Page 160 of The Unwilling Bride
"You’re welcome." He looks past me. "Why don’t you catch up with Briar? I’ll be back in a few."
Without waiting for my reply, he stalks off. Ouch, guess he’s not completely appeased.
"Everything okay?" Briar looks between us.
"Of course." I turn to her.
"Hmm. He seemed a little…abrupt?"
"Oh, that’s James." I shrug, managing to keep my expression relaxed. "He tends to carry the job pressures outside the restaurant. It takes him a while to unwind."
She must accept my explanation, for she nods. "Haven’t heard from you in weeks."
Guilt squeezes my chest. "I’m sooo sorry, it’s been crazy busy. I didn’t even notice how quickly the week passed."
Which is true. It’s been one emergency after another at The Edge, since the ceremony. And except for the foray to the pool where he free dived, both James and I have been working every day.
We eat at the family dinner at The Edge, then it’s onto the dinner service before heading home. We share a drink, talk about the day, which is always nice—then stagger upstairs to our respective rooms.
Since our announcement that first day, James has treated me solely as his employee in the restaurant.
The team has largely behaved. Except for a couple of offhand remarks, which are par for the course, really. I’m surprised there aren’t more. But James’ threat must have worked with them.
One of the uniformed staff comes by, and I accept a glass of champagne.
It’s a relief to be outside the kitchen this evening. I love my job but having to be super-focused day in and day out can take its toll. Then, there's the extra pressure of not making a mistake, knowing the team is watching.
"My brother needs to give you some time off. Not to mention, take you on a honeymoon."
Heat crawls into my cheeks.
The idea had occurred to me. The two of us, alone, somewhere far away. Part of me wants it badly. The other part knows better. Sleep with him and walk away clean— that was the plan.
Except I'm not sure I'm capable of it anymore.
"Aww, you’re blushing." Phe chuckles.
Briar scans my features, and her face lights up. “You have that newly-married glow about you.”
Really? Given we haven’t yet consummated our marriage, it has nothing to do with sex, that's for sure. I stay silent. But Briar doesn’t notice anything amiss.
"I’m going to check on Freya." To my relief, Briar excuses herself.
Phe turns to me, some of the humor fading from her face. "You’re sure my brother’s treating you fine? Because if he’s not?—"
"No, really. I’m good." I squeeze her arm, touched by her concern. "It’s been busier than usual at the restaurant."
"How is it with both of you working together, now that you’re married?" She bites her lower lip. "I don’t mean to pry, but I’m genuinely curious."
I consider her question and take my time answering.
"It is a little strange. After all, he was my boss first. And now, he’s more than that. It doesn’t change the fact that he’s a brilliant chef. Every day, I learn more from him. He’s so detailed, so exacting toward his staff that you want to hit him, but somehow, you end up admiring him for it."
I half smile.
"Once we’re in the flow of the day, I forget we have a life together outside the restaurant."
Helped, also, by the fact we’re so exhausted, we barely see each other outside of it.
