Chapter 2

ROCCO

I will admit, Tasha is hot. One of the hottest pieces of ass in the joint. I didn’t hesitate hiring her years ago and it’s been fun ever since. I knew by the way she presented herself she was going to be a lot of fun. Her waitressing skills, or lack thereof, could be vastly improved, but she is fun to look at. And now, here she is once again, riding me and pleasing me the way a woman should. I grab her hair and yank her head back. She likes that. It makes her gasp, which makes me harder. I drive into her again, ignoring the knock on my door.

“Come here, my pet.” I slide my hand around the back of her neck and pull her to me, exposing her neck so I can suck on her tender skin. Just as I lean forward to taste her, I notice a young woman standing in my doorway. Her eyes are wide as saucers and she wants to run but something keeps her there.

I smirk. She is sweet, pure, innocent, definitely not a native. I like her already. Do you want a show, good looking? I kiss Tasha’s neck, my eyes still on the damsel in my doorway. There is something about her that draws me to her. I can’t stop looking at her. Tasha sits up and blocks my view, pushing her mouth onto mine. I try to be attentive, but I’m distracted now. Grabbing her by her long blonde mane, I pull her to the side and look back to the empty doorway. Something in me changes. I try to concentrate on the luscious babe on my lap but I no longer want her.

“I can’t do this. Get up.”

“That’s not what you told me last week, baby.” Her teeth bite into the side of my cheek. Her breathless words were true. I tagged her last week leaning over my desk, or maybe it was at my apartment after work. Ours is a very informal relationship. She lets me know when she is lonely and I do the same. No strings, no messy knots. She is one of the better lovers I have been so fortunate to experience, however, my mind is now on the mystery woman; that look, the purse of her lips and the innocence in her eyes.

Tasha climbs off me, more understanding than I expect. Her body is gorgeous, curvy, well maintained.

“Perhaps we can continue this another time.” I stand up and put myself back together, kissing her one last time before escorting her out of my office.

I look around the dining room and notice Mary sitting at a table, rolling silverware, a smirk on her face. Sneaky. I hesitate before walking into the kitchen, my eyes glued on her, making her aware that I am onto her little game.

“Nice timing.”

“I’m sorry, Rocco. Were you busy?” Her words are saturated with sarcasm.

“Jealousy will not get you any further, Mary.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“I believe you do.”

I turn to the kitchen, spotting the mystery girl making herself at home alone in my restaurant. A wave of arousal flows through me as my eyes are filled with her again.

“You are still here,” I say with a smile. “Can I help you with something?”

“I’m, um, I want to apologize for…”

Her innocence radiates through her as her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink.

“No need. What can I do for you?”

“I am… I start work here tomorrow.” Her struggle is so cute. It makes me want to comfort her. “I’m Maddie Levere.” She straightens up and holds her hand out to me. I slide my hand into hers, touching her palm with my fingertips and sliding them up until I have firmly imprisoned her delicate hand in mine. Her touch electrifies me.

“Ah, yes. The fresh graduate from the west.” My eyes are glued to hers and surprisingly, she keeps contact.

“Yes.”

“Quite the small town, if I recall.”

“It is, yes.”

“How do you like New York?”

She lets out all the air in her lungs. “It’s definitely a change. Very busy and…” I watch her as she searches for the words she is looking for. “Rude.”

“Rude?” I repeat, my eyebrows in the air.

“So far, yes. My father warned me. I didn’t want to believe him, but I see that he is right. New Yorkers are very crass and undeniably full of themselves.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her impression of the people I love. Born and raised in New York, I suppose I am somewhat biased, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I think you need a little more time here. There is nothing like it.” I watch her face soften. “It is truly alive and pulsates with energy. You just have to give yourself to the beautiful culture of this city and it will give back to you.”

“I will try.”

“Let me take you out sometime.”

“No,” she says, stepping back from me. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. You are my boss, for one. Also, I don’t think your wife or girlfriend would approve.”

“Tasha?” I laugh. “She isn’t my wife or girlfriend, I assure you.”

“But…” she looks away, “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. I’m not sure why I’m here. I don’t know if this is the right place for me.”

“How do you know if you don’t even give it a chance? Do you give anything a chance, Maddie? Or are you used to watching from the sidelines and making up your mind to walk away before experiencing what life can truly give you?”

She opens her mouth to defend herself, but closes it before saying a word.

“That’s what I thought. You were one of the top students in your class. My co-owner and I hand-picked you because we feel you can give this place what it needs. And maybe this place can give you what you need. Don’t be scared before you find out what that might be.”

She looks around as if trying to validate why she is still here. Nodding in agreement gives me hope that I still have a chance with her. I just have to play it cool.