it than that, seeing as how Reed has invited me to stay here for the entire summer, and he’s never done that before. I don’t want her to think I’m a liar.
“But, you know, besides the interview, Reed and I have also clicked personally,” I say quickly. “He’s been so sweet.”
“I’m so glad,” she says. And there’s no judgment whatsoever in her tone. She puts her sponge and gloves and dishwashing soap away, and moves to the refrigerator. Which is where she begins pulling out ingredients and putting them onto the island. “Don’t feel like you have to stay here with me, Georgie. I love the company, but I’m sure you’re very busy.”
“I’m not, actually. I’m just waiting for Reed to finish his calls. What’s all this for?” I motion to the items she’s placing on the island.
“I’m making a big pot of Reed’s favorite chicken tortilla soup for dinner tonight. He asked me to make ‘dinner for two.’”
I blush at the knowing look in her eye. She’s sweet and nonjudgmental, but she’s no fool. She knows exactly what’s going on between Reed and me. Of course.
“Would you like some help making the soup?” I ask, my pulse pounding. “I’m a terrible cook—the absolute worst—so don’t get too excited about my offer. But I can certainly help chop vegetables, if you don’t mind a random finger in with your chopped onions.”
She laughs. “No fingers, please. And, yes, I’d love your help.” She grabs a cutting board and knife for me, and hands me an apron. “Reed likes this particular recipe because my version is filled with super foods. He’s usually quite strict about what he eats. Fitness and nutrition are passions for him.”
“Yes, he’s mentioned that. Not that he needed to say it out loud. His body makes it pretty clear he takes excellent care of himself.” I press my lips together again. What the hell is wrong with me? This is Reed’s second mother, and I’ve just implied I’ve seen him naked? Seriously, I know I grew up without a mother, but this is ridiculous.
Thankfully, though, Amalia seems unfazed by my stumbling. In fact, she seems nothing but charmed—the same way CeeCee was when we had coffee together after the panel discussion.
Without missing a beat, she gives me some instruction, including showing me how to make a claw with my left hand while chopping so I don’t cut off my fingers, and then puts me to work. And, in short order, I’m a regular sous chef, chopping away at vegetables while Amalia sautées onions at a burner across from me.
As we work at our stations, we chat easily, and Amalia’s maternal demeanor calms me, reassuring me with each passing minute she’s not judging me for having a fling with her much older, and powerful, boss. Amalia asks me questions, and, soon, I’m telling her about my life—my schooling and family. And I return the favor, drawing her out by asking her questions about her large family, which, it turns out, includes lots of beloved grandchildren.
Finally, about twenty minutes into our conversation, I feel comfortable enough to broach my primary topic of interest.
“So, Reed tells me you’ve known him his whole life?”
“Yes, I was there when they brought tiny little Reed Charlemagne Rivers home from the hospital, looking as sweet as can be.” She chuckles. “He’s not tiny anymore, obviously, but he’s still as sweet as can be.”
Yes, he is, I think. Followed immediately by, Wow, what a difference a day makes. Because, as late as yesterday, I never would have believed anyone would describe Reed Rivers as “sweet.” But here I am, thinking that word describes him perfectly, after the whirlwind of the past twenty-four hours. Indeed, just this fast, I’m thinking there might be even more sweetness to Reed than I’ve seen. More than I ever thought possible.
But back to work.
I’ve got a job to do.
And I’m pretty sure Amalia, who’s known Reed his entire life, is the perfect person to give me insight into this fiercely private man.
I say, “It’s clear Reed feels exactly the same way about you, Amalia—that you’re sweet as can be. Just this morning, he was telling me about his family, and he explicitly said he considers you a member of his family.”
She stops what she’s doing and looks at me, floored. “Reed said that?”
“He did. In fact, he said he loves you. And that he missed you so much after his father went to prison, when he was thirteen, he hired you