Page 97 of My Heart Belongs to You

As badly as I wanted to take her up on that, I needed to wash the day off. After a busy R&B Brunch at Ray’s, then going straight to the baby shower, a hot shower was mandatory. As the water ran down my back, I let my mind wander. The sound of the bathroom door closing stole my attention. Robyn opened the shower door and stepped inside. My eyes traveled down her body as I pulled her close.

“I couldn’t wait any longer,” Robyn explained, then pressed her mouth onto mine. She stroked my dick while trailing kisses down my neck and across my chest. I looked her in the eyes, seeing all the love, lust, and adoration she had for me. My groin tightened. It was then that I decided I didn’t want to wait any longer either.

CHAPTER

TWENTY

Brie & Bordeaux’s grand opening was over a month ago and I couldn’t be happier with our business. Even with supply chain issues, occasional miscommunication between front and back of house, and slow days, we were doing well. I wiped the beads of sweat on my forehead with the back of my hand, then went back to plating. Tonight had been the busiest night thus far. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly why. Maybe it was because summer was here and the nights were warm and filled with possibilities. I could say it was the article in last week’s Gazette or the influx of DMV food influencers who visited weekly. Whatever the reasons, I was grateful.

“Tables five, seven, and nine,” I said to Gia while placing the plates in the serving window with their respective tickets.

“Got it.” Gia updated the table chart, then waved over the server for that section.

I checked the time on my watch. One hour until closing. Peeping through the service window, I noted the bustling dining room. After washing my hands and adjusting my custom made chef’s coat, I checked on the private event happening in our tasting room. Khalil connected me with his sister Tiffani, who was the mayor’s communications director because they wanted to host an intimate event. Roseville was in the midst of a town-wide revitalization. The first phase was for small business owners and entrepreneurs. The second phase was for the town’s municipal buildings. They’d just secured an architectural firm to complete the projects and the event tonight was to celebrate.

Since this was a private event, we had the doors to the tasting room closed. The mayor entered through the side entrance along with his security detail and team. There were about thirty people in attendance. They thoroughly enjoyed the wine, charcuterie, and appetizers hand selected by Tiffani.

“How’s everything going?” I asked Carmen who stood guard behind the wine bar.

“Great. Tiffani was looking for you. I told her you were running around like always.”

I scanned the room for her, finding her at a high table with a glass of wine in hand. She noticed me coming her way and smiled.

“Ah, the woman I was looking for. I want to introduce you to Mayor Bridges.”

Mayor Paul Bridges smiled and extended his hand toward me. “It’s a pleasure to meet the brain behind this wonderful place.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Brie & Bordeaux wouldn’t be here if it weren't for the grant opportunities you created.”

Mayor Bridges was polished, wearing a navy suit with the town’s logo on his lapel. His skin was rich like a Hershey’s chocolate bar. I just knew he had been a problem before his political career began.

"We can talk more about that later, but for now, I wanted to inquire about another private event such as this.”

“I’m listening.”

He went on to explain wanting to host the same firm again after the completion of their work in Roseville. The length of the project was to be determined; however, he wanted it to be on my radar.

“There will be twice as many people, so we may need to use the dining room."

Tiffani chimed in. “We are willing to do a buyout if the event is during business hours.”

My head was spinning. “Absolutely. Tiffani, just let me know the date and we will make it work.”

“Perfect.” Tiffani beamed. Once Mayor Bridges walked away, she looked at me. “Sis, I’m going to need the recipe for those pastelillos. I haven’t had any this good since I was in Puerto Rico last summer.”

“The secret is the sofrito. My abuelita had a special blend that only a few of us know.” I winked, earning a laugh from her. Once I returned to the kitchen, I asked Opal to drop another batch in the fryer for Tiffani to take home.

“Hey, everybody,” Raven sang, waltzing into the kitchen like she owned the place. And technically, she did own a very small percentage, but still.

“What are you doing here?” I hugged my sister.

“I’m kidnapping you.”

“We have thirty minutes until we close.”

“And after that, you’re going home to shower then we’re going to Ray’s.”

I twisted my mouth, debating whether I should push back on my sister’s plan. It had been a while since I’d gone out. The weeks leading up to my opening left little time for enjoyment. Aside from weekly outings with Nadir, I’d been pretty lowkey.

“Whatever rebuttal you have, save it. Sadé is out of town and I haven’t seen you outside of this place in months.”