“I think my brother should help Half Moon Key find a doctor. It should be part of his role as the town Sheriff. It’s not like there are that many crimes he needs to keep his eye on.”
“You’d be surprised. There are a lot of strange things that happen out here.”
“Strange how?”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.” Lila placed a small bowl of shredded carrots in the refrigerator and returned to the counter. She had to stand a little closer to Mason now that they were sharing the task of prepping the home fries for breakfast and the regular fries for lunch and dinner.
Mason could feel the heat of her arm against his skin. He was definitely aware of the scent of her shampoo. It was floral with undertones of honey and vanilla. She smelled like the best dessert in the world.
“Thanks for being a good employee,” Lila said softly. “Having some help is nice, though I would kill for a morning where I can sleep in.”
“Done.”
“What? No. I can’t let you open by yourself.”
“Why not? I’m here before you most mornings, and I know the regulars now. I could hold this place down for you if you need a morning of rest.”
“It’s fine. Really. I’m just being a big whiny baby.”
He shook his head. “Are you kidding me right now? There is not a chance in hell you’re just a whiny baby. You’re the most hardworking person I have ever met.”
“I should be. This is my family’s restaurant. If I don’t take care of it, no one else will.”
“But who takes care ofyou?” Mason asked.
No sooner were the words out of his mouth that he regretted saying so much so quickly. Lila winced and backed away from him as if he had struck her. Her face was paler than it had a right to be, but soon, her cheeks were deep red. She didn’t say anything to him but quickly rushed to one of the tables. There was nothing to do. She just wanted to get away from him.
Nice going, jackass, his wolf groaned.You scared her with your intensity. She’s not our mate. She wouldn’t get it. Better move on from this one.
Mason knew his wolf was right, but there was just something about Lila that made it impossible for him to ignore her. Where the pull came from? He had no clue, but he wasn’t given up on Lila.
EIGHT
LILA
Lila stretched out in her bed with a delicious yawn. She felt rested and happy for the first time in a long time. She sighed and stretched again, keeping her eyes closed. She was sure that in a few seconds, her alarm would ring.
She nuzzled deeper into her pillow, letting herself enjoy these last few seconds of peace and quiet before the hustle and bustle of the day started in earnest.
After a good five minutes, she turned toward her bedside table. There was no way she was feelingthisrefreshedandhad woken before her alarm rang. That made no sense. By rights, she should be exhausted and more than a little groggy. She blinked her eyes opened with a sigh.
“What the fuck?” she cried.
The alarm clock read 9:47. She hadn’t just overslept. She had slept nearly the entire morning away. She leapt out of bed, grabbed a pair of pants from the floor, and kicked them on as she tried to make her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth.
Surely someone would have noticed that the diner wasn’t opened? Why didn’t Mason or Bobbie come to wake her? Just what in the hell was going on?
Lila tied her hair into a ponytail, brushed her teeth, and on the way out the door, she spotted a small note next to her cell phone.
Sleep in. You deserve it. Don’t come to the diner until after the lunch rush. Enjoy your morning off.
There was no signature, but Lila recognized the writing. It was Mason.
“That motherfucker,” she grumbled on her way out the door.
She made her way to the diner, her legs marching quickly under her. She was angry but also very rested. It made her charge into Moony’s all the easier.
“Mason!” she cried, bursting into the kitchen.