When she nods, I relent, backing away as we throw ourselves into the rush of a busy service. The waiting team duck in and out, shouting orders and grabbing plates from under the heat lamps to carry through.
I divide my time between checking dishes, tasting sauces and making tweaks in the back, darting out into the restaurant to shake hands and say hello.
But my mind doesn’t stray from the omega who is very determinedly avoiding my eye.
In a spare moment, I duck outside, shooting off a text.
Anyone seen Gabrielle today?
Cade’s short response comes through seconds later.
Ask Nathaniel.
Worry furrows my brow for a brief minute before Nate’s reply comes.
She’s fine, Hud. We had a busy afternoon.
Another message comes through.
Take it easy on her.
Well, okay then.
When I finally close the door on the last customer, I flip the sign to closed and head back to the kitchen. Gabrielle is still determinedly washing up, some of the team grabbing cloths to help dry the dishes as they come through.
Coming up behind her, I nudge her out of the way, grabbing one of the bigger pots that are absolute shithouses to clean.
I can feel her frowning at me. “I can do that.”
Shaking my head, I point to the table.
“Sit down,” I say firmly. “I’ve got this.”
She flops into a chair, glowering at me, and I stifle my grin as I scrub.
“This is my job,” she says quietly. “I’m not a little weak omega, Hudson.”
My chest constricts, fingers flexing on the metal in front of me.
Shit.
“I know that.” Placing the final pot on the side, I take a seat next to her.
“Sometimes it’s just about helping out,” I say gently. “I know you’re capable. You’re the best dishwasher I’ve ever had, Gabrielle. That doesn’t mean I enjoy watching you lug around pots bigger than you are when you’ve been working your ass off all night –withouta break.”
She winces. “You noticed?”
“I notice every single thing about you.”
She turns to me at my admission. “You do?”
I clear my throat.
“You like too much creamer in your coffee, but you hate sweetener.”
She blinks.
“You actually enjoy washing dishes. It’s not a job for everyone, but you genuinely find pleasure in it.”
