Chapter 23
“Who’s the second coffee for?” Elba asked.
Zoe peeked up at her best friend through her lashes. “Tim…”
Elba sat down across from her. “Ah, so you guys made up! Did he break up with the other woman?”
Adding cream to her coffee, Zoe said, “He said he’s not dating anyone else and he has no idea who the woman was or why she warned me off him.”
Elba’s raised eyebrow could give The Rock a run for his money. “And you believe him?”
Zoe understood her disbelief. Neither of them had the best track record when it came to men and their lack of fidelity. “I do. I’ve been lied to and gaslighted enough that I think I would be able to recognize the signs by now. I think—I know—Tim is telling the truth.”
“Okay. As long as you’re good with where you are. But I’m giving him the third degree when he gets here.”
“Already here.” Tim bent down and kissed Zoe, then sat next to her, draping his arm across the back of her chair. “What do you want to give me the third degree about?”
“Is it casual day at the office?” Elba asked.
“My weekend is Friday and Saturday,” he said. “Is that part of the interrogation?”
“No. I want to know who this twatwaffle is that tried to warn Zoe away.”
“Elba.” Zoe really didn’t like the tone she was using. She’d told her she believed Tim, that should be all she needed.
“What? Was she not a twatwaffle?”
Zoe had to give her that, but she did it rolling her eyes. “She was a twatwaffle.”
“Thank you.” She shifted her pointed gaze back to Tim. “So who is she?”
“I have no idea.” He looked at Zoe. “What did she look like?”
Zoe shrugged. “Mid-twenties, normal, overly tanned, overly highlighted, way too much makeup, blond girl.”
“Hell, that’s half the chicks that walk in here,” Elba said.
Tim tugged on one of Zoe’s curls absentmindedly. “I honestly don’t know anyone that fits that description. The only blonde I have more than a passing acquaintance with is Denise and you’ve met her. Plus, she’s married so she wouldn’t be warning you off me. Unless you hate dogs. Then all bets are off and you’re on your own.”
Zoe grinned. “I don’t hate dogs.”
Tim kissed her. It was quick, but he did it in front of Elba without any hesitation. “Then you’re good.”
“So no idea who this chick is?” Elba asked.
“None. I’m not cheating on her, Elba.”
“Hmf.”
Zoe sighed and rolled her eyes heavenward. She loved Elba and loved that she was protective of her, but she also wasn’t one to let something go.
“I need to check on orders and customers.”
“Before you go, did you decide on where you wanted the cameras? The security guy will be here at two to install the system.”
Elba shrugged. “One in the kitchen and one in the dining area, I guess. Let him figure out the best positioning.” She topped off their coffees and returned the pot to the coffee maker before disappearing into the kitchen.
Tim angled his body toward her. “Do you mind if I hang out with you today?”
