He held open the oversize glass door.The early November air hung heavy with moisture, chilling her.She zipped up her jacket a little farther.
Like he had when they walked to the conference room this morning, he fell in step next to her.
“Do you always work such long hours?”she asked.
“It’s not unusual,” he replied.“You?”
“Mr.Newman often told me I shouldn’t, but yes.I like to be organized.”
“It’s appreciated.”
When they entered the coffee shop, she inhaled the scent of sugar dancing on the air.It was a good thing she’d already worked out.
“Chocolate cake?”Marvin guessed when she walked to the counter after taking a peek at the pastry case.
“Come here often?”Nathan teased.
“I’ve been in once or twice,” she replied.
“A day,” Marvin added helpfully, after wiping his hands on his apron.
“There goes your tip,” she told the older man.“What are you doing here so late, anyway?”
“Lydia wasn’t feeling well,” he replied, mentioning his daughter.“So I sent her home.Told her I would cover for her.”He shrugged.“Figured I’d keep baking since I was here.”
“The place smells amazing.”Her mouth was already watering.
“Cappuccino to go with that?”
“Please.”
He glanced at the clock.“Decaf?”
“That would be perfect.Thanks.”
He started to enter the amount into the cash register but she hooked her thumb toward Nathan.“He’s paying.”
“About time you brought a young man in here.”
Heat seared her face.“He’s my boss.”
“Anything you say, Kelsey.”Marvin nodded, as if he didn’t believe her.
She glanced over her shoulder at Nathan, frantically hoping he wasn’t as mortified as she was.
Nathan quirked an eyebrow at the man and gave a conspiratorial shrug.
“What will it be, Kelsey’s boss?”
“We’re sharing the cake.”
“What?”She spun to face him.“I don’t share my cake.Not with you.Not with anyone.”
He swept his gaze over her before saying, “You can’t eat the whole thing.”
“Watch me.”
“Two forks,” he said to Marvin.Ignoring her scowl, Nathan continued, “I’ll have a cappuccino, as well.Regular.”
