She wondered why she never told Tilly about the way she felt for her brother. It was weird, because she and Tilly told each other everything. They kept nothing from each other. Tilly parents had even invested in her food truck business when she started it to show their support, but she'd kept her crush on Kaleb a secret. Maybe she was just scared of the way Tilly would react. What if Tilly didn't like the idea of her dating her brother? Would it leave a mark on their relationship?
She didn't want that because she valued their friendship so much. But again, what was the point of talking about it when Kaleb wasn't even slightly interested in her. He'd completely friendzoned her, and she hadn't even seen him for years…. Well, until that afternoon.
"Urmmm… helllooo" Tilly said on the other end of the line, bringing Sasha back to reality.
"No, " Sasha said finally, answering Tilly's question, "I wasn't going to throw him a party. I was just surprised to see him, that's all." Feeling uncomfortable, she changed the topic. "So I guess you're all caught up. Ready for your tests now?"
Tilly sighed. "Yeah I guess I am. To some extent, but I have done enough reading for today. We can hang out later. How about you come over tomorrow or I can come to your place if you prefer."
"You should come over. That would be much better" Sasha said immediately, knowing that she wasn't ready to face Kaleb again. "I'll see you tomorrow"
She hung up and let out a deep sigh. Just how long was Kaleb going to be around before he went back to wherever the hell he crawled out from?
—-------
Sasha grimaced at the vibration of her cell phone in her back pocket as she served up an order of green papaya salad and tom yum to another hungry customer standing outside her food truck. Her delicious Thai cuisine made hers one of the more popular trucks stationed at the Park during the lunch hour.
Sasha was a wonderful chef, and when she’d proposed starting a food truck business, Tilly and her parents had insisted on investing. The love of food and cooking were just a couple things the two of them bonded over. And because they were such good friends, when she had called Tilly that morning, frantic because she’d been down a person, Tilly had been more than willing to jump in and help. It hadn’t been the first time she’d volunteered, and if Sasha needed her, it wouldn’t be the last and Sasha was grateful for that. Her friend always had her back and knowing that it wasn't easy to have or find such a good friend, she didn't take it for granted.
The food had been prepared and Tilly was putting them in their packages while Sasha handed them to the customer.
“Here you go, babe.” Tilly handed her an order of pad thai, disrupting her thoughts. “That’s number 66.”
“Thanks.” Sasha accepted it, bagged it and carried it to the window. “Here you go.” She passed the food to the customer with a smile and turned to the next person in line. “Hi, how can I help you tod—”
Oh hell. It was Kaleb.
Her eyes widened as she stared at his cool, amused expression. “What are you doing here?” she asked, and in spite of the “I don’t care about him any more” speech she’d delivered to herself since she saw him two weeks ago, apprehension quivered through her at the smirk glittering in his gaze.
“I came to check out your place,” he ground out. “Tilly told me she'd be helping you in your food truck today so I decided to use the opportunity to come say hello—”
“Hey, man, order and move on. Some of us have to get back to work,” someone yelled from behind Kaleb. And when several more grumbles of agreement followed, Kaleb whipped his head around. Immediately, the mumbling ceased.
Good Lord. That was some superpower. He returned his attention to her and in spite of his glare, she hiked her chin up. “Thanks, but I’m busy though. If you need Tilly, I can go call her for you. I'm sorry, but I needed her today.”
"Relax. I'm not here for Tilly. Trust me, I've had enough of her and her troubles and I've only been back for two weeks." His gaze narrowed further, and he growled, “Open the door.”
Before she could reply, he stalked off and disappeared. But seconds later, a hard rap at the side door echoed in the truck. From the grill, Tilly tossed her a “what the hell?” look, and, bemused, Sasha shrugged and unlocked it.
The door jerked open, and Kaleb strode through it. His big body and intense presence seemed to shrink the interior to that of a toy truck.
Sasha stared at him, open mouthed and struck silent. Which wasn’t an easy feat, while Tilly simply rolled her eyes, looking unimpressed. "It's just you. What are you doing here?" Tilly asked.
"Mind your business," Kaleb retorted. With sharp movements, he jerked off his coat and suit jacket and hung them on a wall hook. Then he rolled his sleeves up to his elbows and pinned both Tilly and Sasha with that dark glare.
“Well?” he snapped. “Where do you need me?”
Need him? What was happening? Sasha wondered.
"I want to help," he added helpfully.
Tilly recovered first. “I'm not sure you can be of much help, Kaleb" she said, "But let's see how much your kitchen skills have improved” She handed him a knife. “You get an order of cashew chicken going, and I’ll get the green curry.”
Without a word, he crossed to the sink, washed his hands, then accepted the utensil and started chopping fresh vegetables and chicken like a pro. Tilly again shot Sasha a look, but Sasha shrugged, still stunned and confused.
“You have customers waiting,” Kaleb reminded her, without turning around.
Now the man had eyes on the back of his head as well as cooking skills?
Again…what the hell was going on?
Shaking her head, she returned to the window and the ever-growing line outside. For the next couple hours, the three of them worked like a well-oiled machine.
Sasha still couldn’t quite grasp that Kaleb Luthor was there in the cramped quarters of a food truck, cooking Thai entrées like a professional.She tried to imagine other guys she'd met jumping in and helping out and couldn’t. The image refused to solidify, because they would never have done it. Not many men of her acquaintance would’ve bothered getting their hands dirty. But then again, two hours ago she wouldn’t have been able to picture Kaleb getting his hands dirty, either. And especially not for her.As Sasha closed the serving window and hung the Closed sign, questions crowded into her head. But before she could ask them, he turned, tugging down his sleeves and rebuttoning the cuffs.“I actually came to invite you to my party,” he said, thrusting his arms into his jacket, then his coat. "Your party?" Sasha repeated. "Yes. I've decided to stay here. I mean, move back here…. Permanently. I've bought a house too, and I'm throwing a small house warming party… with a few close frie
Sasha gave her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry" she said, "Lots of customers at the truck… And I had a little problem choosing my outfit. Now, speaking of outfits, yours is just…. You know… wow. Why aren't you dressed? Or are you?" Tilly rolled her eyes. "Good question! I'm dressed like this because like an idiot, I offered to help plan Kaleb's stupid party, and he put me in charge of everything. Trust me, if I'm not there to monitor everyone, nothing gets done."Sasha smiled. She wasn't surprised one bit. Tilly was a control freak, and she liked to do things and way and when she wanted it done. "I'm sure it's all in your head," she said, "Maybe you should let them do the rest and you should get dressed. You deserve to enjoy the party you put together. It's amazing by the way. You did great." "Of course I did, duh" said Tilly with a proud smirk, "What would Kaleb do without me? But of course, he won't admit that he can't do anything without my help" Sasha laughed, "I'm very sure he
"I'm glad you came" he said to her, "I almost thought that you wouldn't honor my invitation" "Now why would you say that?" she asked, and he had to concentrate hard to remember what he’d said."I—I guess because you didn't look very thrilled about it when I invited you." he essayed at last, congratulating himself on his memory. "I'm glad you came Sasha" Her lips were pressed together when she turned to give him a doubtful look, and Kaleb guessed she didn't really believe him. Long lashes, several shades darker than her hair, shaded her expression, however, and Kaleb found himself imagining how they would feel against his lips. He wanted to kiss her, he realized. He wanted to press that slim luscious body against his own and ease his aching need between her legs… "I don’t think that’s very fair, Kaleb" she said, and his arousal abruptly deflated. "You invited me in the weirdest way possible." An eyebrow lifted. He did? "Walking into my truck…" she continued, "Helping Tilly and I,
Kaleb nodded."I totally understand. My parents on the other hand are simply thrilled that I'm back in town. I guess they don't bother me so much because they still have Tilly. She's a lot to handle so I guess they were simply relieved when they had one less child to worry about "Sliding glass doors led to a balcony that showed a stunning view of the city in the distance—bright lights, so full of stories and interest."So beautiful." she said again. He dipped his head in silent concession, moving towards the kitchen and pulling a bottle of champagne from the fridge. She recognised the label for its distinctive golden color. He took her martini glass from her and put both their glasses in the sink, then she watched as he unfurled the foil from the champagne bottle and popped the cork effortlessly, grabbing two flutes and half filling them."Your sister is an amazing friend too," Sasha continued, desperate for something to say in order to fill up the silence, "I don’t think I've ever me
"I really think we should get back to the party now, Kaleb" Kaleb watched her for a second before he stood up. He wanted to kiss her again, but he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable… OrOr worse, scared. He wasn't a caveman and he'd never take a woman who wasn't willing. So he stood up and faced her. "I'm sorry" he said, "I shouldn't have done that, and you're right. We should go back to the party" Sasha almost winced. Sorry? She didn't want him to be sorry because she'd love that kiss. She just thought that stopping was the right thing to do, but she masked her feelings quickly and stood up straight. "Yeah, we should go," she agreed. They left and walked in silence, but the kiss refused to leave Sasha's lips. Amatory blushes kept flushing on her cheeks at the mere remembrance of Kaleb's mouth taking charge of destroying her any possible resolution to keep herself sexually uninvolved as she'd been for the past few years.Oh no, this wasn't healthy! Sasha shook her head to
"I bet she is," she mocked, "or else why would you meet her if you're still awake by now?" Her voice was rather accusing. "Why did you leave the party in such a hurry earlier?" Ignoring her sarcasm, Kaleb changed the subject. He just had to ask! The audacity he had! Sasha smirked. "Did you want to enjoy seeing the girl you just kissed a few minutes ago making a friendly chat with your girlfriend?" she snapped, her wound reopened. "Oh, so you left because of Claire?" Again, Kaleb's voice was mocking. "No, I left because of me," Sasha recoiled, and it was her stupidity sending him a text. "And what about you and Samson? I see the way he looked at you at the party. He seems to really like you and the both of you seem really familiar with each other. What do I make out of that?" Kaleb sounded different, odd even. It was Sasha's turn to laugh. It was a ridiculous thing to say as far as she was concerned, because she and Samson had never gotten personal in that way. He'd never even tr
Sasha's lips curled into a hard line. "What are you doing here, Kaleb?" she asked with a frown. "Are you stalking me?" Kaleb smirked, "You wish?" he said, "I am not a coward, Sasha, so I don't stalk people. I walk up to them and say hello. Just like I'm doing right now." he paused, "Hello Miss Sullivan. How are you doing today?" Sasha wanted to slap that arrogant smirk right off his face. The audacity of this man. It was strange because it annoyed her and yet amused her at the same time. "So it's a coincidence that you're here in my lecture hall… At the same time that I'm supposed to be having a lecture?" "Maybe it is a coincidence" he replied smugly, "You know… It could just be the universe doing its thing. Who are we to stand in the way?" Sasha scoffed, "The universe?" she repeated, "You don't really believe in things like that, do you?" Kaleb shrugged, "Would it be such a bad thing if I did?" Sasha had had enough. She slammed her book shut with more force than necessary. "St
Sasha had chosen a dress she knew to be a perfectly suitable albeit very unexciting dress. It was a black shift, high-necked and under a matching jacket. Unrevealing. She had also put her hair in a ponytail, as she didn't want to look like she was trying to attract him in any way. This was dinner between friends —or what everyone the hell they were, and nothing more. Sasha opened her door to face Kaleb. He was wearing a white shirt tucked into black trousers, with black shoes to match, and as always he looked spectacular. 'He is not available,' Sasha reminded herself again. "Hi" she said shyly and hated the way her voice sounded. She suddenly felt thirsty. "Hello beautiful" Kaleb replied with that deeply sexy voice.For the second time that day Sasha looked up into those eyes. Those eyes that she hadn’t been able to get out of her head for weeks now, and her mouth turned dry, her hands clammy. Her reaction to Kaleb was alarming. Normally, she had no time for frivolous flirtations,