"No. I was eight when we were there, so I don't speak the language, but I can still remember how good Käsespätzle tasted. It's a German version of mac and cheese, deliciously gooey." She met his smile with one of her own. "My father's last post before he retired took us to 29 Palms, which is in the desert about a hundred miles from here, near Joshua Tree and Palm Springs."
"Sounds hot."
"Very, very hot. And boring. I didn't spend a lot of time there because I went to college in San Diego. My dad has a condo there now that he's retired." As she finished speaking, she took the turn for Carlsbad and a few moments later turned into the parking lot at Carlsbad Village, a charming town square just a few blocks from the beach, where one of her favorite restaurants for breakfast was located. "Have you been here before?" she asked as they got out of the car.
"I've driven through this area, but I've never stopped at this village."
"I'm glad I can introduce you to something new."
"I'm trusting you to make sure it's good."
"Oh, it's definitely good," she said with confidence. She had no idea how their breakfast date would go, but the food would be delicious. That she could count on.
"I have to admit that your food choices have been consistently on point," Jax told Kaia as they finished up their breakfast bowls, which had been composed of egg whites, quinoa, shredded cheese, avocado, peppers, and beans. To wash that down, they'd also gotten matcha tea lattes, which had been delicious. And the courtyard café had provided a relaxing atmosphere for their great meal.
It felt good to be away from Oceanside as well. He didn't think they'd been followed from Ocean Shores, so hopefully there were no photographers lingering in the shadows.
"I'm glad you liked your breakfast," she said. "I was craving one of these bowls all last night."
He was impressed by her enthusiasm, the spark of light in her gold-flecked brown eyes, and the sunny smile on her pretty face. She had an energy to her that was not only attractive but contagious. When he was with her, he couldn't stop himself from getting caught up in her excitement for whatever was happening, which was probably dangerous, considering how difficult it was to say no to her. But he told himself this was just breakfast and a way to even the temperature between them after the chaos of the day before.
"Do you work at a firehouse?" he asked.
"No, I'm stationed in a separate facility nearby."
"And your shifts vary every day?"
"It depends. There are a lot of people out right now with school ending and summer starting, so I've had to be flexible. To be frank, I was thrilled to work the night shift because I got away from my temporary day partner, who is annoying as hell."
"How is he annoying? Or is it a she?"
"It's a man. His name is Eric, and he's an okay medic, but he spends a lot of time telling me how great he is, how much money he's making on the stock market, and how he and I should have drinks together. It's exhausting."
"He wants to date you?" He found that idea bothersome. Not that she couldn't date whoever she wanted. And how could he even think for a moment that she wouldn't be dating? She was gorgeous.
"Trust me, there is no chance of that happening," she said. "I cannot imagine spending time listening to him when I am not getting paid to be next to him."
"I would think you would enjoy a talker. You don't seem to like silence very much," he said pointedly.
She made a face at him. "I can handle silence. Secrets are a bit more concerning. But in general, I'm fine with conversation that isn't completely narcissistic. Thankfully, my partner, a woman, gets back from her honeymoon next week."
"Where did she go?"
"Hawaii. Love is definitely in the air all around me. I was in her wedding, and I'm going to be in Emmalyn's wedding, which is a little over a month away. When Lexie sets a date, I'm sure I'll need to buy yet another bridesmaid's dress. I have four already, and every time the bride says,
'Don't worry you'll be able to wear this again,' I just smile and say 'Great', because I know it's not true. These are not dresses I would ever wear again."
He smiled at her disgruntled expression. "Why don't you just say no?"
"To my friends? I couldn't do that. It's an honor to be asked. I just wish ugly dresses weren't a part of it."
"I'm sure you'll look good in whatever you wear."
She tilted her head, giving him a searching look. "Was that a compliment?"
"I don't think I'm telling you anything you don't already know."
"You're very good at evasive answers."
