“Morgan.” I laugh as I take the bag from him.
“They’re full of information. I might need to be their chauffeur more often.”
Shaking my head, I motion to a nearby table, and he joins me while I devour the sandwich. And fries.
“Thank you for this.”
“You’re welcome.” He looks around The Thirsty Cow before facing me again. “You’re here alone?”
“I have someone coming in from 4 to 6 P.M. Then I’m on my own until closing.”
“That’s a long day for you.”
“It is, but I couldn’t reach anyone, and I didn’t want to make Morgan stay. I’ll get it done. The joys of owning a business.”
“I’ll stop by when the boys are done for the night to give you a hand.”
“You’d do that?”
Rhett shrugs a shoulder like it’s not a big deal to work his job, then come and work mine. “You need help. I’ll be here.”
The door opens, and a group of young people pile in with their loud chatter.
“Thank you.”
He stands, and I ball up the garbage as we walk over to the cash. He kisses my temple with a murmured goodbye and nods to the group that just entered.
“Is that Rhett Cuglietta? He’s so fucking dreamy.” The girls sigh, and one boy watches him walk through the parking lot with poorly concealed longing.
“Yes, it is, and yes, he is.” I laugh before washing my hands and taking their orders.
The afternoon is steady, but I’m able to keep up. My part-time student arrives and tackles all the dishes from the day, and I make myself a latte while I restock the front. I’m running on autopilot at this point, and it’s not until my student announces they’re leaving that I even know what time it is.
I’ve never wished for a slow day at my café in my life, but right now I sort of wish nobody wants a coffee and dessert for the rest of the night because I’m so run down that I can barely stand up.
When the door chimes, I almost groan out loud. But it’s not a customer.
“You’re back.”
Rhett smiles in that way that’s both sexy and a bit shy, but a whole lot of something I like.
“Did you doubt I would be?”
“No.” I walk over and wrap my arms around his hips. “Just happy to see you.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Well…how are your baking skills? I need to get something ready for tomorrow.”
“I can do a few things. Should I surprise you?”
Taking a step back, I take in this man before me. I still can’t believe he is on board with all this. “You always surprise me. Every day.”
“Okay, then. Let me wow you instead.”
I tilt my head towards the kitchen. “Do you need me to show you where everything is?”
“Nope. You forget I practically grew up in a commercial kitchen, Dee.” He kisses my cheek and heads towards the kitchen. “Do what you need to do out here, and I’ll make something.”
