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With Jo by my side, I was invincible again, untouchable, as we strolled along the busy sidewalks. I felt better than I had in years, even better than before the Cole disaster exploded on my career.
After dropping the bags, we wound our way partially down the concrete steps and a short side street below Pike Place Market to Hill & Ocean.
“I’m sorry we aren’t open yet. We have a special event this evening but would happily seat you after six if you want to return.” It must have been a new hostess since she didn’t recognize Jo.
“We’re here for the event. This is Jo Patree or Sam Patree. She’s signing.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Please come in. I didn’t recognize you from the description Reef gave me.”
Moving into the space, I took in the high back banquettes and tables draped with black tablecloths, the creamy muted color of the walls, and the substantial glass sculptures ubiquitous in upscale Seattle. The first hundred were pretty. After that, it sort of became commonplace. I actually prided myself onnotowning one.
She led us to a table piled high with cookbooks. This was the first time I’d seen it. The cover was two photos separated by the title,Timeless Hill & Ocean. The top photo was a closeup of a white plate holding a piece of perfectly cooked salmon sprinkled with herbs and a wedge of cornbread, while the bottom photo was the quintessential PNW shot of our evergreen coast.
I flipped it over. On the back were two more photographs. A small headshot of Jo smiling into the camera, fresh-faced and wearing one of her bandanas. Reef’s photo was much more prominent. He stood, arms crossed, legs spread, embracing the kitchen version of bro-y-ness with a big grill spatula in his hand. I intended to buy a copy and give the douchebag horns with a sharpie.
“Here’s where you’ll be signing. We’ll have a little mingle time for the first twenty minutes or so, then Reef will say a few words, and we’ll start the signing. I can take your wrap.”
“Oh, thank you.” Jo handed it over.
“I’ll let Reef know you’re here. And Vic is at the bar if you would like a cocktail.”
“I could use a little liquid courage,” Jo said as she took a big inhale.
I wasn’t used to seeing her so nervous. She kicked ass in the kitchen, and I would do whatever I could to see her kick ass here. I skimmed my fingers across her jaw. “Let’s get a drink, gorgeous.”
The room slowly filled as we sipped our cocktails at the bar. A few staff stopped by to greet Jo and catch up, but several others simply nodded a hello. I occasionally caressed her elbow or arm, reminding her and anyone else that she was with me.
“You must’ve scared a lot of people in this kitchen. They give you a royal nod and move on.”
“Ha. No, I wasn’t scary. They don’t know me. They’re new. Several of the original kitchen crew have left. That’s not a good sign.”
“Sam! You made it. Wow, you look good.” The douche, almost as tall as me, approached with open arms, and Jo stiffened at my side. He pulled her in for a hug that was a little too tight for my liking, his hand lingering on her shoulder.
“Reef. This is Lucas Bakker.” She stepped around me, essentially moving away from him and putting me in between the two of them. Exactly as it should be.
I held out my hand. “It’s nice to see you again. We spoke about Jo’s almond cake after she left, you may recall.”
A light blinked in his eyes. I spent a lot of money here. He’d remember me.
“Yes, good to see you again. It’s been too long, man.”
“Turns out, I’ve been in Perry Harbor for a few months, and lucky me, I ran into Jo there. Now, my girl makes all the great dishes just for me.”
Reef glanced between us, taken aback, as I slipped my arm around her waist and smiled, sending him the message to keep his paws off.
“Sam is amazing.” He hesitated, looking at her. “Thanks for being here. We’ll get started in a few.”
The evening progressed as planned. Reef greeted his guests with a speech and a few compliments for Jo that seemed to surprise her. The turn-out was good. The place was packed, and Jo glowed as she talked about favorite recipes with the guests and signed hardbound editions of the cookbook.
She sat next to Reef at the table, and from my seat at the bar, I saw him steal glances and touches. Jo stayed professional as she discreetly shifted away. I was one more touch away from punching this guy in the face. That douche needed to be more observant. She didn’t want him touching her, and I didn’t either.
Jo took a sip of water. After the first cocktail, we both switched to soda water. She needed to be charming and sign books. I had plans for later and wanted to be completely present.
She glanced my way, and I lifted my fingers to my lips while I held her gaze. The memory of her scent stirred my blood.
She turned in her seat, arching her back like she was stretching her neck. From my vantage point, she pushed out those luscious tits and looked like she was throwing her head back in ecstasy. She shifted back toward the table with a sigh and a slight smile. This girl could play.
“Hi. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Felicia.” A tall, slim woman with bright blue eyes and jet-black hair leaned against the bar. She was vaguely familiar. Then I realized this was the chef Cole wanted to serve us that night a few months ago. She was pretty, but she was no Jo. I was still dazed at the idea that I had seen Jo twice before I met her, and I hadn’t reallyseenher. Well, I saw her now.
