Since then, she often looked over him with worry when he left in the mornings, and he did his best to avoid further injury that might further incite her concern. For him, it was commonplace – nothing an icepack and a beer couldn’t fix. Of course, it might be a little harder convincing her of that
“What I could do,” He mused, taking a sip of his Budweiser, “Is teach him or her the business. See if they have a good head for it. Administration has never been my strong suit. A necessity, yes, but to have someone I trust at the helm…that could work wonders. This would, of course, also be after eighteen.” He winked at Esme before setting the bottle aside. “What do you think?”
The young woman closed her eyes with a thoughtful smile. “I think if he’s anything like his father, he’ll be more content on the back of a horse than in a board room, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
For a moment, Daniel was struck absolutely dumb by her statement. He didn’t think he’d ever directly mentioned to her exactly why he didn’t often visit his offices. Which meant that, simply by watching him, she’d discovered the reason herself. And instead of railing at him for getting others to do what he wasn’t comfortable with, she accepted it without a single qualm.
He stared at her gently rocking form, and then at the divine curve of her belly – and in that instant, he envied any man who might come after him. When all was said and done – when he had his child to contend with and Esme walked out of his life, he would have to live knowing that some other man touched her…loved her, and perhaps even slept beside her.
The notion twisted his gut, making him swallow thickly.
He needed to see her again – after all of this. Even if it was just once or twice, in the most casual of environments.
Which was why he needed to speak with her about an offer he’d pondered for the past few weeks.
“Esme?” His voice was quiet as he watched her rocking slow. “Are you asleep?”
“Mm-mm.” She shook her head serenely, deep brown eyes opening to slits. “Just resting.”
He took a deep breath. Of all business decisions he’d made in his career – all the billion dollar mergers and risks he’d endeavored upon, this one made him the most nervous. It would decide whether Esme would remain within his grasp or if he never saw her again.
“Esme, I’d like to talk to you about something important.”
Almost instantly, the young woman was completely awake, straightening with a wince at the soreness in her back. “Sorry, I’m awake. Is it something about the baby? Did the doctor call?”
Like a protective mother hen.
“No.” His lips curved ever so slightly. “The baby’s perfectly fine, I’m sure. Nowhere safer for him.” His expression sobered as he steeled his nerves. “What I want to talk to you about is a job offer.”
Esme arched a brow in surprise before a soft laugh escaped her and she relaxed back into her chair. “Hate to break it to you, Daniel, but my talents don’t particularly lie in cattle breeding and business dealing.”
“Well, I’m sure you could do anything you put your mind to. You’re smart enough, that’s for certain.” He drawled in true admiration, before continuing more carefully. “But seriously…I know where your talents lie. And I know what you love to do. And it just so happens that a restaurant I frequent up in Kinnit is in need of a new head chef.”
Esme froze in her seat, her eyes widening as she stared at him in disbelief. “The company provides nearly all their beef, and I’m a large shareholder in the conglomerate. If you’d like…I could arrange an interview for you.”
“You’d do that…for me?” The tone of her voice suggested that she was truly surprised and Daniel leaned forward in his chair to fix her with the intensity of his blue gaze.
“Why wouldn’t I, Esme? Anything between us aside, no one could possibly dispute your talent in the kitchen. Your food is absolutely amazing. You deserve a shot at running your own kitchen.”
For a moment, the young woman’s eyes filled with a hope so poignant he felt his own heart seize, before they darkened and she looked away. ”I…I don’t know if I’m ready.”
Didn’t know if she was ready? This was what she had waited for – had worked towards her entire life, and now she didn’t know if she was ready? He could hardly believe such a thing.
“Why wouldn’t you be ready, Esme? You’re an amazing chef who has years of experience. You’re capable of five star work.”
“I…” She appeared to take a deep breath before hauling herself from her chair to begin to pace up and down the long length of the porch. “I just...you’re the only person to ever say that to me, Daniel.” The light evening breeze picked up tendrils of her hair, making them dance around her face. “And it’s not as if I don’t believe you, I swear. It’s just…this is a lot. And all so suddenly.”