“Good. Cam asked me to pick up some lunch, so that’s what I’m doing for both of us.”
“I was about to do the same.” It wasn’t a huge lie. I did plan on eating at some point.
“My dad is trying a new recipe on a pasta dish. He said that pasta doesn’t really sell overly well but he’s still attempting it.”
“There’s a market for it.” My body itched to head inside and see him.
“That’s very true. Well, I’ll let you grab some food.” Brady gave me another hug. “See you later?”
“Definitely.” I gave him a smile for added effect, hoping he wouldn’t notice how I wanted to end this conversation so I could get inside.
He didn’t seem fazed by my demeanor and began walking away.
Taking a deep breath, I headed into the bar in search of Rhett without making it too obvious. Once I was indoors, I looked around the vast expanse of the place, noticing how it was busier than usual. It was just past lunch, so the crowd appeared to be a little older.
Rhett was standing over a table, chatting with a man and a woman. They laughed every so often at what he said. He had a bottle of red wine in his hands. From where I stood, it looked likehe was telling the couple about the wine. The woman nodded, the man laughing soon after.
The longer I stood there, the more I realized that I enjoyed watching Rhett work. He went from table to table, spending a few minutes at a time, talking to the customers. He made sure they were satisfied with their meals and drinks. If there was an issue, he took care of it. It was the same thing we did at Coffee Beans & Love. If there was an issue, we would do our best to fix it. If for whatever reason we couldn’t actually fix the situation, we would offer a free meal on us or something else.
I made my way to the bar, still keeping my eyes trained on Rhett.
“He’s amazing at what he does.”
I turned to the deep voice coming from beside me.
Manny smiled, turning on his stool to face me. “My boys behaving?”
I laughed. “Do they ever behave?”
“True.” He shook his head. “Well, it’s good seeing you, Shane. I gotta get home to the wife.”
“Tell her I said hi.” I always liked Presley and Nicky’s mom. Kiara had taken Brady and me in when my mom moved to the other side of the country and when Brady’s mom had actually left the country.
“Will do.” Manny left the bar, leaving me to my own thoughts.
I had every intention of waiting to approach Rhett but got a better idea instead. Looking around the room for him, I spotted him heading down the hall that led to his office.
Jumping off the stool, I followed the way he went.
When I reached the hallway, I saw the door to his office close. Taking a deep breath, I headed toward the door and knocked twice.
“Come in,” he called out from inside his office.
Opening the door, I stepped into the room.
He was standing behind his desk, crouching over some paperwork that was strewn on top of it. “What’s—” His head lifted. “Oh…hello, Shane.”
I swallowed hard at the way he breathed my name. “Hi. I just stopped by to see if you wanted to get started on that project. Or I can take a look at your expenses first.”
He nodded, his gaze roaming down the length of me. “Sure. Whatever works for you.”
Standing up taller and ignoring the heat in his eyes, I closed the door behind me and walked toward him.
“I’ll take a look at your bills and expenses and then we can discuss the project over supper.” When I was standing beside him, I gently nudged him. “Now move.”
He chuckled. “Yes, Sir.” His hot breath fanned over the side of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Stop.” I placed my hand on his chest and pushed him back. “None of that.”
