How it sounded was more than nice. Eric Pierce was not only incredibly sexy and gorgeous, but he was also more thoughtful than any boss I'd ever had before, even my uncle. If he was anywhere as considerate once I began actually cooking for him, I was going to love this job.
"Thank you so much. That's very nice of you. I have to admit I was wondering what I was going to do for clothes and a toothbrush."
My answer made him laugh out loud, and he threw his head back. "You have a wonderful way of cutting right to the nub of the issue. Well, take the rest of the day to go get your things and we'll start working tomorrow. I have a few events coming up, so I'll need you to plan some menus for me. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with."
Hearing he had events I'd have to design menus for made me doubt myself for a moment, but I'd just have to fall back on my experience at my uncle's restaurant. More than once, I'd helped him and my aunt with the catering for parties, so hopefully, this wouldn't be too different.
Eric reached across his desk to shake my hand, and just the touch of his skin on mine made something come alive inside me. His grip was strong and commanding, like a natural leader. I had no idea what he did for a living, but something told me as I looked into his dark blue eyes that he was definitely more than just some middle management type.
My curiosity about him took over, and before I knew it, I asked, "What do you do, Eric?"
Worried I'd overstepped my bounds, I took back my hand and shook my head. "I'm sorry. That was rude of me."
He smiled and shrugged like my intrusive question had been perfectly okay. "I'm the owner of The Cask Room in town."
"Oh. What's The Cask Room?" I asked, thinking his business might be a distillery.
"It's a restaurant. I've owned it for the past two years, and I'm very proud to say it's become a very popular destination for people coming from the city."
A restaurant? My new boss owned a restaurant and went to DeVille Staffing for a cook? That didn't make any sense at all.
I considered asking why he didn't just find a cook on his own since he likely could find a great one with little trouble as he was a restaurant owner, but I didn't say a thing and instead just smiled.
Nothing like having to prove yourself to a man who likely knows your job better than you ever could.
Eric stood from behind his desk and walked around to where I sat. Looking down at me, he smiled. "I'll have Magda show you to your room and then just let her know when you're ready to go and Clyde will drive you wherever you need to go. Magda can also tell you about the house and answer any questions you have about the place."
I stared up at him and felt myself become practically intoxicated by the sight of him. Those blue eyes looking down at me made me feel like he was looking directly into my soul, and his being so close to me made me unsure if my legs would hold me when I stood from my chair.
"Okay, thank you," I mumbled as I got up and prayed to God my knees didn't buckle.
Eric pressed his hand to my lower back and guided me toward the door. "I think you're going to work out perfectly, Maddie. I hope you like it here."
The feel of his palm against my body made an ache form in the pit of my stomach, and I clenched my thighs together to feel the sweet twinge of need settle in between my legs. If just his touch made me want him this much, I could only imagine what effect he'd have on me if we ever got to do anything like I'd fantasized about as I sat there in his office.
I turned around to face him and forced myself to say something intelligent. "I'm sure I will, Eric. I just hope you're happy with what I can do."
A slow smile spread across his perfectly full lips. "I'm sure I'll be more than pleased with you, Maddie."
If I didn't know better, I would have said Eric wanted me as much as I wanted him. But I must have been reading all the signs wrong. He was gorgeous and wealthy, a man who could have any woman he wanted.
What would he want with someone like me?