Page 31 of When Love Takes Over
I picked up the cookie without the frosting. From the first bite, I knew that as much as I loved my grandfather’s cookies, I had a new favorite.
“The frosting takes it to the next level, but even without the frosting, I’ve never had anything better.”
The smile she wore spread from ear to ear, and seeing her so happy about my compliment did something to me that I couldn’t explain.
“Thank you, Kenzo. That means a lot.”
“My grandfather all but demanded I track down the person responsible for those delicious cheesecakes. When he tastes these cookies?—”
“He’s had my cheesecake?”
“Yep! And he loved it. When he tastes these cookies, you might have another Kenzo proposing to you,” I teased.
“Oh my God. The original Kenzo Goode thoughtmycheesecake was good.”
“He thought it was more than good. I’ve only had two of your desserts, but it’s clear that you have a gift, and working in the cafeteria at the corporate office is not where you should be.”
“I enjoy working there, and it’s not a bad job to have while I’m in school. I just need some time to get my life back on track. All I need is an affordable place to live.”
“It sounds like you’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”
“I don’t have a choice. I have to check out of the hotel on Monday, and?—”
“Says who?”
“Umm, I assumed I’d only be there for the weekend.”
“Do you have some place to go?”
“I don’t, but I can’t have you spending more money on me. I can sleep in my car, and?—”
“Do you think I’d let you sleep in your car again?” I asked, trying to hide how pissed I was.
“It’s not about you letting me do anything. This is my life, Kenzo, and I’m trying to manage it as best I can.”
“And I’m trying to help you. Why won’t you allow me to do that?”
“You’ve helped enough, and I appreciate you, but I don’t feel right having you pay for an expensive hotel for more than a weekend.”
“But you feel right sleeping in your car and showering in the locker room at work?”
“No, but?—”
“Malyah, I don’t want to argue with you, but I need you to understand something. I know I’m your boss, and this dynamic we’ve created isn’t normal, but I’m a fucking man first. There’s no way I’ll let you sleep in your car, or in your office, or anywhere else I don’t deem suitable. Don’t disrespect me like that.”
She looked at me for a long time without responding, then ate one of the cookies on her plate. I patiently waited for her to say some slick shit or refuse to allow me to help her, and when she remained silent, I spoke.
“I’ll take your silence to mean that we’ve come to an agreement.”
She nodded.
“You have no problem speaking your mind any other time, so I want to hear you say it so I can be sure we have an understanding,” I said.
“We have an understanding.”
“And what’s that?”
“I’ll let you help me.”
