If I Told You by Jennifer Domenico

us?”
    “He did.”
    “And?”
    “What?”
    “Did he say anything about it?”
    “Nope,” I reply deciding to keep the details private. “He’s seen it before.”
    “You getting fingered on your couch? I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
    I laugh. “I meant me hanging out with someone in our apartment. I’ve walked in on him before. It happens.”
    “Hmm, I don’t know why I find this so intriguing, but I do. I guess because I’ve never been friends with a woman, especially one that looks like you. Flynn’s strength is admirable.”
    More than he even knows. “So, Wednesday?”
    “Yeah. I’ll pick you up at eight again.”
    “Sounds good. See you then.”
    I hang up then sit back in my chair. I’m looking forward to seeing him again, and this time, I don’t think anyone’s leaving wanting more.
     

     
    Sitting next to Rhys, I look out the window as the car pulls up in front of a familiar building. I shoot Rhys a look.
    “Really?”
    “I wanted to eat here again when I wasn’t reviewing. Is that so wrong?”
    “Is that your only motivation?”
    He offers a falsely innocent smile. “What else?”
    “Fine. I’ll play along. Let’s go.”
    We walk inside Flynn’s and Melissa greets us, giving me knowing looks behind Rhys’s back as he checks us in.
    “It looks busy,” I say, once he joins me again.
    “I have a reservation under an alias.”
    “Clever.”
    We wait for a moment while Melissa goes into the kitchen to get Flynn. A moment later, he comes out to speak with us.
    “Hello,” he says, shaking Rhys’s hand. “Pleasure to see you again.”
    Rhys looks around the crowded dining room. “I see things have changed since last week.”
    “Very much so. Thank you for the gracious review.”
    “You earned my praise.” He puts his arm around my waist. “I thought it would be nice to eat here again with no ulterior motive.”
    “No pressure,” Flynn says, with a chuckle.
    “None, actually. I never review a place twice, no matter how many times I eat there and what experiences I have. It’s the only way I can truly enjoy myself.”
    “Smart.”
    “You’ll be just as impressed,” I say. “Flynn is consistent.”
    “I have no doubt,” Rhys says.
    “Would you care to sit at the chef’s table?” Flynn asks.
    “If you have room, that would be great,” Rhys answers.
    “There’s always room. Come on over.”
    Rhys walks to the table, and I fall behind with Flynn.
    “I didn’t know we were coming here,” I whisper.
    “I figured,” he says back. “It’s okay. I can handle it.”
    “I know you can.” Rhys turns back glancing at my hand on Flynn’s back. I quickly drop it and take my seat next to him.
    Once seated, Rhys lifts my hand to his lips and plants a sweet kiss on it, keeping his eyes locked on Flynn’s. “Bring us whatever you like, Chef. I look forward to it.”
    “Certainly,” Flynn says with a smile, but I know he’s agitated. I’ve seen that tense grin too many times. “Be right out.”
    Tonight should be interesting.

 

    Dammit! He’s fucking flaunting her in my face. He knows I want her. He fucking knows. I swing around when I feel a hand on my shoulder and see Melissa.
    “You okay?” she asks.
    “Yeah. I’m good.” I look over to my sous chef. “Tim, start preparing the salmon special. Rhys Camden is here again.”
    “Got it, Chef.”
    I look back at Melissa who lingers in front of me. “What?”
    “Can I do anything to help?”
    “You can watch the fucking front like you’re supposed to.”
    “You just seem upset.”
    “I’m not. I wasn’t expecting him again. I’m just tense.”
    Her eyes soften as a smile spreads across her lips. “Maybe I can help with that.”
    “How?”
    She runs her hand down my arm. “However you want, Chef.”
    I realize what she’s offering. She’s a pretty girl, and I’ve definitely noticed how she lingers and stares at me.
    “That’s nice of you, Mel, but I don’t eat where I shit.” I