“Not much, just working my butt off trying to make the best croissants for you boys,” Leo says, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“You must be the famous Gwen,” Blake says, holding out his hand. “I’m Blake. You look different when you’re not face-planting on the ice.”
My body goes still.
Gwen looks shocked for a split second, but she recovers quickly. “I only do that on the ice. What’s your excuse?”
Leo bursts out laughing and slaps Blake on the back.
“I like her,” he says with a grin, turning toward me.
“I’m sorry about these two idiots. How’s your day been?” I ask Gwen, trying to tune out the noise Blake and Leo are making. They start talking about Blake running into Rex Chen, which at least keeps them occupied for a few minutes.
“It’s been hectic. One of the ovens died, and the repair guy only showed up about an hour ago. We’ve been trying to catch up ever since,” Gwen says with a shrug.
“I can only imagine how stressful that is.”
“Are your Valley Girl and the intern ok?” she asks, pointing at Blake and Leo.
Their nicknames make me laugh, and I nod.
“They’re just talking about our mutual enemy, Rex. Blake saw him out with Julian again yesterday. I’ve already heard the story three times before practice,” I explain.
“Well, I’m definitely on Team anti-Rex. I don’t know much about Julian, though,” she says with a shrug.
“Neither do we anymore,” Leo sighs. Julian used to be a close friend of his, and seeing him side with Rex clearly stings.
“Ok, I’m switching topics. I’ll take a black coffee, and I want to know if you’re really coming on Friday,” Blake says, and I sigh. Why did I bring him here?
“Sounds good, and yes,” she replies.
“What’s happening on Friday? Why am I not invited?” Leo asks, feigning offense.
“Because you’re not on the Grizzlies,” Gwen laughs.
“And you’re not dating a Grizzlies player,” Blake adds, making Gwen blush.
“Fine, I’ll sponsor the team next season,” Leo sighs, as if we’re negotiating. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“I don’t make the rules, man. It starts at 8 p.m. at The Lodge. Bring your girl,” Blake tells him, and Leo nods.
“Can I get you a coffee as well?” Gwen asks.
I nod. I want to kiss her, but Leo and Blake would never let it go. I hope she understands and feels the same way.
“I think Tess needs your help moving the oven in the back again,” Gwen says to Leo.
“I’ll help,” Blake offers, like he’s been waiting for this exact moment.
They head through the back door, and the second they disappear, Gwen hurries out from behind the counter toward me. She wraps her arms around my neck and presses a quick kiss to my lips.
“The oven’s fine. I just wanted an excuse to do this,” she says with a shy laugh.
“I will personally break that oven again if it gets me this,” I laugh, my body reacting to her touch. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot.”
“Me too,” Gwen smiles before we kiss again.
“Ahem.”
