More…more of him.
Iblinked Will back into focus as he answered, “No cuisine. We’re a bar. Craftcocktails and craft beer.”
Thatexplained why I had never heard of them before. My social life had died monthsago. “That’s cool,” I told him genuinely.
“Youshould come check us out,” he added, finally releasing his grip on me.
Iignored the way Killian frowned at our hands. “Us?”
“Iown it with my brother and sister,” he explained.
“Ah.”
Hesmiled again.
Flirting.He was flirting with me! My short hair was frizzy as crap thanks to sweating myass off tonight and I was covered in soda. Either this guy had a thing forgirls that looked like they’d been dumpster diving all night or… or… I didn’thave an alternative for him. He was clearly a weirdo.
Ishook off the insecurity and decided I was prettier than I gave myself creditfor. Besides, it wasn’t low self-esteem that had tripped me up. It was Wyatt. Ifelt surprisingly uncomfortable under another man’s attention, like I wasbetraying Wyatt.
Notthat we’d made anything official. Still… At any other time in my life, I wouldhave been happy to have Will’s attention. I would have flirted back. Now? Now Iwas shrinking back and avoiding eye contact so he didn’t think I was interestedin him.
Iblamed Wyatt.
Killianclapped his hands together, pulling our attention back to him. “We’re here topoach Ezra’s bartender.” He winked conspiratorially. “We’ll let you get back toit.”
Mymouth unhinged. “Are you serious?”
Smirkingnow, he said, “Try to keep that between us, will you? You know, unless he asksyou specifically about it.”
Wasthat a threat? I shook my head at him and laughed. Maybe it was insurance. Iwon’t tell if you won’t tell kind of thing. “Got it, chef.”
“Keepat it, Kaya. You got a chance. Don’t fuck it up.”
Iwaved him off. “Yeah, yeah.” I turned back to Will. “Nice to meet you. Goodluck with the bartender.”
He grinnedat me and even on that handsome face it felt lackluster. I could tell Will gavehis smiles away freely, generously. I had developed a taste for the reluctantkind. “Yeah, thanks. Maybe I’ll see you at Craft?”
And thosedimples again. They would have once inspired a fluttery response and a softsmile from me. Today I was happy to give him a noncommittal shrug. “Maybe.”
Theywalked off toward the bar and I got back to work, keeping my head down the restof the night. I didn’t want anyone else to recognize me, but I was also seriousabout doing a good job tonight.
Iwas desperate to get back to the kitchen with Vera. That meant I needed to killmy job performance in the front of house. I needed to bus the shit out of thesetables.
Andthat’s what I did. By the time I put the last few dishes in the industrialdishwasher sometime near two in the morning, I was practically sleeping on myfeet. Tomorrow was going to be hell. But today was so worth it.
Iwas even in a good enough mood to text Wyatt when I got home.Today was a good day. Thanks for letting mehave it off.
Hisreply came two minutes later.It wouldhave been better had you brought me tacos.
Better for me or for you?I asked, curling up under myheavy blankets as a shiver spiraled through my sleepy body.
For both of us. When we’retogether it’s always better for both of us.
There’s always tomorrow, I told him.
Good. I missed you today, Kaya.
Myresponse was quick and familiar.Good.
