Can't Stop Loving You by Lisa Harrison Jackson

couldn’t help but think what he would give to be a fly on her bedroom wall when she took off those wet clothes. He waited until he saw lights come on before backing out of the driveway, all the while hoping that he wasn’t making a mistake.

Chapter 9
    â€œW elcome to Café Jireh!” La Jetta greeted Kaycee as she always did when a customer entered. The minute she realized who it was, she shrieked for joy and scurried from behind the counter.
    â€œWelcome to the family!” she exclaimed, giving Kaycee a hug.
    â€œThanks, La Jetta, that means so much,” Kaycee said smiling.
    Still holding Kaycee’s hands, La Jetta stepped back to examine her outfit. “Now you know, orange is my favorite color.”
    â€œDo you think this is too much?” Kaycee asked, hoping that she wasn’t too overdressed in the thin wrap sweater, beige skirt and low-heeled mules. Although casual, she felt more dressed up in comparison to La Jetta’s uniform of cotton khaki pants and company-emblazoned polo top.
    La Jetta shook her head, “Girl, you are fine. At Jireh we allow everyone to be who they are—you’ll see.”
    Kaycee glanced at her watch. Kendrick had said to report at 10:00 a.m. and it was now 9:50 a.m. She’d made sure to be a little early. “So where do I go?”
    â€œOh, let me show you around and introduce you to the crew.”
    La Jetta guided her to the dining room where a gangly dreadlock-wearing young man was wiping down tables.
    â€œHey Jaylen, let me introduce you to the newest member of our staff.”
    Jaylen turned at the sound of his name and smiled.
    â€œKaycee, what’s your last name again?” La Jetta asked.
    â€œJordan,” Kaycee said, realizing that she and La Jetta hadn’t been formally introduced when they’d first met.
    â€œJaylen, this is Ms. Jordan. She’ll be providing the baked goods for us and doing some other things. Kaycee, Jaylen Harrison. Jaylen busses tables and waits on customers. He only works part-time because he’s in college at Georgia State. He’s got his eyes set on being an attorney, and we all have no doubt that he’ll make a great one.”
    Kaycee extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Jaylen, but please, call me Kaycee.”
    â€œIt’s nice to meet you, too, Miss Kaycee,” he replied, shaking her hand firmly.
    Kaycee cringed at the title Miss being added to her name. It made her feel older than her approaching thirtieth birthday.
    After La Jetta gave her a tour, she took her back to the kitchen. It was small, but very efficient, with state-of-the-art appliances and ample work space. Just enough to do what she needed.
    She immediately noticed a bristly-faced old man standing by the grill barking out orders to a middle-aged Hispanic man and a young woman who looked to be in her twenties. They all looked up when they spotted Kaycee.
    â€œHey y’all!” La Jetta called out. “What’s going on?”
    â€œNothing but you, Jetta,” the old man replied with a wink.
    â€œThat’s what you say today and tomorrow you’ll be trying to get me fired.”
    The young girl burst out laughing and quickly covered her mouth.
    â€œHey, let me introduce you all to Mr. Rick’s new associate.”
    They all gathered at the cutting station.
    â€œThis is Kaycee Jordan. She’s going to be doing the desserts for Jireh from now on, as well as assisting Mr. Rick in planning events.”
    Kaycee gave La Jetta a sidelong glance at the mention of her event-planning skills. Kendrick must have really talked to her in detail.
    La Jetta placed her hand on the shoulder of the older man who reminded Kaycee of a little George Jefferson with gray hair.
    â€œKaycee this is Otis, our house chef,” La Jetta announced proudly.
    â€œChef!” Otis blared out. “I ain’t nuttin’ but the cook!”
    â€œOtis, what did we tell you