Chapter 4

Carissa's POV

My alarm goes off and honestly it's the worst sound ever. I stir a bit in my sleep and finally convince myself to get up after a few minutes of continuos torture from my so called alarm. I turn it off and carry out my morning routine as quickly as I can. 

I get dressed and minutes later, I'm headed downstairs to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. I opt for a simple dish of eggs and pancakes with freshly squeezed juice. I just finish setting the table when I hear footsteps approaching. I look up and I'm met with the most beautiful hazel brown eyes I've ever seen. Something flickers in them for a bit and then just immediately as it appears, it disappears and turns stone cold. 

I stare at him for a bit and I have to say, this is the most beautiful man I've ever met. His broad shoulders fit perfectly in his million dollar suit and as he moves towards me, I catch a swift of his cologne and I'm practically about to melt on the spot. He looked good in his drunken state last night though I couldn't really get a good look at him due to how dark it was but this man is heavenly. He gives me a cold stare and I clear my throat and move towards him.

“Good morning sir. You must be Mr Ezra, my new boss. I'm Carissa, your new Chef” I say, extending my hands for a shake and he only stares at it pointedly and looks back up at me. Okay that's rude. With the way he behaved last night, I should be the one giving him the look he's giving me right now. And suddenly, I'm getting riled up.

“You introduced yourself last night. There's no need for further introductions” he gives me a bored look.

“Okay but I didn't know you were my boss back then”

“Well, you know now” he moves around me and walks straight to the fridge, opens it and pulls out a bottle of water. He drinks a bit of it and turns to me.

“I’m sure Miss Michelle showed you around so you know what to do. And listen, you're here for just one job and that's prepping and cooking my meals and I would appreciate it if you stick to that” he makes to move past me.

“That’s rich, coming from someone who tried to swallow me whole last night” Okay I don't know why I said that but I suddenly feel bold.

“Excuse me?” he turns, giving me a look. This man is fine and all but his attitude stinks and that's a huge turn off, not that it matters anyway. 

“I would have you know that I didn't appreciate your attitude last night. You invaded my privacy and that is totally not okay. I'm your staff doesn't mean you get to do that” At this point, I'm certainly sure I just lost my new job but I have to address this. I can kiss the money I need goodbye. Way to go Carissa.

“I was tipsy and clearly mistook you for someone else. I'll never come onto you. You're not my type in anyway so don't delude yourself” he spat and I almost laugh.

“You made me uncomfortable, Mr Ezra”

“I apologized. And it's Ezra. Just Ezra” he says in a cold voice. I look down at the floor.

“Listen, I understand how everything turned out but you will not speak to me as though I did that on purpose. You would watch that pretty mouth of yours if you want to keep this job, miss chef” 

I take some steps back suddenly feeling hot for some unknown reason. “Um, I made breakfast. The table is all set” I say motioning towards the breakfast nook.

“I’ll pass” he says as he keeps staring at me. Not taking his eyes away for me for one second as though he's staring into my soul. 

“I’m sorry but we can't have that now, can we? I was employed to fix your poor eating habits and I would really appreciate it if you would cooperate with me so we can make this easier. Now please, you need to have breakfast before you go to work, Mr. Ezra” I say in one breath.

“Again, it's Ezra” he says agitated.

“Yea, my bad. It's important you have breakfast before you go to work, Ezra” I stress deliberately. 

He stares deeply at me for a minute before he moves past me, taking careful strides towards the breakfast nook and I'm almost surprised that he gave in. I was half expecting him to ignore me and walk out the door. I move towards the table and pour a glass of freshly squeezed juice into a tumbler and set it next to his plate of food. 

A young good looking man walks in almost immediately and I look up.

“What’s up man?” he says as he approaches. Ezra looks up and squint his eyes at him.

“What are you doing here so early, Jason?” Ezra asks as he drinks from his cup.

“I was on my way to the office and I thought to stop by. You know we have an early start today. And after last night, I thought I would have to drag your ass out of bed” Jason takes the seat beside Ezra.

“Oh please, you're a worse drinker than I am” Ezra retorts.

“And that's why I have my wife, Hailey to help me get my shit together. But you have no one but me and that's why I'm here” Jason taunts playfully as Ezra smirks at him. Jason leans back on his chair and looks up at me.

“Hello” he greets with a polite smile.

“Hi. Good morning” I answer quietly.

“I’m Jason, Ezra's friend and business partner. And you are?” he ask curiously.

“That’s Carissa, my new chef. For some weird reason, Denise thought I needed a new chef and went ahead to hire her” And my annoying boss just goes on to answer like I don't have a mouth and I'm not standing right here.

“Oh really? That's wonderful. I hope you're adjusting well. I know Ezra can be a handful at times” Jason says casually which earns him a murderous look from Ezra.

“Everything is fine so far” I turn towards Jason and offer him a warm smile to which he returns.

“Alright. Let's go. There's a lot to do today” Ezra rises from his chair and Jason follows suit.

“But you're not done with your food” I start but I'm quickly cut off.

“I’ve had enough. I'm full already” he says before struting out towards the main living room.

“Listen, I know how difficult Ezra can be so it's only fair you know what you're getting into. Especially when it comes to his well-being and interfering with the way he runs his life. With him, you'll need a lot of patience and tolerance. But asides from that, he's good people” he says as he taps my shoulder lightly and gives me an encouraging smile before leaving. 

I only turn around when I hear the click of the front door, signaling their departure and I move to clear the table. So far, my boss has proven to be a handful and I only wonder if I can deal with him.