There’s no doubt in my mind as I realize I actually would have acted on my feelings.
Take the kiss I’ve been catching myself wanting for the past year. In certain moments, I think she wants it too.
Pulling into the driveway, I park under the big oak. “Don’t you dare shit on my truck,” I warn, looking up at the birds perched on the branches.
Now that I’ve taken Trinity to school and I know Natalie’s no longer here, I’m fucking exhausted. Although it’d been an easy shift, I’m still tired. Being a single dad to a little girl as active as Trinity is trying on a good day. Recently, she started cheerleading and the amount of stuff I’ve been roped into doing is beyond crazy.
The only good thing is I’ve talked Natalie into helping me with all the things I’m unsure of.
God, what I wouldn’t have given to see where the lone drop of water that rolled down her chest and behind her towel had gone. Had it caressed her breast? Gone to the tip of her nipple and caused it to stand at attention?
When our eyes met, had I seen interest?
I’m not sure, but I want to know.
And I’ll be damned if I don’t find out the answer.
CHAPTERTHREE
Natalie
“Give me the turkey on wheat,”Danny says as he stands at the counter, wrinkling his nose, eyes going back and forth between two spots on the board above our heads.
“You sure? You don’t seem too positive.”
“Trying to decide if I want a pickle or not.” He grins.
“Always get the pickle.” I give him a wink.
“What the hell.” He shrugs. “Why not? Give me the pickle and a cupcake.”
“Give you an inch and you take a mile.” I tease. “What are you doing today? Didn’t you just get off shift?”
“Yeah, I’m helping the fam today. All hands on deck. We’re doing a huge job. So this sandwich, pickle and cupcake are gonna help me make it through.”
“You sound pregnant.” Mia, the owner of the shop gives him a lopsided grin.
“I do like my sweet and savory,” he admits.
“Go sit down.” I point to one of the tables. “I’ll bring it to you when it’s ready.”
There’s a line forming behind him. “You’re holding everybody else up.”
He gives me a wave before heading over to the table I pointed out to him.
Walking to the back, I grab the orders that have stacked up and start helping our lone line cook, Brandt, make the food.
“Thanks.” His mouth twitches in appreciation. “I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to take care of all this. Why do our lunch rushes start out slow and then end up being almost more than we can handle?”
“I don’t know, maybe it’s because of the good food?”
“Or maybe Mia should hire another line cook?” He says loud enough so our boss can hear him.
“Look Brandt, we are working on a shoe-string budget here. You better be happy I can pay you,” she taunts, but I know she’s not far off. It’s only been open for three years and she’s just now to a place where she can start making plans for the future of the shop. I make less than I should, but I love the job, and I’ve invested well. “You’re a young guy and you get off early, so I don’t wanna hear any shit from you.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he scoffs.
“C’mon, let’s get these people outta here.” I reach over, working quickly to get the piled up orders out.