Page 143 of Firecracker

He shook his head, smiling. “You’re something else, Arden my love.”

“I’m going to put some effort into getting more catering jobs,” she said. “I hope the offer to use the kitchen here stands? If I can get a few more jobs, I should be able to afford to move out.”

Liam’s eyes crinkled at the corners, though he still looked worried. “Yes, the offer stands. Good for you, Arden.”

“Thanks. Well. When can I start?”

“Tomorrow.” He turned. “Sorcha!”

Sorcha appeared from the kitchen. Her eyes widened at seeing Arden. “What’s going on?”

“I just hired a new waitress.

Sorcha’s lips twitched. “Seriously?”

“This is Arden. She starts tomorrow.”

“You didn’t even interview her, did you?” Sorcha grinned, and Arden laughed, remembering the first time she’d walked in here. “Did she fill out an application form? Did you get references?” She met Arden’s eyes and opened her arms.

Arden slid off the stool and flew at her for a long hug. Coming from Sorcha, this meant a lot. “Missed you.”

“Missed you too. You okay?” Sorcha pulled back to look into her eyes.

“Not really. But I will be. Thanks.” She scrunched up her face, took a deep breath, then smiled. She stepped away and reached for her purse. “Thank you. Thank you both so much. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She walked the familiar route back to Jamie’s house. Such a lovely neighborhood. She remembered her first days there, walking these streets, Tyler worried about her walking home alone at night. She squeezed her eyes shut briefly. She’d been annoyed at him, but now she appreciated having someone who cared that much. And she’d messed it up.

At home, she climbed the beautiful staircase to the second floor and opened the door to her apartment.

She stopped. Stared. Her mouth fell open. Tyler was there.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Tyler stood next to the kitchen island, where a big bouquet of fall flowers glowed—sunflowers and gladioli and chrysanthemums. Also, gold and orange balloons floated above them. He looked so handsome…his arm in a cast, his face still a little pale and drawn, but God, he was beautiful and strong and brave.

She blinked. “Uh…hi. What’s going on?”

“We’re celebrating.”

She tipped her head. “Okay. Um…what are we celebrating?” She hadn’t checked her app so she had no idea what today was supposed to celebrate.

“It’s National I’m an Idiot so I’m Groveling for Forgiveness Day.”

Air left her lungs in a rush, her throat thickening. “Ah.” She took a few steps farther into the apartment. “That sounds like something we should both be observing.”

He smiled….so beautiful, his sculpted lips curving upward. “I thought so.”

“So…what do we eat and drink to celebrate this important day?”

One corner of his mouth hitched up. “We eat crow.”

She smiled back at him. “Ugh. Doesn’t sound good at all.”

“I don’t think it’s supposed to. That’s the point…it’s hard to swallow. Like being a stupid idiot is hard to swallow.”

“Yeah.” She sucked in a breath and let it out. “I know.”

“We’re also having humble pie.” He gestured at a delicious-looking, golden-crusted pie on the table.

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