CHAPTER 4

TORI'S POV.

So here I am, standing in front of my mirror wearing a black skirt and blue button up top. Is my butt too pronounced? I hope not because that always seem to attract men. I was by nature very curvy in all the right places. A few years back, I'd have boasted of my body by wearing skin tight clothes but presently, all that teenage excitement is gone. I paired my outfit with my black flat sandals and black purse.

My spirit suddenly dampened. I wasn't sure if I was ready to leave Dahlia with Finn. Not like he minded anyways, but this would be the first time I'll be far away from her and this feeling was traumatizing. Maybe I should just quit this new job and manage the salary I get from RICO'S. But that won't help me or Dahlia in anyway.

"You look beautiful mommy." I heard her say from the bed. She'd been acting all big girl lately and I knew she was also nervous to stay without me.

Oh my baby girl. "Booboo, are you sure you'd be alright? " I asked knowing fully well what her answer would be. She nodded excitedly. I'll be fine mommy. I'm a big girl and Finn says we can go to the mall once your shift is over. "

Finn. I just don't understand why I couldn't feel anything for him except brotherly love. See the sweet things he does for Dahlia. "Yes honey. We can, okay. Now wish me luck."

She walked over to me and I kneeled down to hug her. She kissed my cheeks. "I wish you tge bestest of luck mommy." I laughed at her choice of words. "Its best sweetie."

"Oh I know mommy, but for you, you deserve everything. I love you mommy."

I filled her face with kisses. "I love you more baby."

____________

I made arrangements with Finn concerning Dahlia's wellbeing. I felt like I was taking advantage of his kindness. Rico had a problem with it but he did not voice it out. Great! Now I have to look for a nanny. Which means I have to work extra hard. I remember Mrs. Galastine's daughter came up with the idea of babysitting Dahlia last month for $200 a month. Guess I have to take that offer up now. I thanked Finn and made my way out. We agreed that after my shift, we were going to take Dahlia to the mall. I really didn't have money to spend but where ever my baby girl was concerned, it didn't count.

Once the taxi pulled over at I. W. R Corp, I got in and made my way to the kitchen manager's office. She told me about the do's and don't's of the company. She then handed me two pairs of the uniform I was going to start wearing. She even made my day brighter when she said my salary which was $1500 a month could increase to $2500 if my work was impressive enough. I went to the dressing room and wore my new uniform. It was so beautiful. It hugged me perfectly and was made of silk. I then went into the kitchen and my mouth dropped. It was three times the size of my apartment.

"Hey, are you the new girl here? " Came a tiny voice from behind me. I turned around and saw a cute brunette. "I take that as a yes. Name's Maria."

I extended my hand for a handshake. "I'm Tori."

"Oh come on, I'll show you around. There's a lot of work to be done in here. Its already nine and lunch is at 12 so we've got to hurry up. Besides Mr. Zachary Reynolds doesn't tolerate laziness."

"Who's Zachary?" I asked confused.

Maria gave me a shocked look. "He's the greatest cook in the world. He's our main chef. He cooks for celebrity gatherings. He's so handsome. He's so hot. I heard he's even cousins with the big boss. You know the big boss right, Mr I__"

She stopped mid way looking straight ahead with fear etched all over her face.

"Miss Johnson, are you talking when you're supposed to be working?" Came a deep voice from in front of us. I slowly looked up and I held my breath. Did men like this exist? This gif was a hunk. Tall, handsome and above all, sexy. His brown hair looked as if he'd been running his hands through it and his voice husky. And he managed to keep this look professional. Damn!

Maria shuddered. "I'm so sorry Mr. Reynolds." She scurried off and I was left alone. The mans gaze was so intense, it scared the hell out of me.

He looked me up and down. "And who are you?"

I swallowed my non existing spit. "Uh, I'm the new kitchen assistant. My name's Tori Donovan." Oh I see, Miss Donovan I do not tolerate chit chats during work hours. Get yourself useful in here.

And that's what I did. I helped out in cutting the vegetables and other kitchen stuff. My thoughts kept drifting to Zachary. He's so handsome. When it was lunch time, I hung out with Maria, my new friend. I told her about my daughter and where I lived. She was very nice and told me a lot about herself. Once I left the company, I went over to RICO'S. Finn was just getting finished.

I was more than excited to see my daughter again. We've only been apart for approximately seven hours, yet it felt like a whole year. Finn drove us to the mall and I couldn't help but think of my new boss.

Why did his name sound so familiar?