  When her gaze fell on Chris, he shook his head. After a ten-second stare-down, he pushed his chair back from the table and stood.

  “I can’t work with you.”

  This was the moment she’d expected and prepared for. He would behave as if she were punishing him. She had to put her feelings aside, but she also had to establish herself as his boss. “You don’t work with me. You work for me. There’s a difference. Now sit down or leave. If you choose the second option, I’ll take that as your resignation.”

  He flopped back into his chair. His expression was that of a young boy sitting in time-out.

  When she turned, Allie smiled with pride.

  The meeting continued for another fifteen minutes, where they addressed expectations and concerns. Once finished, they all went to work.

  Danielle entered her office, closed the door, and called Trish.

  “How’s it going?” her friend asked.

  “Please tell me this isn’t a real juice box but a wine juice box.” She stared at the label that showed smiley face grapes.

  “I’ll come over later with the real stuff. Rob has poker night with the boys. Shall I bring a bottle or a magnum?”

  “Does it come in IV bags?”

  “A magnum then. First days are tough.”

  “It went as well as I could expect.” In hindsight, it went better. Chris could have thrown an all-out tantrum. Instead, he threw a mini hissy fit.

  “Did you call your mom and tell her about your new job and new boyfriend?”

  “No, why would I do that?”

  “Because she’s your mom and mom’s love to brag about their kids. Give her something to talk about other than your sisters’ happy marriages and their beautiful children.” In the background, Trish made gagging sounds.

  “If that’s your best argument, it’s a fail.”

  “Just call her, she might surprise you.” There was a pause. “Florida is two hours ahead, so you’ll catch her before she trots off to mahjong, or tai chi, or whatever else retirees do down there.”

  “It’s pinochle or bowling, I think.”

  “Call her.”

  “Fine, I will.”

  Trish hung up, and Danielle stared at her phone. It took her five minutes to press the button that dialed her mother’s home.

  “Danielle,” her mother squealed. “It’s been so long since we’ve heard from you.”

  Had it been that long? She mentally counted and sighed. The last time she called was for her mother’s birthday.

  “Sorry Mom, I’ve been busy.”

  “Too busy to call your mother?”

  She wanted to tell her the phone dialed both ways, but that wasn’t wise. “I called to tell you the good news.”

  “You and Chris reconciled?”

  A bit of bile rose in her throat. “No, that will never happen.” She’d never told her mother the details because she felt ashamed that she wasn’t enough, but maybe now was the right time. “He cheated on me, Mom.”

  There was a moment of silence. “Oh, honey, I didn’t know.”

  “I didn’t tell you because I thought you’d blame me.”

  “Danielle Morgan, cheating is a character flaw. That’s on him and not on you.”

  “Thanks for that, but honestly, I’m over it. It’s in the past.” For the first time in a year, she felt free of regret and remorse. “I’ve got news about my future. I’ve been promoted to general manager.”

  “That’s wonderful, sweetheart.” She laughed. “I was kind of hoping you’d tell me there was a new man.”

  Some things would never change. Meredith Morgan was from an era that believed life wasn’t possible without a man. She thought about James and how good he made her feel.

  “There might be someone. It’s not anything at this point, but I’ve met a nice man.” She leaned into her chair and relaxed. This was her office. She was moving up in the world. Her new position came with a sizable raise. Things were looking up.

  “What’s his name and what does he do?”

  Typical Mom questions. They were to be expected. She’d need to tell the book club on Friday.

  “His name is James, and he’s in construction.”

  “Oh.” There was another long pause. “You know, sweetheart. You can do better than that.”

  She wanted to bang her head against the table. “You know what, Mom? I’ve learned it’s all about the quality of the man, not the size of his bank account, but thanks for the confidence.”

  “Keep me posted.” She heard the jingle of keys. “I’ve got to go because Ginny Pemberton is hosting pinochle today, and she makes the best snacks. One minute late, and I’ll miss out on the cheese rangoons. Love you, honey.”

  Her mother hung up before she could return the sentiment.

  She spun in a circle in her chair and soaked in the beauty of her office with its hardwood shelving and light marble flooring. Things were looking up. Life was good.

  Chapter 12

  James

  His phone buzzed as he exited the elevator on the fifteenth floor. It was his sister summoning him to the twelfth floor to talk about the meeting.

  Be there in a minute.

  She could wait while he looked over the work done to the suites. They were in decent shape already, so outside of an upgrade to the bathrooms, they’d finish in no time. Next week they would double their construction efforts to get the tower completed early.

  As soon as Allie’s special-order desk arrived, he could get her off the twelfth floor and begin work there. Julian was the smart one. He worked from home.

  He took the stairs down and stood in front of Allie’s door.

  She opened before he knocked.

  “Took you long enough.”

  “I have work to do, and I’m not your beck and call boy. Don’t forget my stake in this venture sits at the same percentage as yours.”

  She gripped his arm and pulled him inside. “Whatever.” She moved to the table and sat. “I wish you had been there. She ran that room like a drill sergeant runs recruits.”

  “Like you’d know anything about drill sergeants or recruits.” While he served his country for one enlistment period, his sister finished her degree in business management at Wharton. He’d never forget how angry his father was when he joined the Army, but James was proud to serve his country. It made him appreciate the cost of freedom. He had the utmost respect for those who wore a uniform.

  “I’ve watched An Officer and a Gentleman,” she said. “Anyway, she’s a sharp one. I think we picked a winner.”

  “How did everyone else respond to h
er?” He wished he could have been there, but he wasn’t ready to reveal himself.

  “Everyone seemed okay, but Chris. We need to do something about him.” She kicked off her heels and rubbed her feet.

  He never understood why Allie insisted on wearing such tall shoes. Maybe it was because she was petite, and wearing them gave her confidence. They probably gave her bunions and corns, too. Never a day went by that he didn’t count his blessing to be born with an X and Y chromosome. Women had it tougher than men in almost every way.

  “We need to let Danielle handle Chris.” He sat on the edge of one bed. “Did you know he was her ex-husband?”

  Allie’s jaw dropped. “No way. That guy? He’s an arrogant ass.”

  “Hard to believe, I know.”

  She chewed on the end of her pen. “Maybe she’s not a good fit for the job, after all.” She tossed the pen aside and wiped her lips with the back of her hand looking for ink.

  “Why would you say that? While Flynn was my first choice, I can see she’s perfect.” He wanted to pull the last two words back. They were telling and spoke to how he felt about Danielle.

  “You don’t have to take up a sword for her. All I’m saying is maybe she doesn’t have good decision-making skills.” She spun her chair to face him. “Chris falls somewhere between primate and Neanderthal.”

  “Everyone has a type. What’s yours, Allie? Don’t judge Danielle for making a mistake. I’ve made one, and you forgave me. Hell, you gave up. That’s hardly better.”

  “We’re not talking about me, but let’s talk about you.” She leaned forward and stared at him. It was her human lie detector look that always did him in. “You like her.”

  He stood, shoved his hands in his pockets, and walked to the window so she couldn’t see his face. “I do. She’s part of the Luxe family.”

  “My bullshit meter is going off.” She rose and joined him. Once she got to the window, she tugged on his arm so he had to face her. “Oh my God, you really like her.” She poked his chest. “I’m so glad my big brother’s heart is thawing.”

  He swatted at her hand as it came up to poke him again. “My heart wasn’t frozen.”

  “Again, I’m calling bullshit. You were permafrost after the divorce.”

  “Not true. Besides, you don’t get to analyze my behavior with relationships until you’ve been in one.”

  “I’ve been in one.”

  “Ashley Dunhurst doesn’t count. You both had too much to drink at my wedding. It didn’t last.”

  “You’re right because he didn’t last. He was three strokes and out. He was also a wimp. I can’t have a relationship with a man whose penis is smaller than mine. There was also Brandon, but he had a word allergy.”

  “That’s your problem, you intimidate most men.”

  The carpet muffled the stomp of her bare foot. “I’m five foot three and sweet as cotton candy.”

  “You’re five foot eight in heels, and you might think you’re cotton candy, but you have a temper as hot as a ghost pepper.”

  She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug. “I see what you’re doing. You’re deflecting from talking about your love life.” She stepped back. “You don’t have to hide from me. We’re family, and I’ll always have your back.”

  “I know, and I swear, Grace never calls.”

  She waved her hand through the air, almost catching him on the side of the head. If she’d connected, he would have to believe it was intentional. Allie was very much like their father. Even with her red hair and hot temper, she wasn’t impulsive. She was deliberate about everything she did.

  “I’m not talking about Grace. I’m talking about Danielle.”

  “There’s nothing going on with Dani and me.” When did I give her a nickname?

  Allie’s brows lifted. “Dani?”

  “Short for Danielle. It means nothing.”

  She went back to her chair and picked up her soda. She deliberately moved slowly. He knew her well. She was taking her time, and that meant she was planning.

  “Do you think it’s wise to sleep with her?”

  “I’m not sleeping with her.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and shuffled back and forth.

  “But you want to, right?”

  She had him there. There was no doubt his slight smile was his tell. “All right. I like her. She’s different.”

  Allie clucked her tongue. “She’s also your employee.”

  “No, she’s your employee. I’m in charge of construction. I rarely get involved in the business side of things.”

  “Be careful with that one, she could be trouble for you.”

  “I’ll be cautious. As it is, I’m just her coffee boy.”

  Allie slipped her shoes back on. “And her confidant, if she told you Chris was her ex. I didn’t even know that.”

  “We’re becoming friends. That’s all.”

  “Right.” She nodded her head. “You know why women are so good in business?”

  He didn’t want to know. He needed to get on with his day, but there was no shutting up his little sister. “No, tell me,” he said as he walked backward to the door.

  She tapped her fingers against her skull. “It’s because we think with this head, first.”

  He gripped the doorknob. “Not true. You think with your heart.”

  “Okay, but it’s better than thinking with our—”

  “Gotta go.” He opened the door. “What’s on your agenda the rest of the day?”

  “I’m battling over sheets and bath towels.”

  “Nothing’s worth going to battle over, but love.”

  “Says the divorced guy.”

  He stepped out of the room. “To the woman who doesn’t date.” He was about to close the door but stuck his head back inside. “I’ve loved and lost, and I want to love again. Maybe she’s the one.”

  Allie blew him a kiss. “I hope so. I really hope so.”

  Although he should have checked on his various crews, talk of Dani made him miss her. He took the stairs up one floor and walked into the corridor that led to the executive offices. When he got to hers, he heard a man yelling.

  “I won’t have you punishing me because you were inadequate as a wife.”

  James recognized Chris’s voice and hurried toward the argument.

  “I’m not punishing you. You’re punishing yourself by not doing the job you were hired for. There’s a discrepancy in your inventory. I’d suggest you do another count.”

  James stood out of the way and listened.

  “My inventory is none of your business. It was all right with Avis.”

  “Avis isn’t here. I am, and I’m asking for you to take another look and see why you ordered six dozen fishing rods and reels a month ago, and now you have twenty in stock.”

  As soon as he heard someone’s fist hit the desk like a gavel, he rushed inside.

  “Are you ready?”

  She straightened her papers and stood. “Yes.” She walked to the door and waited for Chris to exit the office. “I’ll expect the recount within a week.”

  Her ex walked away and said, “Don’t hold your breath.”

  She turned to James. “Your timing was perfect. Thanks for the save.” She twirled her finger in a strand of hair that fell over her shoulder. “It was a save, right? We didn’t have an appointment that I missed, did we?”

  He was used to seeing her with her hair tied in a messy bun. Looking at her hair hanging down left him speechless.

  “Lunch,” he said, shaking himself out of his trance. “We had a lunch date.” He gently took her elbow and guided her to the executive elevator. “I think Italian sounds great.”

  “We didn’t have a lunch date. I would have remembered that.”

  “You’re right, but I saved you, and now you owe me. I think lunch is the perfect payback.”

  She looked over her shoulder. “I shouldn’t leave. I’ve got a lot of work to do.”

  “You have to eat. A half a bagel
won’t keep you for long.”

  She gave him a smile that clenched his heart. “Don’t forget. I had the good half.”

  “That’s right. Still, a lunch date sounds perfect.”

  The elevator door opened. She stopped before she stepped inside. “Wait. I need my wallet.”

  He pulled her inside and pushed the button for the ground floor. “My treat.” He took out his phone and texted his sister.

  Taking Dani to lunch. Be back in an hour.

  She texted back.

  Wielding my sword still, or I’d join you two.

  He laughed.

  You weren’t invited.

  He tucked his phone inside his pocket. “Just telling my crew I’ll be off-site for a bit.”

  “Good idea.” She pulled her phone from her jacket pocket and did the same. They exited and walked through the garage to the street. One block down was Pasqual’s. “This isn’t a date.”

  “You can pretend it’s not, but this is definitely a date.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and tugged her closer.

  When the hostess came to the front, he asked for a quiet table in the corner. He pulled her seat out and took the one next to her.

  “You want to talk about what I walked into?”

  “I don’t talk about my ex on a first date, do you?”

  He knew his smile was big by how it stretched his cheeks. “Nope, but glad we’re on the same page about what this is.”

  “I’m hungry, and I have no money with me. That puts me in an agreeable mood.”

  “I might have to keep you hungry and without resources more often.”

  “Haha.” She opened the menu. “What do you recommend?”

  “Do you want to be content or fall in love?”

  He reached over and set his hand on top of hers. It was the first real intimate moment they’d shared. The day in the studio when he hugged her and kissed her head didn’t count because he was in comforting mode, now he was in courting mode.