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Chapter Twenty-Six
Tessa
For the last few weeks or so, things between Dylan and me are going so well that I’ve grown used to it. I’m no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop, no longer waiting for when it all comes crashing down. It’s comforting and easy, and I’ve found a confidence in myself by just being with him. I can picture my future with him, with us living together and being happy.
I texted him about an hour ago, inviting him over, acting like it was just going to be a casual evening. We didn’t make definitive plans, but we talked about getting together tonight. Luckily for me, he didn’t change his mind because what I have set up for us would’ve been ruined.
I still can’t believe Leo agreed to help me out with how overwhelmed he is at work, but he’s such a great guy, and it’s not like I haven’t helped him out a time or two by running food to tables at the restaurants. He’s going to make someone a really great husband one day. I’ve even considered trying to set him up with Hannah. But first, I’ve got to work on getting Hannah a job at Somerville’s so she can get away from that miserable job of hers.
I have everything arranged in my kitchen, set up and ready to go for when Dylan gets here. I check the time, tapping my foot as the seconds tick by, waiting for him, and that’s when I hear the key I gave him slide into the lock. The door opens and he finds me standing in the kitchen dressed in an apron, waiting for him.
“Hi,” I say, a smile on my face, trying not to laugh at how cheesy this whole idea is, but failing miserably.
“Hello,” he replies, pulling me into his arms and kissing me. “What do we have going on here?” he now asks, given this was supposed to be an unplanned evening together.
“It’s a four-course meal, but we have to prepare it together. I got everything from Leo, including directions. I thought it might be fun for us to do something together.”
“Haven’t we been doing something together?” Dylan questions, a seductive tone to his voice as he runs his hand down my back and gives my ass a squeeze.
“I thought we could do something outside of the bedroom,” I say, kissing the tip of his nose.
“I always want to do you outside of the bedroom,” he replies, as cheeky as ever and I can’t help but laugh. “Fuck, that giggle gets me every time,” Dylan adds, pushing his hips against mine, his dick already hard.
“Do you think you can keep it in your pants for just a little bit?” I ask, running my hand over the bulge in his jeans.
“I’m sure we can work something out. Like maybe you in just this apron afterward.”
“Oh, I’m sure that can be arranged, but for now, let’s get started or we’re going to be eating at midnight,” I tell him, moving back toward where everything is arranged on the counter.
“I’m definitely going to be eating something at midnight,” Dylan replies, and I swat at him.
“You and your dirty mouth need to settle down. Do you hear me?” I say, trying to sound authoritative, but all it does is make him more handsy, fumbling to try to untie my apron. “Hands to yourself. Now start chopping up those mushrooms like it says in the directions Leo gave us. I’m going to start working on this salad.”
“Fine, fine. I don’t want any of this to go to waste,” he replies, conceding. “By the way, thank you for this. I wasn’t expecting it. It’s a nice surprise.”
“I wanted to surprise you. You’ve done so many nice things for me, and I thought this would be fun. Cooking together.”
“It is,” Dylan answers back. “I rarely get to cook anything because Hannah is always up my ass when I try. I get it, she’s the professional, but she analyzes everything and that takes the fun out of it.”
“Have you said anything to Leo about her looking for a job?” I ask, as we work side by side.
“I did in passing, but nothing formal. I know she’s going to be pissed at me if I don’t put it out there. She really hates her job and I’d love to be able to help her out.”
“So why haven’t you been a little more forceful with it? You said she’s a great chef.”
“I don’t know. I guess I worry that if it doesn’t work out Hannah will be hurt,” he says, shrugging.
“Why wouldn’t it work out? I’m sure Somerville’s would be lucky to have her,” I say, trying to move him along. Not that I think he needs to help Hannah get a job or anything, but it’s always nice to have an in with someone somewhere. I know it helped me a ton when I was first starting out. One of my professors took me under her wing and helped me land a few of my first clients since she was planning to retire. It’s what helped me get to where I am now.
“What if Hannah hates it? What if she leaves and Leo is pissed at me?”
“I don’t think you need to think that deeply into it. If Hannah wants the job, she’ll take it and she’ll be amazing. She not going to fuck you over. And besides, Leo is not that kind of guy. He’s so chill and go with the flow.”
“You’re right. I should say something to him. Not just for Hannah but for him too. He’s been busting his ass, working long hours. I’m sure he’d love a recommendation.”
“Yes to all of that,” I say, winking at him.
“Thanks for the talk, Tessa. Turns out we’re pretty damn good together outside of the bedroom too.”
