The Right Side of My Pillow, стр. 20

Chapter 10

Elise was running around Cole’s kitchen like a chicken with her head cut off. Olivia was pissed, especially when Elise insulted her skills in front of the private chef she’d hired.

The last straw was when Elise tried to chastise her. “Olivia, you’re going to have to do better with stocking this refrigerator! There’s barely any of the things my chef needs to prepare a proper meal for Cole and his guests.”

“I stock what Mr. Thornton likes.”

“He’s a man. You’ve got to think for him. They rarely know what they want. I swear, when I move in here there are going to be plenty of changes. Anyway, I’m going to need you to run to the store and pick up a few items.”

Olivia walked over to the kitchen closet where she kept her purse and coat. “Then, you better ask your chef to get it because I’m going home for the rest of today. Maybe even tomorrow.”

“You can’t just leave! Cole has an important guest coming over this evening.”

Olivia responded sarcastically. “You seem to have everything under control.” She would call Cole tomorrow when she calmed down and tell him about Elise’s actions. She shook her head from side to side unable to believe Elise’s audacity and left.

Elise was pissed. She mumbled to herself. “No staff of mine would ever behave that way. She is so fired.”

*****

Doug arrived with Carmen for dinner. She and Elise had been on their best behavior as they entertained Mr. Pfingston. Cole was more than satisfied with how she pulled everything together on such short notice, proud even. The food was delicious, and now they were all standing around his living room having an after dinner drink celebrating Sean Pfingston’s decision to work with Thornton Enterprises.

Yet, Cole couldn’t fully enjoy the moment. He took a quick glance at the door. Jade still hadn’t arrived. He was a little worried considering something scared the shit out of her last night. Maybe after their breakthrough, she would feel comfortable enough to tell him what was going on. Whatever trouble she’d found herself in, it didn’t matter. He had resources to help get her out of it.

While Doug and Sean chatted away, Carmen leaned over and whispered into Cole’s ear. “Looking for someone?”

He smiled but didn’t answer.

Elise was standing on the other side of Cole and couldn’t hear what Carmen said but wondered what it was that made him smile. They had been far and few in between. He had been more than a little pre-occupied the entire evening.

Jade sat outside in her car for about an hour dreading going inside. She’d stalled long enough. She didn’t want to deal with prying eyes, jealous girlfriends, or anything else. She was going to go straight to her room.

Back inside, Elise whispered to Cole again. “Are you happy with the results?”

He picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Very. If I haven’t told you already, then shame on me. Not only do you look stunning, everything turned out perfectly. I’ll have to think of something special to thank you for all of your hard work.”

Elise purred in his ear. “Oh, I can think of several different ways and positions that you can thank me later.”

Cole’s attention was immediately snatched away from her the moment Jade walked passed the door. He let out a barely audible sigh of relief. Barely, but Elise heard it.

He called out to her as she tried to quickly make her way down the hallway. “Jade!”

She stopped in her tracks, took a deep breath before turning around, and pasted on a smile. She slowly walked back toward the living room.

She was still in her work uniform, a pair of black khaki’s and a polo shirt, she spoke. “Hi everybody.”

“Come on inside and let me introduce you properly to everyone. This is my newest client, Sean Pfingston. Sean this is my sister, Jade.”

Elise rolled her eyes. Was he really introducing this woman as his sister? For heaven’s sake, this is business. Jade was black, and he was white so who the hell was going to believe that? Cole was taking this thing entirely too far. It didn’t make any sense.

Jade smiled and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you and congratulations.”

Cole turned to his friends. “And you remember Doug, Carmen, and Elise.”

She waved at them.

Elise didn’t respond.

Jade didn’t care.

Clearly flirting, Sean spoke. “If I had known you had a sister this gorgeous, I would have planned to stay a few extra nights. Maybe that would have given me an opportunity to take you out to dinner.”

Jade smiled. “Mr. Pfingston you flatter me.” She didn’t get a chance to turn him down before Cole stepped in.

He warned her with his eyes. “There’s something about mixing my business and personal life that makes me uncomfortable.”

Sean got the message loud and clear. “Of course.” He turned to Jade. “Brothers can be so overly protective, but I understand.”

Jade glared at Cole. “Excuse me, everyone. It’s been a long day, so I’m going to turn in early.” She walked out of the living room as gracefully as she could.

Doug and Carmen exchanged glances with each other. Carmen leaned into him. “Hmm…Cole seems a little too protective don’t you think?”

Doug responded through a smile. “Yep. He doesn’t even realize that he’s playing with fire. But, if Elise’s expression is any indication, she’s going to be the one to burn him.”

Chapter 11

Jade didn’t think Saturday night would ever get here. She was now fully back into the swing of things at the restaurant after getting sick with pneumonia. Her feet and neck were killing her, but it was worth it. She’d made some good tips and would need every bit of that money and more after getting canned from her cleaning job. Jade was still pissed about that. Can’t even take time off in this country for being