Making His Baby(174)
Before reaching my destination, a knock on the door interrupts us, stopping me dead in my tracks. I let Maddie down and she scrambles to put herself back together. I quickly direct Maddie into my closet and quietly close the door before moving to my desk chair.
“Come in,” I say as I sit down.
Joanne opens the door and looks around. “Is everything okay?”
“Of course. Why do you ask?”
“Your door is closed, for one. Even when you were… entertaining… you hardly closed the door.”
“I had a personal phone call earlier.”
“Okay. Do you have the list of contractors for the remodel?”
“I do. I will email them over to you right now.”
“Thank you.” She looks around, not completely believing my phone call story. “I want to get them started early next week.”
“If you want, I can start making calls this morning.”
“That’s okay. I’ll take care of it.”
“Is there anything else?” I ask, waiting for her to leave.
“No. I have a meeting after lunch with some potential investors, so I’ll be busy for couple of hours, but we can go over everything tonight.”
“Investors? For the restaurant?”
“You didn’t think we could fund this remodel on our own, did you?”
“There are financing options. I thought you were looking into them?”
“It was a possible option, but when you have the right investor, why bother?”
“I wasn’t aware of this new development.”
“Nothing is set in stone yet. I’ll have more details tonight.”
I sit there, motionless, as she turns and leaves. After a few moments, I rush to the office door and look out, closing the door again and letting Maddie out of the closet.
“Sorry,” I say.
“This is what I’m talking about, Rocco. I don’t want to do this. Sneaking around is too dangerous.”
“It will all be worth it to be with you.” I cup her face and kiss her again, lingering on her lips and just enjoying the feeling. “Have dinner with me.”
“I don’t know. I think it’s too risky.”
“Private dinner, just the two of us. I know a great out-of-the-way place we can go.”
After a slight hesitation, she smiles and nods.
“Okay,” she says. “I have to go right now, but I’ll have dinner with you.” She warms me with her smile and after one more beautiful kiss, she sneaks out, leaving me with more moments to ponder over until I see her again.
It is just before the lunch hour, so I walk through the dining area to check on stocked items. Nancy smiles and waves.
“Good morning,” she says with a smile.
“You are chipper today.”
“I was able to spend some time with Maddie and I found out just how amazing she really is. I had her all wrong and I feel terrible for trying to get her into trouble. Anyway, we bonded and she is even helping me out with a small problem I have been having. I think we are going to be good friends.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“I even mentioned that I think you and her would be dynamite together,” she says.
“Did you?” I hold a chuckle back.
“I hope she at least gives you a chance.”
“You know the rules.”
“Sometimes rules are made to be broken. Besides, you’d be so much better for her than that other guy.”
“Other guy?” The thought feels like a punch in my stomach. “I wasn’t aware she was seeing anyone.”
“Well, I don’t know how serious they are, but I do know he is quite the dominating type. Are you interested in her? I can tell her if you want.”
“No, no that’s okay. I’d rather keep things professional.”
“Oh, okay. Sorry.” She starts to walk away with a bounce in her step, leaving me there questioning her intentions.
Just as Joanne appears from her office carrying a stack of clean tablecloths, Nancy stops and turns back to me.
“I almost forgot. Where is Maddie?” Nancy asks.
I get a feeling in my gut that this isn’t going to end well. “Today is her day off.”
“Oh. I hope everything is all right.”
“As far as I know, it is.”
“Well, when I saw her coming out of your office this morning, I assumed she was here. I’ll just call her later.” Nancy turns and walks into the kitchen, whistling a happy tune. I glance over and see the daggers Joanne is throwing at me with her eyes.
Chapter 13
MADDIE
“Hi, Daddy.”
“Pumpkin! How are you? How’s New York?”
“Really great. My job is amazing and the people are super nice.”