“Oh no,” he said, shaking his head.“It does make you a bit of an evil mastermind, however.”
Eugenia chuckled.“Forgive me for wanting to meddle in the lives of the people I care about,” she said.“You know I mean well.”
“Unfortunately,” Nathaniel teased, “but I love you for it.”
“As you say,” she said, pointing to her other cheek.
Nathaniel grinned and leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek again.
“Now that I’ve said my piece, I have some errands to run,” Eugenia said.“I already stopped at the café for a moment.”
Nathaniel gave her a sideways glance.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t do anything to harm your chances,” she told him.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” he grumbled.“You and your meddling.”
“You love me for it,” she said.“Now be a dear and open the door for me.”
Nathaniel opened his office door, and she smiled brightly.
“Such a gentleman.I knew your mother raised you well.”
Nathaniel laughed and said, “Goodbye, Aunt Genie,” as he watched Eugenia leave.
How had she heard about him walking Thea home already?And more importantly, what had she said to Thea?Although perhaps the more important question wasif Thea had listened to her…and how long should he wait before he went to see her.
He didn’t want to wait any longer, though.
And perhaps he should bring her flowers.
He’d been bringing flowers for the café for so long…but maybe he could bring flowers for her this time.
Chapter thirteen
Thea
Thecaféhadenjoyeda particularly busy day, and Thea was exhausted.
The bell over the door rang, and she took a deep breath.She needed to go back out there and greet her last customer of the day.
But then Nat came around the corner.
She breathed a sigh of relief and slumped over onto the kitchen counter, resting her head against her forearms.
“Long day?”he asked, coming around the counter and setting a vase next to her.
“Very,” she said quietly, lifting her head to look at them.
Daisies.One of her favorites.Which he knew.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help,” he said, reaching over to rest his hand against her shoulder.
She leaned over, allowing herself to rest her head against his shoulder for the first time in years.
She could hear his breath catch in his throat, even as his arm slid down to wrap around her waist, pulling her closer.
He turned his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead, resting his cheek on her temple.
