“Works at the visitors center. I know. I saw her at Linda’s retirement party. It’s nice to meet you.”
Tilly grinned. “Hi, Avery. It’s nice to meet you too. What are you getting from Mrs. Sandler today?”
Avery’s eyes lit up. “A double chocolate chip cookie. Daddy doesn’t let me get them very much because the chocolate keeps me awake, but Uncle Kay said it was a treat.”
Yeah, a treat Eastern would kill him for, but hell, sometimes you had to take the risk to be the favorite uncle.
Tilly’s brows rose. “What a cool uncle you have. Well, I hope you both have a great day.”
As she passed, he got a huge wave of her sweet scent, and it did nothing to ease the tightness of his muscles that only Tilly could elicit.
He cleared his throat. “Come on, Avery, let’s order.”
As he neared the counter, the guys from work stood a few feet away, their quiet words not quiet enough to slip past Kayden.
“Seriously, Jake? You’re going out with her?”
What the hell? Were they talking about Tilly?
“Get off my back,” Jake growled. “She’s fine.”
“Here you go, boys.” Mrs. Sandler pushed their drinks across the counter.
Before stepping away, Jake looked up at Kayden. “Hey. See you at work.”
He dipped his chin before stepping up to the counter. “Hey, Mrs. Sandler.”
“Kayden, darling, it’s so good to see you. And you too, Miss Avery. What can I get you both today?”
“Double chocolate chip cookie, please,” Avery said quickly, as if by not saying it quickly enough, she wouldn’t get her cookie.
Mrs. Sandler laughed. “Great choice. And you, Kayden?”
“Just a coffee, black, thanks.”
The older woman nodded and was about to turn when Avery spoke. “Mrs. Sandler?”
“Yes, darling?”
“Have you spoken to Sadie lately?”
Sadie was Mrs. Sandler’s granddaughter, and she had also been Avery’s nanny, employed by her mother for most of Avery’s life.
“Yes. Actually, I’m going to her wedding soon.”
Avery’s eyes lit up. “Can you tell her I said hi?”
“Of course.”
“And maybe I can make her something too. She always liked the pictures I drew her.”
Mrs. Sandler’s eyes softened. “Whatever you make, I’ll pass along and I’m sure she’ll love it.”
Kayden took Avery’s hand. “Come on, let’s grab a table.”
They were just sitting when the door opened and Eastern walked in.
“Daddy!” Avery jumped to her feet and ran across the room, leaping into her dad’s arms.
