Page 76 of Admittedly For Me

Pushing through it, I need to leave for the bank in twenty minutes and told Ian I’d give him a call. Eventually, I’ll rest, and it will be in Ian’s arms, completely exhausted from orgasms. So, for right now, I’m forcing myself to carry on with this work shift. I need to get this new chef trained.

“Hello, my beautiful.” His voice is extra chipper, and I can picture his smile through the phone. I open my mouth to reply, but tears begin streaming down my face. “Emery?” His voice softens. Squeezing my eyes shut, I sniffle with a hiccup. “Awe, baby, how can I help those tears stop?”

“They’ll get better each day that I put the work into myself.” I wipe my eyes.

“You are amazing. I know this isn’t easy for you.”

“Diving into my childhood wasn’t easy today.” I shrug, even though he can’t see me. “How is work going?”

“It’s going really well. His voice is at ease as he continues to fill me in on what I’ve been missing in Beechwood Falls.

“One day soon, I’ll be back there and get to talk to your face. I have an appointment I need to get to, and this next week is busy.” I hear him sigh on the other line. “I know, it sucks that I can’t give you an exact date, but please hold on for me.”

“I’m yours, Daisy Girl.”

We hang up, and I pull myself together before walking down the street to the bank. I smile the entire way, ready to take on whatever life can give me.

My meeting goes smoothly and I am beyond psyched for what I’m able to put into action in the next few weeks. Even though sleep will be non-existent, it will be worth it.

Chapter23

Ian

“Cell service isspotty out here, but the internet works fine.” I unlock the bachelor suite on top of Rhett’s garage for our new interior designer. “Rhett has a side project he’s working on today.” Something last minute for a family friend he didn’t give much detail about. We are already crunching for time, but he was so passionate about taking on this quick project in the next town over. “He should be home around five to feed his goats and show you around.” Tori’s dark brown eyes widen as she sets her designer purse on the counter.

“Goats?” She walks to the front window. “Will they charge at me?”

“You should be fine. They’re pretty playful, but they won’t hurt you.” She nods quickly, and I can sense the unease. “Look, Tori, I know this is new for you and a big change from Los Angeles.” Not to mention, a big life change for someone in their mid-twenties, but she was so confident through the interviews. “Give it time. My girlfriend and her friends are very welcoming, and I know you’re going to fit right in with them.” That was the first time I’ve referenced Emery as my girlfriend, and it pulls my lips into a smile.

“This town is so small. It feels like a Hallmark movie.” Her face softens as she walks back over to the counter. “That’s what sold me on this job. The location is refreshing. Something I’ve always longed for.” I don’t push for her motive in escaping her life, but I see there is a story to be told.

“Well, you’ve come to the right place for that. Rhett is a great guy and a sappy suck for his goats.” Completely contradicting his large, broody self. “There’s a mini fridge, but no actual kitchen, as you can see.” A small island holds a fruit bowl and toaster oven.

“I’m fine with that. I don’t really cook.” She points to the right and laughs. “As long as I have my own bathroom, all is well.”

“There’s no food delivery to Rhett’s place like you have in the city, but there are plenty of people in town who’d be willing to have you over for dinner.”She shrugs with a smile. “There’s an outdoor kitchen out back, and you can share Rhett’s in the house.”

“Thanks. Maybe I’ll pay him to make me dinner.” Tori shoots me a wink with her almond-shaped eyes, and I wonder with how attractive she is if it will tempt Rhett to break theno fucking this employeerule we made.

“I’m sure he’d have no problem throwing an extra steak on the grill for you.” I give her the basic rundown of the place and answer any questions. “I’ll bring up your last suitcase and you can get settled in. We can have a meeting Monday morning and go over everything to come for the week.”

“I should probably buy some different clothing.” She eyes me up and down in my Carharts and black tee. “I only have business attire, mostly. I’d like to fit in with this town, and after seeing the more casual attire as I drove downtown.” She tilts her head as her perfectly curled hair bounces. “I’m definitely the odd one out.”

“I’ll give your number to a few girls, if that’s okay? Savannah is really sweet and would enjoy showing you around. She owns the dance studio here.”

“That would be great. I don’t want to be any trouble, though.”

“Tori, people in this town are always here to help. Savannah is one of my girlfriend’s best friends and would happily take you shopping.”

“I guess that’s cool.” It might take time warming Tori up to everyonetreating you like you are family after just introducing yourself, but hey, she wanted the small-town Hallmarkmovie experience. “Thank you, Ian.”

“Thank you. We’re looking forward to working with you.” She was a blessing to this company, and her knowledge is going to be handy with our upcoming projects.

I see myself out and head to the job site. Pulling out my phone as I arrive, I smile, staring at the incoming voice memo from Emery. I’m glad she is doing well and sorting things out, but I miss her. It’s been an adjustment not being in the same time zone and having different work schedules. But she’s worth the wait. I step out of my truck and busy myself well into overtime to keep my mind off when she’ll return.

Chapter24

Emery