lights up her pretty face. “He says my johnnycakes are the best.”
“I bet he does,” Khloe says under her breath. “I’ll put these in the kitchen, sir. And if you need me, I’ll be in the pool.”
Sir.
Okay, she’s seriously fucking with me. Maybe I should fuck back.
Maybe I should fuck her.
Khloe disappears, and I will my dick to behave as I turn to my dear friend. Bevey and I go way back. I came to the island with Granddad years ago, when he was first looking to buy a resort, and Bevey was the one who greeted us at the airport. She drove the shuttle bus, but after one taste of her johnnycakes I knew her talents were being wasted. Granddad bought the resort, and I promoted her to chef.
“It’s so good to see you.” I open my arms, and the bright yellow scarf covering her hair tickles my face. After a firm hug, we break apart. I gesture with a wave, and we walk farther into the house. “How are things? How are Samuel and Chardane?”
“We’re doing so much better now, thanks to your generosity. The new housing complex is more than we ever expected, and—” she sighs and claps her hand together “—running water.”
That brings a smile to my face, but it falls quickly. “The school should be completed this month. I’m back to check on progress.” It kills me to think the middle school kids at Leonard Elementary, including her daughter, Chardane, are being educated in an old building that had once been waterlogged. I can’t even imagine the mold and mildew they’re subjected to on a daily basis.
Her big brown eyes widen, and her full lips curl. “The kids are all very excited about the new school.”
I guide her through the kitchen, and the delicious scent from the johnnycakes reaches my nostrils. I’m tempted to have one, but I’m full from breakfast. Besides, Khloe might enjoy one with me later, along with a cup of coffee. I had a hard time swallowing mine this morning with her sitting across from me, her body barely clad. Wait, what am I doing? Khloe is here to work for me. I shouldn’t be thinking about taking coffee breaks with her or how much she would like Bevey’s johnnycakes.
Shouldn’t be thinking about how hot she is in or out of that ridiculous uniform.
“Any more news on filling the positions?” I ask.
“Applications are still open for English teachers. After Jess and Mari went back to the States, we haven’t been able to fill their spots.”
I open the patio door and we step outside. “I’ll run that by Granddad. He can check at the staffing agency.” I widen my arms. “Who wouldn’t want to spend their time here?”
“It is a beautiful island, yes,” she says in her creole accent.
I pull the chair from the table and gesture for her to sit. “Is everyone well?”
“We are well,” she says, tucking her long white dress around her knees and lowering herself into the chair that Khloe had recently occupied.
“Can I get you a coffee, tea?”
She waves her hand. “I’m fine.” Her eyes narrow in thought, and her full lips pinch tighter.
“What?” I ask, worry invading my gut. She clearly has something on her mind. “Are you sure things are good at home and work?”
“It’s not me I’m concerned about.”
“You’re worried about me?”
She leans in. “I’m worried about your new assistant. What is that silly costume she’s wearing?”
That brings a laugh to my throat. “Granddad told her I had a dress code, and I guess that is what she thought she had to wear.”
She grins and points a finger at me. “And I take it you aren’t planning to tell her the difference anytime soon.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
“Oh, Will. You are trouble, but I am glad to see you having fun.” She leans in and lowers her voice even more. “She’s a beautiful woman, no?”
I smirk. “That she is.”
“It’s time you settled down, Will. Found yourself a nice wife.”
“Bevey,” I warn. “You know I’m not interested in marriage.” Not anymore, anyway.
“Foolishness. It’s not natural to be alone. You just have to find the right woman.”
I don’t bother telling her I had the right woman and ruined it.
“Don’t you be too hard on this one. She has potential.”
Hard on her?
Yeah, I think it’s the other way around, judging by my dick’s response whenever she’s near.
“I’ll be my usual charming self.”
Bevey laughs and glances around. “Has James come with you? I do miss that man.”
“No, he’s