Page 36 of Does He Know?

“Breakfast is here!” I call as I make my way to the break room. I didn’t need to, though, because all five of them are sitting around the long table sipping their morning drinks of choice. “Aren’t you a lively bunch.” I grin. I move around the room and stand next to Roman. I place the bags full of goodies on the table and begin to unload.

“I could kiss you,” Lachlan says as he reaches for a muffin.

“No kissing my sister,” Forrest grumbles, reaching for one of the cinnamon rolls.

“This deserves some kind of reward, Forrest,” Maddox chimes in. He opens the box of donuts and pulls out a chocolate-dipped one with sprinkles. He takes a huge bite, shoving half of it into his mouth and moans.

“That’s his orgasm sound,” Legend announces. “Must be good.” He reaches into the same box, and he, too, chooses a chocolate-dipped donut with sprinkles. “I was craving this. I just didn’t know it,” Legend says, making us all laugh.

“Rome? What are you craving this morning?” I ask him. My voice is light and teasing, but I can feel a slight blush coat my cheeks. Luckily I wore my hair down today, so I dip my head and pretend to be arranging food to hide it.

I jump just a little, not enough that I think anyone will notice when I feel his hand on the back of my bare thigh. “Surprise me.” He quickly drops his hand and I shake out of my trance, choosing what I know to be his favorite. A glazed cruller. He likes them glazed or with cinnamon sugar. I got one of each, but I know he prefers the glazed.

“Here you go,” I say, placing it on a napkin and handing it to him.

“Thanks, Em.” His green eyes sparkle and his heated gaze, although brief, tells me he’s thinking about our kisses last night too.

“So, interviews today,” I tell them, grabbing my own glazed donut and taking a seat next to Roman. “We have three candidates. Cleo, Lyra, and Drake. All three of them would fit in well.”

“Tell us about them,” Lachlan says.

“Cleo is currently working at the Waffle House in Nashville. She’s tired of the first, second, and third shift rotations and wants something with a steadier schedule so she can have a life. She’s a few years older than me.”

“The next is Lyra. She’s currently working at a veterinarian’s office, also in Nashville, but it’s not her jam. Her words, not mine. She’s a receptionist, and she’s not exactly an animal lover.” I can’t help but laugh, remembering her confession in her interview.

“Then we have Drake. He’s got a background in working at tattoo shops. He worked for a few years for Inked Expression for Blaise and Asher Richards. He just recently moved to Ashby with his girlfriend, and would like something closer to home if possible. He’s fluent in scheduling, and ink and piercing. Out of the three candidates, he’s the most qualified. However, he’s asking for more money than the position pays, but you get what you pay for.” I shrug.

“Thanks for taking this on, kid,” Forrest says. “None of us had the time or the willingness to do it ourselves.”

“It was fun. Once I got this place organized, it gave me something to do. However, it took me a while to get all five of your schedules to align. I go back to school the week after next, so we need to make a decision today, unless one of you wants to take on training the new hire. All three can start immediately. Drake is no longer working, and the other two didn’t seem to mind not giving two weeks' notice, which I don’t agree with. That could be us one day on the other side of that situation.”

“Who is your pick?” Roman asks.

“Drake.” I don’t hesitate. “He’s chill, and I think he would fit in well.”

“And we don’t have to worry about male clients hitting on the other two like they did you.”

I playfully roll my eyes at Roman. “That was nothing and you know it.”

“What happened?” Forrest asks.

Roman goes on to tell him about the incident that’s not really an incident three weeks ago. “So, yeah, I think a man might be a better fit.”

“What?” I turn to look at him. “You do realize you have just as many female clients that also throw themselves at each of you. Double standard much?”

“You’re right.” Roman nods his agreement. “I want to preface this by stating that it’s not meant to be offensive. However, a man with morals won’t take any of them up on it. Especially if he’s been in this position already and is in a committed relationship. We don’t have to worry about him getting hurt or dragged out of here by someone much bigger and stronger than he is while we’re in our rooms doing our jobs.”

“So what you’re saying is because we don’t have a dick swinging between our legs, we’re helpless.”

He reaches under the table and places his hand on my leg. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. I’m saying that as employers, it’s our job to ensure safety.”

“You’re digging the hole deeper.” Maddox laughs.

“Yeah, you should just stop,” Lachlan agrees.

“I’m enjoying the show.” Legend reaches for a muffin, peels back the paper, and takes a huge bite. “Please proceed.”

“I can see where you’re both coming from,” Forrest speaks up. “Let’s just interview all three candidates and we can discuss after.”

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