“We know it’s not really an ideal place for someone to live, so we decided to keep the rent low.And with the construction coming in six months or so, you might be re-thinking your choice,” Lauren jokes.“The good news is, that while it’s pretty secluded, Tommy’s house is a quick drive up the gravel road, and mine and Jack’s house is up front.And you’ll have Leo close by,” Lauren adds, and I swear I don’t mean for it to come out as loudly as it does.
“Leo?What?”I spit out and Tessa laughs immediately, her hand moving to cover her mouth.
“Yes, he lives above the catering kitchen.The barn we converted,” Lauren clarifies, and holy shit, that boy has some self-control because we could’ve been upstairs in his house within seconds.“Is that okay?I know he’s your boss, but he’s really great and if you need anything, he’ll jump to help you.”
I nod, unsure of what to say, but knowing if I open my mouth, I’m sure to say something stupid.
“You can move in whenever you want, and Jack and I said we don’t need a formal lease unless you want one.You can pay us the first of the month and let us know if you need anything,” Lauren continues and I’m not sure what is more overwhelming, finding a place on a whim or knowing Leo is my closest neighbor.
Again, I nod, agreeing to whatever because all I can think about is making out with Leo in my new house or should I be thinking about not making out with him since I live in a house owned by the big boss?
“Welcome to the family!”Lauren squeals, pulling me in for a hug, and holy shit, my life is getting a little overwhelming.
Chapter Ten
Leo
It’s been a couple of days since I saw Hannah and all but said I’d be taking her home with me if we didn’t have to worry about her brother asking us a million questions about what’s going on with us.
It’s not that I’m hiding whatever this thing is that’s happening between us from him, it’s more that it’s so new that I’m not even sure how I’d explain it.I also don’t need the drama that comes from everyone knowing my business, which seems to be the norm here at Somerville’s.
Plus, I really need to remember how this all looks for Hannah.I’m her boss and she’s only just started working here.The last thing I need is for the rest of my staff, or anyone else for that matter, thinking she’s getting special treatment or whatever, because that is definitely not what’s happening.
Even if I do think about her literally all the time now.
Still, in a bid to not make it obvious that I do constantly think about her or want to spend all my time hanging out with her, I’ve taken to rostering her on at the other restaurant to the one I’m working at most days.I’m hoping this helps hide the obvious attraction I have to her and also saves me from potentially chopping my fingers off because I just can’t take my eyes off her.
Not that any of that is happening today, because it is a rare couple of days off on account of the restaurants being closed on Monday and Tuesday nights.I was half tempted to text her last night and see if she could maybe sneak out and come over for a couple of hours, but that had felt kind of weird.
Almost like I thought of her as a booty call.Which I don’t, not even close, and I certainly don’t want her thinking that.This whole sneaking around thing is hot, except for when it isn’t.
So, I’d spent the night alone, killing time in front of the TV while I made a half-assed attempt to work on some new menu ideas.
I’d woken up this morning horny and frustrated, really wanting to see her, maybe spend a couple of hours with her with no pressure or expectations.No risk of being caught either.
Pulling on some clothes and my sneakers, I decide to go out for a run while I try to come up with a plan.I usually try to get one in every day, enjoying the peaceful quiet that comes from living at a winery.
Most people probably think it’s weird that I live at my workplace, but I honestly love it.I love that I can come and go as I please, that I have a place that perfectly suits my needs and an awesome view anytime I step outside my door.
I run down the steps of the loft apartment I live in above the catering kitchen.Outside, I make a right turn and head away from the main property and down through the vineyards, looping up past Tom and Penny’s place before making my way back down the gravel road that leads to some old buildings that Tessa has been working on.
As I round the corner, my heart pounding in my chest and sweat dripping from my body, I suddenly stop in my tracks at the sight of Hannah, carrying a box into one of the newly renovated cottages that sits out here.
“What the fuck?”I mutter to myself, scrubbing a hand over my face as though to clear my vision.But she’s still there, not having noticed me as she struggles with the box and trying to get the door open.
Without thinking, I jog over, Hannah finally noticing me as she turns at the sound of my sneakers on the gravel.
“Hey,” I say, taking the box from her hands.“What are you…you live here?”
Hannah laughs, opening the front door now that her hands are empty.“I do now, yep.”
“Wow, I…” I trail off, as my gaze finds hers, an unspoken promise floating between us because we both know what this change in living arrangement means.
She’s no longer living with her brother.
She has her own place and it’s right here at Somerville’s.Where I also live.In the middle of nowhere with no one else around.
Holy fuck, the possibilities are endless.
