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I’d barely put my car in park before I ran into the house, hoping to grab a quick shower before heading to this ‘interview’. As I bolt up the stairs, I hear my dad holler out, “Where’s the fire?”
Not taking time to stop, I call back, “I have an interview at Burger Heaven in about thirty minutes, so I have to get ready.” Rushing through my routine, I managed to get ready in fifteen minutes. Taking a few extra minutes to fix my makeup, I head downstairs to hop in my car.
But Mike is waiting for me on the bottom floor. Kissing my forehead, he murmurs, “Good luck, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you for getting a job.”
I shoot him a rueful look.
“Thanks, Dad, but it’s just an interview. I don’t have the job yet.”
Mike merely smiles and shrugs.
“That’s okay sweetheart. You know Ryan and Reese are going to give you the job, and the interview is just a formality. They’ve been like uncles to you your entire life.”
Ugh. The word “uncle” is hitting home a little too close, but I try to pass it off. Laughing, I say, “I don’t know about uncles, but I want to make a good impression, regardless of our family connections. I know that you’re their best friend, but I want them to see me as an independent woman who is capable of being an excellent employee.”
Giving me one last hug, Dad stepped back saying, “I’m so proud of you, honey. That’s the right way to think about things.” Then, to my horror, his eyes begin to tear. “Look at my little girl, all grown up. Well, I won’t hold you up. Good luck on your interview and tell Ryan and Reese that I expect to see them next Tuesday for poker. Same as always.”
I manage a grin.
“Thanks, Dad. Don’t wait up. I think I’m going to go hang out with Toni after my interview so I may be getting home a little late.”
Running out the door before he has a chance to respond, I hop in my car and pull out of the driveway. My heart flutters even as my foot hits the accelerator. Is this really happening? But it is, and now I need to see where the road takes me.
8
Amelia
Pulling into the Burger Heaven parking lot, I nervously wiped my hands on my skirt. I don’t know why this is so nerve-wracking. Like I said earlier, I know Reese and Ryan. Even if they didn’t want to move forward with an actual relationship, they would still be around at the very least as friends. It might be weird and awkward for a while, but we’d get through it. Everything passes.
Deciding I had lingered in the car for long enough, I head into Burger Heaven. I had to knock on the door as the sign said they were closed for the day for some spring cleaning. I watch as Ryan appears from the back. He sees me and lifts a hand in greeting before walking over to let me in.
Just like before, I marvel at his astonishing good looks. The dim interior of the restaurant made his hair look pitch black, as if it were absorbing light. But then his eyes pierced me, the shade of blue a perfect cobalt. Last of all, his body was hunky and broad, even casually outfitted in a work shirt and jeans.
Hell, add in the success his business had experienced and you had any woman’s perfect fantasy all wrapped up in one delicious package.
Opening the door, Ryan smiles.
“I’m glad you decided to come by. We were a little worried that you would bow out after last night.”
I try to look confident and lift my chin.
“Not at all. I’m a woman of my word, but I can come back if you like. I saw that you were closed down for cleaning.”
Chuckling, Ryan explains.
“There’s no need for that. We just put that up so we could have some privacy while we talk through what happens next.” Moving to the side, he held the door open while saying, “After you…”
Oh my god, they closed the store so that we could talk? That hardly seems necessary, but maybe I am important to them. Walking into Burger Heaven, I realize that it looks a little weird without all of the people swarming around enjoying their delicious food. I was quiet as I followed Ryan back to what I assumed was his office.
Opening a door on his left, I enter the spacious room, unsurprised to find Reese leaning against an oversized desk in the corner. The room itself is gorgeous, and not what you’d expect to find in the back of a Burger Heaven store. It reminds me of the CEO offices you always see on TV, with its plush carpet and warm tones. It has a look of comfort, while still demonstrating it was in fact a place of business.
