Read Online Never A Choice (The Choices Trilogy (Book 1)) by Dee Palmer - Free Book Online Page B

didn’t acknowledge me at all. Did I imagine it ?”
    “Did you imagine the hot male grinding against you . . . hmm . . . I doubt it. It’s his loss honey but I am happy he’s at least sparked an interest because frankly that’s a first. We just have to tend to that little flame and make sure you don’t stamp it back out.” She plants an aggressive kiss on my head.
    “Trust me I’m happy if it gets stamped out.” I snort.
    “So you wouldn’t want a repeat? You’d be happy if he just acknowledged you with a nod or a handshake?” Her tone is mocking but I think seriously about her question. My body is too quick to respond to the idea of a repeat but I shake my head and the accompanying visual away.
    “It’s for the best.”

    The next evening after Uni and I change into my work uniform which is a simple black skirt, matching tight fitted blouse which I pair with my sneaky black timberland boots, for comfort. Anthony Jr is a little more forgiving than his father who insists his waitresses wear proper shoes with at least a small heel. I can barely walk after a night out in heels let alone shift after shift. I skip downstairs and enter the kitchen, the rich aromas of tonight’s specials hit me with the same intensity as the heat from the cookers. It smells wonderful, I think I’ve had a smoothie since breakfast but that could easily have been yesterday, my tummy rumbles and I realise I’m starving. Still my shift officially started ten minutes ago and we will be fully booked tonight. Fridays are always hectic, so I doubt I will have the chance to grab anything to eat until we close.
    “Mmmmm that smells so good Joe.” I grab my pad and tie my apron twice round my waist. “What’s the special?”
    Joe is Sofia’s uncle and head chef, he sets the menus’ for the restaurants and is the most amazing talent in the kitchen.
    “Take a seat Bets and I’ll set you up a plate.” He winks at me and points to the stool at the end of the workstation.
    “You trying to get me fired?” I turn to make my way into the restaurant and squeal as I am lifted clear of the door and plopped roughly on the stool.
    “You will eat! Don’t want you losing any of those curves and I’ll have Anthony’s bollocks if he says a word.” He grins and casually waves a very large shiny knife.
    I laugh but try to get up again. “They’re probably swamped already, save me some for later.” It’s no use, he growls angrily.
    “I’ll force feed you if I have to girl, and that’ll hurt you more than it will me.” He tilts his head and with a pleading tone to his voice he says. “Come on Bets you’re hurting my feelings, I’ve never had to force anyone to eat my food don’t make me start now?” He places a large warm bowl of fresh ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a simple sage butter. It’s not the special but it is my favourite and judging by the smug grin fixed to Joes’ face he knows he’s got me. I cut the first piece and can’t help an exaggerated moan escape my lips.
    “Heaven on a plate Joe, as always.” There is no way I can manage to finish this huge portion but I tuck in as he explains the specials. There is a seafood; Frutti Di Mare Gratinati which is baked shellfish, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until golden served with fresh bread and lemon wedges and a Costoline Di Agnello Ripiene, which are lamb cutlets stuffed with Gruyere cheese, Parma ham and sage; they are then fried in breadcrumbs and served with a green bean salad. “Yum.” I smile. “Not going to having any trouble selling those tonight.” I push my plate away as Joe raises a brow.
    “I’m not going to fight you on this Joe, that was delicious but I can’t eat another bite.” I blow him a kiss and dash for the safety of the restaurant. I was right, it’s heaving, all the tables are full and the bar is starting to fill with people waiting to be seated.
    The main rush of the evening has ebbed and I am starting to do a