She knew there was no way she could dissuade him from visiting Bale. Fortunately, Rainier was a “ghost” when he wanted to be. No one would see or hear him.
“Boucher and Cormier are in the café. They saw you, Rainier. And you passed your identification to Rafferty. It was plain to everyone that what he saw in your wallet scared him into backing off.”
Rainier gave her his wolfish smile again. “I am aware of them. And just to point out the obvious, Deadly Storms wouldn’t have an ID card.”
Of course he’d noticed the two men in the café. He saw everything. That was his job, what kept him alive, and admittedly, he was extremely good at what he did.
“I would prefer that you didn’t work the floor for the next halfhour. Raine has information for you that you’re going to be interested in. I’ll have Patsy bring you tea with honey. You’ve had a shock, and you need to give yourself a break.”
“I’m okay now. I can get the job done.”
“I have no doubt that you can, Shabina. You have more courage in your little finger than I’ve seen in most people. I’m asking for me, for my peace of mind, that you take a break for at least half an hour. If necessary, I’ll break down tables, although more of your beautiful dishes could get broken, and it would be excruciatingly painful to be out there among all those customers. One or two are bound to congratulate me.”
Despite everything, Rainier made her laugh. He could be sent out alone in any environment, never flinching from the task of hunting a dangerous criminal, but a few customers wishing him well made him pretend to shiver. She wasn’t buying it for a second. He didn’t break things either. He could turn on the charm when he chose. He just didn’t bother to do so very often.
“I don’t think that will be necessary. Where would I get another dishwasher? You’re fast and efficient and the dishes are very clean. You pay attention to detail. I appreciate that quality in you. I’ll let Vaughn know he’ll have to help with clearing tables for a short while. He’s going to give me a hard time about being the manager now reduced to busboy, breaking down tables.”
Rainier quirked an eyebrow. He looked less than amused.
“You need to find your sense of humor,” she reprimanded. “My staff is very close. We’ve been working together for a long time, and we tease each other. Vaughn wouldn’t be serious. If anything, he would have suggested that I take a break as well.”
Rainier nodded. “Message understood. I’ll work on my sense of humor.”
Shabina knew he meant it when he told her he would work onhis sense of humor. “I love you.” How could she not love him when he was willing to do so much for her?
His eyes softened from a glittery, piercing silver to a soft, tender gray. He placed his hand over his heart.“Qadri.”
One word. Destiny. He’d always called her that. She should have known how he felt. She left the kitchen and immediately Vaughn stopped her at the counter.
“You need to take a little time, Shabina. The minute you start stopping by tables and greeting the customers, they’ll ask you all kinds of questions,” he cautioned.
“Rainier just said the same thing.”
“Great minds and all that,” Vaughn pointed out with a grin.
“That means you’ll be clearing tables and bringing drinks.” She kept a straight face.
Vaughn feigned shock and outrage. “You’re demoting me.”
Behind them, Rainier had stepped into the kitchen doorframe, his wide shoulders filling the space. He flashed Shabina a heart-stopping grin. It didn’t last long, but it was beautiful. Real. The most amazing expression ever. There was nothing remotely boyish about Rainier, but in the brief couple of seconds, that grin gave him a mischievous look.
“What?” Vaughn demanded.
Rainier shook his head and retreated into the kitchen.
Vaughn fanned himself. “Good grief, girl. That man of yours is a heart-stopper. Scary, but that only adds to his appeal.”
“I can’t imagine why you think he’s scary,” she said, managing a straight face.
“I think the other customers were so shocked at Bale’s behavior and upset on your behalf that they all want to do something to make up for the way he talked to you. And the brokencrockery. They’re leaving tremendous tips. Some paid double for their breakfast.”
Her heart fluttered. Knightly. That was the town she’d chosen to live in. She had made friends despite her natural reticence. She had known she had Stella, Vienna, Harlow, Zahra and Raine as firm friends, but she had so many others. She’d gotten close to Vaughn, Tyrone and Patsy. Now she realized there were others in town who considered her their friend.
“Go sit with Raine and Vienna. I’ll bring you tea and scones.”
“Thanks, Vaughn. I appreciate you more than you could ever know.”
“You tell me all the time and give me far too many bonuses. I think you’re cutting into the profits.” He waved her toward the back, where her friends were seated.
