“That people come back again for your steak frites.”
Carter laughed.“The sauce that goes with those steak frites is dynamite.I would love it if you came one night and tried out our new additions to the menu.”
Josie brushed by Carter, so close she smelled his cologne.
“I would like that.”
Reaching for the container of cookies, she packed twelve chocolate sablé cookies, knowing they were also Kayleigh’s current favourite.
From the fridge, she took out a prepared antipasto platter and lined it up for the order.Then she took down one of her boxes and started packing it.
“Your packaging is so good.”Carter traced the embossed lettering on the side of the carton.
“Thank you.My mom thought I needed something with my name on it.”
“Josie’s Plates has a nice ring on it,” Carter brushed his hand against Josie’s shoulder.“I’m sure you please a lot of customers.”
“I try,” Josie said.She stacked all the containers in the box and put it to the side, then she walked over to open the window that led out to the back alley.It was the perfect pickup spot.She really lucked out on this space.
“Good.How is Saturday night to come by for a meal?”
“I have to check with my friends, but I think they’re both working.A weekday night would be better.”
“Your friends?”Carter took three steps towards her and Josie bit her lip, realizing she had said the wrong thing.
The doorbell buzzed.She tried to back away but Carter stood in front of her.
“Excuse me, I need to move.”The intense stare Carter was giving her made her nervous.
“Josie, when I asked you to dinner, I meant just you and I.”
Josie’s tummy formed a tight ball of nerves and she couldn’t breathe.For the months that she’d been working here, she thought Carter was just being friendly to her, not that he was interested in a romantic way.Turns out Maisy was right.
“Hey Josie!This place always smells amazing.”Quinn Walsh stepped through the backdoor of the kitchen.
Carter took one look at Quinn’s massive frame and finally moved away from her.
“I’ll see you later, Josie.”Carter waved, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
“Hi Quinn, sorry to keep you waiting.”
“You didn’t.Are you okay?”The man’s piercing blue eyes steadied her.
“Fine.How’s Kayleigh?”Josie slipped the takeout containers into aJosie’s Platesbag and handed it to Quinn.
“She’s okay.I think she’ll be better when the baby’s here,” Quinn took the bag, giving her a smile.“Are you sure everything is okay?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
She threw her shoulders back.She was a big girl and she could tell Carter that she wasn’t interested in anything romantic.
“All right then,” Quinn chuckled.“See you soon.”
“Bye.”
Quinn gave her a wave, and she was left alone in her space again.Ironically, it was Kayleigh’s request for her to make cupcakes for her wedding that prompted Josie to find a new working space.She’d known for a while that her mother’s kitchen wasn’t a good solution.This space had been perfect, but she couldn’t keep working here if Carter was going to make her feel uncomfortable.
Maybe it’ll be fine, Josie told herself, as she started to prep the sides for the anniversary dinner.A shiver ran up her spine as she recalled the look on Carter’s face told her it wouldn’t be that easy.
