Triple Diamonds (Mystic Nights #2)(9)
She tried to focus on him, and not the stares she was getting from the other staff working in the kitchen that evening. But the intensity of his gaze unnerved her. Those coppery eyes.
“Um, good,” she stated as nonchalantly as she could muster. But casual conversation with one of the management was not something she was used to. A compliment in passing, and a few words with Louis were sometimes exchanged, but the management never really stopped to talk to her.
“Again, the food you prepared for my brother’s engagement party was fabulous. And Louis’ praise of you was glowing. Perhaps when the new restaurant project my mother wants to add on top of Tower Two is complete, you might be ready for that.” Her chest began to hammer. Her own kitchen. That was quite the prize, but something that wasn’t usually offered to someone with her limited experience. She scrutinized the man before her more closely wondering what he was up to.
He was watching her eyes, and she tried to stifle the excitement that the thought of running her own kitchen caused. Her own restaurant to manage. She’d heard the talk of opening up a fine steak house on top of Tower Two, The Oakwood. And, it would be years before she could open her own place. But running her own restaurant would build her reputation, and a clientele that would come to her establishment. She hoped this was real.
“That would be great.” She didn’t want to show too much excitement at the thought. She knew that project was at least a year or more away. But to think that Louis and the Sassacus’s were discussing her as a possibility was astonishing.
His next words confirmed her suspicions. “Well, it’s still a year away, but I just wanted to let you know we have our eye on you.” His voice had dipped strangely when he’d said that. His eyes then scrutinized her closely and she felt the heat of his gaze as his eyes roamed over her in her uniform. She knew she had a good body, but geesh, the man was making it so obvious. Again, she felt her mouth go dry.
She also heard the undercurrent of interest in her that was more than just in her culinary skills. What was his game? Could this be for real? Or was he throwing her this bone so he could get a favor in return? And from the way he was visually appreciating her assets, she wondered if the job might come with strings attached. That she would not tolerate. She’d heard the rumors about Jonathan and Joseph. She also knew some girls who had taken them up on their unusual offers. And those girls hadn’t needed the incentive. The brothers were renowned for their prowess in the boardroom and the bedroom. Well, that wasn’t her. She couldn’t be bought that way and she was about to tell him that when a voice interrupted her thoughts.
“How are those beans coming along, Jewels?” Louis’ voice boomed across the kitchen using the nickname many who knew her well used. Jewel pulled out her knife.
Looking down at the mound of vegetables she still had to prepare, she quickly glanced at Joseph and apologized. “Sorry, I really need to keep working,” she gave him a slight smile trying to politely end the conversation before her temper rose anymore. She began to set her beans in place, and then began to chop them, to accompany tonight’s main course of saucy shrimp. If his offer were serious, she would consider it, but nothing more.
Joseph saw the play of emotions run over the small beauty’s face. First there had been surprise, and excitement. Then he saw the cloud pass over her aquiline features. He didn’t like seeing the doubt or suspicion there, but he hadn’t been able to help the innuendo that had come out when he’d told he would be watching her. It had slipped out. And he also hadn’t been able to help his eyes appreciating her figure. She had all the right curves for him. He found her powerfully attractive, but then there was the thefts that had been occurring. But her dismissal of him, and the quick way she resumed her previous activity didn’t deter him, he just watched her work. Her eyebrow raised she tied to concentrate on her work despite the fact that he hadn’t moved.
The dimple in her right cheek when she had given him that slight smile, had drawn his attention. And he couldn’t look away. He watched her hands dice and chop the vegetables effortlessly wondering what else those hands were capable of. His thoughts began to run rampant. He knew he was practically ogling her but he couldn’t look away. And from the way her chest began to rise and fall, straining against her uniform, he wouldn’t look away if he could. He wanted to know what they looked like. Tasted like.
“Was there something else?” she asked pointedly. Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, she set her knife down and fidgeted with the uniform.
Her voice came out on a squeak of nervousness, and it reminded him of why he had come. His original purpose. “Oh yes, sorry. I was admiring how quickly you do that. I like to cook; I was studying your technique, and I um, got distracted.” He was lying through his perfect teeth Jewel thought. But that smile, holy hell, it did things to her. She clenched her legs together.
She swallowed. “Okay, but was there something else?” she repeated her question hoping he would move along. The girls behind him were laughing and giving her the knowing nod. She was sure Louis was seething by now if he were still paying attention the casino’s attorney who had yet to greet him.
“Yes, of course.” He winked at her. “I am wondering about the food I saw you take last month to bring to the food pantry. I have been going over loss reports for the board, and wanted to be sure they were recorded somewhere. I’m finishing up the quarterly reports, and needed to see the kitchen accounts.”