“Why not? He said a date with him and then added bringing his friend along.”
“Maybe they’re gay,” Farah chimed in.
“What?” Toni asked.
“No way. I can tell that the man is not gay.”
“Which man?” Charlie asked. Toni was so embarrassed. She was close to her employees and she cared for each of them, but right now she didn’t need them pressuring her to make a move with some stranger. Especially one who may be into things she knew nothing about.
Charlie peeked through the opening in the kitchen to the coffee bar.
“Not gay. In fact, he’s a boss. That guy is resourceful,” Charlie said then looked at Toni.
“You be careful. You had to deal with one abusive asshole. You don’t need another guy to treat you badly,” Charlie said then walked back to the counter where he was rolling out more dough.
“Abusive? Do you think he could be abusive?” she asked.
Charlie stared at her. “Some men are good at acting and pretending to be everything a woman wants, and then they pounce. Watch your ass,” Charlie ordered.
She knew her staff were aware of the incident with Vince. She had been sporting a black eye and bruised cheekbone for a few weeks. Her story about being mugged was for the patrons, not her staff. They had been very supportive. To this day, if Vince came to Bliss, they were all ready to throw him out.
“Hey, don’t let Charlie scare you. This guy seems nice and legit. Let him stop in a few more times. Then go out somewhere locally so you can meet him and maybe his friend. Meet them both and then see,” Tina told her.
“Yikes. I don’t believe that I am having this conversation.”
“Orders up,” Charlie stated, as a few other kitchen staff placed orders on the counter.
Toni packed up the brownie bites then brought the strawberry shortcake muffin out to Emerson. This was so insane. She had to be reading into this.
* * * *
Emerson smiled at Antoinette as soon as she returned carrying his muffin. It was on a large white plate and contained a small pile of fresh raspberries and strawberries, with something drizzled over the top. But his main focus was on Antoinette. She was gorgeous, and actually looked adorable in the hot raspberry-pink apron she wore. It was trimmed with lace around the edges, and made him think of home-cooked meals and family traditions. Those were things he hadn’t had or thought about in over twenty years.
He swallowed hard and absorbed the sight of her smile as she placed the plate down in front of him. Emerson could see the excitement in her ey
es as she delivered the treat. He wished she had that expression of excitement and desire for him. He never analyzed a woman like this before. He felt odd and a bit worried.
“Another beautiful masterpiece. I’m almost afraid to dig in and take a taste.”
“Oh, please do. Presentation is everything, but ultimately the taste seals the deal. Enjoy it, Emerson, while I go get those brownies to go, for your friend.” She turned to walk back toward the kitchen, and one of the waitresses stopped her. She talked with them and her expression looked serious, and then she smiled and patted the waitress’s shoulder. It appeared to him that Antoinette was indeed in charge of the place in the owner’s absence. As he took his first bite, he shook his head in disbelief. This place, these treats were incredible.
He continued to enjoy the muffin and took in the atmosphere of the place as well as Antoinette’s role there. Finally, when he was all finished, Antoinette returned, and she was carrying a larger box with her than the last time he took brownie bites to go.
“What’s in there besides the brownie bites?” he asked, as she placed the box with the pretty pink bow and the word Bliss onto the counter. “Oh, you’ll see when you’re back at the office and unwrap it.”
“Well then, I look forward to seeing you again, Antoinette. Saturday, I’ll return with my friend. It’s our day off from work. What days are you off?” he asked her.
“Oh, I work all the time. Saving money, remember?” She turned away and smoothed her hands down her apron. So badly he wanted to touch her. He imagined that her skin would be soft, but her body firm. She worked hard. That was obvious. If she worked that many hours, he hoped that the owner was paying her well.
“Okay. See you Saturday.” He stood up, took the box, and looked her over one last time before leaving. He wanted an image to dream about tonight. Antoinette fit the bill just fine.
Chapter 4
“I can’t believe you guys talked me into this. It’s the middle of the week. I have to get up early tomorrow for work and so do the three of you,” Toni reprimanded her friends as they sat by the bar in a club called The Phantom. Mia, Giselle, and Farah were laughing and ordering drinks while Tina was flirting with two guys at the bar. “It’s no use. Here, have the martini and lighten up. It’s the purpose of tonight,” Mia said and then handed over the drink.
“The purpose of tonight?” Toni asked.
Her friends faced her.