Steamed 5 (Steamed #5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

nodded back at him with a smile.
    “All is forgiven Jared,” Link said. They both shook hands
and I couldn’t help but smile and feel good about the future for the first
times in weeks.
    “A lot of my issues have come about because I have a drug
problem. I've been battling it for some time now and I know that I need some
help. I can't do it alone. I'll be checking myself into rehab to get the help I
need. I don't want to ruin another person's life by getting out of control
again. This is what's best for me.”
      Jared backed up
and Gloria took the microphone to answer questions for her client. She
announced that the drug charges have been dropped under the condition that
Jared completes his time at rehab. With that announcement, the press conference
was completed and thankfully had gone well. There should be no further need for
reporters in the restaurant parking lot and Link's name had been redeemed!
    Climbing down from the stage, Jared came over to me and
grabbed me, hugging me hard. I hugged him back just as hard, tears welling up in
my eyes. I’m so happy that he's going to get the help he needs to recover and
get his life back on track.
      “Thank you for
not giving up on me Gemma. I know that I have treated you terribly and I want
you to know that I didn't mean any of the things that I said to you. I'm so
sorry.”
    Tears rolled down my cheeks.
    “I know you didn't. I love you and I'm happy things are
going well. You don't need to worry about your restaurant. I will take care of
it until you come back.”
    Gloria approached us and said, “Come on Jared, we have to
get you packed and ready to go. The judge insists that you leave for rehab
right away.”
    I smiled at him and said, “Things will be okay Jared.”
    The two of them left and Link and I were alone. He brushed
the hair out of my eyes and kissed me softly.
    “So do you have any dinner plans?”
    I giggled.

 
    Chapter Ten
    Three
Months Later

 
    The past few months have been a whirlwind of adventure.
Jared was doing well in rehab and we had every reason to believe that he would
come home fully recovered. Things have really been busy for Link and me. Link
was currently doing menu planning for both his restaurant as well as Jared's
while he was away in rehab. Juggling a restaurant between both of our schedules
had been trying but we made it work. I handled Jared's bookkeeping and managed
the place while he was away. It was stressful at times with a full time job,
but I needed to make sure that Jared had something good to come home to.
    Today had been a long day. I had spent the morning at
Jared’s and was now back at Link's restaurant. I was thoroughly exhausted and
needed a warm bed to go home to. Juggling all the different jobs I had going on
now was taxing for me. The staff was gone for the day and I went about pouring
myself a glass of wine. I sat at the bar, waiting for Link to finish up his
tasks for the day.
    I sipped at the wine, happy with my choice. I kicked off my
shoes and curled my sore toes. It felt good to get out of my shoes.
    Link came out from the back with a tired smile on his face.
    “Hey sweetheart, how are you doing?”
    He sat down at the bar with me and lifted one of my legs
onto his lap. He began to rub my foot and it was absolutely the best feeling in
the world. He kneaded out the knots that had formed throughout the day, and I
closed my eyes briefly, feeling the tension leave my body.
    “That feels really nice, thank you Link.”
    “I’d do anything for you Gemma. Are you hungry? I made us a
late night snack.”
    “That sounds fabulous.”
    He went back into the kitchen to retrieve the food and
brought it back out to the bar. He had made duck drumsticks with an orange
glaze, breaded cauliflower bites and a few small stir-fries. It looked and
smelled delicious.
    “Things are turning around aren't they?” I said with a
smile.
    “Absolutely. I couldn't be happier about the money coming in
to both restaurants. I knew