1st (Love For Sale) (11 page)

chapter Nine

First or Last

I’d dressed in my most conservative outfit for the meeting with my new boss today, needing the extra boost of confidence.  I had no idea what Seth’s attitude would be like since I’d turned down his offer, and was a nervous wreck when McKayla and I arrived at Danver’s building.  Correction, Seth’s new building.

I smoothed down my black dress pants, for the third time as we stopped at the front door, and McKayla grabbed my hand.  “Stop fidgeting, babe. We got this.” Her wink and tiny hand squeeze helped the knot in my stomach loosen.

The building was a two story gem in the heart of the city.  The bottom floor was a huge kitchen, and the top an open plan apartment that Danver’s slept in when we had a really big job.  McKayla and I had both had many dinners with our boss there in the past while going over new menus.

All the staff, which consisted of me, McKayla, and ten other members, were piled into the oversized kitchen when our former and new boss joined us.  Just seeing Seth in a business suit did things to my libido I wasn’t prepared for, but his expression was nothing but seriousness.

Danver explained that he was selling the catering company to Seth, and he was here to decide the new arrangements.  A few of the women seemed to be overly impressed with Seth, and I had to force myself not to roll my eyes at their blatant approval.

Danver glanced at me and I could see that he was worried how me and McKayla were taking the news.  He had been like our father over the years, so this was hard even without having the added knowledge that I’d slept with my new boss.  I forced myself to smile.

The relief on his face was evident, and I listened as Seth explained his expectations for the company.  Several things were changing, including the name, Rubin’s catering.  “It will take a few weeks for the marketing to change, and of course, we’ll honor the commitments already made.” 

Seth looked directly at me, and motioned with his hand.  “Caitlin and McKayla will be taking over the cooking portion, and be the liaison between the rest of you and me.  I do have several other companies that I manage so you can consider them your employers.”

I couldn’t have been more shocked if he’d punched me in the gut.  Even after I’d turned him down, he was giving me and my best friend the opportunity of a lifetime. 

“They have full decision-making capabilities on who stays on and is let go.  I will only say this once, but what theirs is the final word.   If there are any questions, direct them to these two ladies.  I believe that’s all.  Caitlin?  You, McKayla, Danvers, and I will continue this conversation, the rest of you are free to go.  You’ll be called later.”

The other staff walked out, talking among themselves, and I hoped they weren’t worried about their jobs.  I made a mental note to contact all of them when this meeting ended.  The last thing I wanted was them going out looking for another position.

We walked back to the small office at the back of the building and crammed in.  The space was good for one person, maybe two, but two grown men and me and McKayla?  Not so much.

“I’m sorry to throw this at you so quickly, but I believe this will be beneficial for all of us.”  Danver looked happy and worried at the same time and I wanted to hug him.  “Mr. Rubin has promised to keep you on as long as your service is excellent, and knowing that I trained you both I assured him it will be.”

“We’ll be fine.”  I gave in to my need to comfort and walked over, embracing him warmly.  “You deserve some time for you, plus you know how feisty McKayla and I can be.” I grinned for his benefit, when he pulled back.

“I know Mr. Rubin will have his hands full with you ladies, but go easy on him.” McKayla took my place hugging him, and it did something to my heart knowing that our long-time business relationship was over.  I knew we’d still be friends, though.

“Mr. Coolidge has assure me you are both ready to run the kitchen, and how do you ladies feel?” Seth was still in pure business mode, and I admit I felt a little nervous seeing him in the capacity.  He was so serious, not the playful man who’d teased me into submission.

“We’ve both helped run this kitchen for the last three years, so there’s nothing here we can’t handle.”  McKayla was surprisingly businesslike herself, and I admit being rather impressed.

“Good.  Unless that changes and you let me know, I expect this to run like a well-oiled machine.  Obviously your salary will be comparable with the new expectations, and I’ve put together a folder outlining benefits, along with my expectations for growth.”

“Let’s leave them to look over the outline, while you and I talk elsewhere.” Seth opened the door leading Danvers out.

“Okay, that’s sure as hell not what I expected.” McKayla gushed out in one breath.  “We are running the damn business!” 

She was so excited, and I couldn’t help but feel the same way.  I’d been afraid of how things would turn out after I turned down Seth, but apparently he didn’t hold a grudge.  “Let’s see what’s inside these things.” 

We both took a folder and she sat down in front of the desk, while I sat behind it.  My eyes widened at the amount we were being paid, and the added insurance benefits.  That was insane, Danvers had never been able to afford the expense, so we’d been forced to buy our own.  “There’s no way this can be right!”

“Fifty thousand dollars a year, with added commission for each successful event which will be determined by plate.”  McKayla’s expressive hazel eyes widened and we stared at each other.  “Holy shit, Cat, we’re rich.”

“This has to be a typo, how can he afford to pay a salary like this and still expect a profit?  I have to say something.”  A hundred grand a year between the two of us?  We could afford to have a much better life than we’d had in the past.  I knew there had to be a catch.

“You don’t think he expects…?” McKayla bit her lower lip, suddenly as concerned as I was I think.

“That wouldn’t be ethical.” He damn well better not expect anything from McKayla, and I expected him to be upfront and honest about his intentions with me, as well.  If something was too good to be true, then nine times out of ten it probably was.  We were pulling about seventeen thousand a year currently, so a pay increase like this was a little insane.

“Give me a minute.”  I stood up and walked out of the office, leaving McKayla sitting there.  Me and Seth were about to have a talk!

He was alone in the kitchen, looking over the hardware when I found him.  “Are the comps not to your satisfaction?” He was studying me curiously and I wondered for a moment if he was just naïve about the catering business.

“You do understand that’s an ungodly amount of money to offer.”  I needed to give him the benefit of the doubt before I jumped his ass.

“From the records that Danver shared with me, the salary is comparable to his.” He seemed confused at my concern and I understood immediately that he wasn’t trying to play us.

“So you based our salaries off what Danver accepted?”  I wanted to trust him, but there was still that underlying feeling that he wanted more than just my abilities as a chef.

“Yes.  That and the amount I expect to pull in by catering to a higher clientele.”  His smirk told me he knew exactly what I was thinking.  “I’d offer much more if you reconsidered accepting my offer.”

I couldn’t think about that now, because not only was my livelihood on the line, so was McKayla’s.  “We’re talking catering business right now, Mr. Rubin. If you’re basing our salary off Danver’s then you should split it between myself and McKayla.”  Was I think he was doing this as a favor to me?  I stopped and considered what I was saying, thinking I was giving him a little too much benefit.

“Caitlin, you should know that I never do anything without considering the outcome.  While I find your, shall we say charms, appealing.  I wouldn’t use your job to force you to give in to what we both want.” He chuckled warmly and the twinkle in his eyes told me he found my thoughts amusing.  “Two chefs, means more business, not that I won’t attempt to change your mind on the other.”

I felt like a fool at his condescending reply and blushed hotly.  If that didn’t deflate my ego instantly, nothing could.  “I’m sure you’ll find someone else to give you the other things you need.”  Hell, the other two female employees here earlier would probably fall down at his feet begging for a chance to serve him.  The thought pissed me off more than it should. 

“If only I could read your mind.” His grin widened.  “And, yes, I’m sure I could find someone to fulfill my needs, but I rather enjoyed fulfilling yours.  That offer is open ended, should you decide to play again, all you have to do is ask.”

“You don’t know me at all, Mr. Rubin.  I’ll work for you, but I can’t be a whore, so don’t hold your breath.” The truth was standing this close to him made me wish I could, the man was nothing if he wasn’t walking sex appeal.

“Sweet little Caitlin, I never asked you to be my whore, but I won’t argue.  I know what you need, kitten, but until you realize it, it doesn’t matter what I say.  Call me if you have any questions, business related or otherwise.” He winked at me then turned to walk away.

My mouth hung open as he all but strutted out the front door.  I wanted to run after him, what did that say about me?  Instead of following that impulse I walked back to join McKayla in the office.

“You’re not going to believe this shit, but the apartment above?  It’s ours now, too.  Another bonus.” She was smiling giddily until I didn’t return her pleased look.  “Ah, hell, Cat, what happened?”

“Nothing.” At her probing look, I knew she needed more.  “The salary is what he meant, he doesn’t expect anything more from either of us, and I’m happy about the apartment.”  So why did I feel like I’d just walked away from something I’d never find again?

“If that’s your happy face, I’d hate to see your sad one.  Spill it, baby girl.”  She stood up and wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

“I don’t know.  He swears that this is all on the up and up and I believe him, it’s just he told me the offer was open if I ever wanted to play with him again.”

“You don’t, so what’s the problem?” McKayla looked at me in utter confusion, and I can’t say that I blamed her.

“It’s just…  Well, I’m not sure I don’t want what he has to offer.  Does that make me a horrible person?” I sure felt like one.  Even knowing that he had no problem having another man pleasure me, and remember quiet well the way he liked to please himself, I still wanted Seth.

“Of course you’re not a bad person.  You just found out how great sex can be, so of course you’d want to explore.  But, baby girl?  His type of play isn’t something for you.  You’ll find someone who can scratch that itch without leaving you broken.”

Was she right?  It made sense that now that I had a taste of great sex that I’d want even more, but had he left me broken?  I don’t think I felt that way until he walked out the door, even if I’d been more than a little confused over how it felt to have another man touch me.  Seth was my first, and I wasn’t an unattractive woman, so I knew he wouldn’t be my last.

In some strange way, I think I wanted him to be.  What he offered was a world of sensual pleasure that I honestly didn’t think any other man could give me.  I definitely couldn’t see myself feeling confident enough to ask any other man to show me what sexuality truly was. Taking a deep breath, I nodded at McKayla, but deep in my heart, I knew I’d never forget my first.

Michelle Hughes

Thanks so much for reading 1
st
, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I loved writing it.  If you did, please remember to leave a review. I’ve always enjoyed taking the innocence of first passion and blowing away all concepts of what it should be like, 1
st
was no exception.  Will there be a second book?  Honestly that depends on you, I use reviews to decide what book to work on next.

So many incredible works in progress are floating around in my mind, or have already begun being typed out, not the least of the new revamping of my original Tears of Crimson book.  Fantasy’s Bar & Grill has amazed me by remaining on the bestseller charts for over six months, and it was from reviews that I decided to go forward with Fantasy Isle.  The Isle picks up where the Bar & Grill left off, so if you haven’t read that, please consider adding it to your reading list.

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