Page 3 of Dead in the Water

“Does he cook for you often?”

“No, but I was teasing him the other day because he always comes here and I cook, so I think he just took the hint finally.”

“He’s pretty good looking,” Jessica said. “I thought you two were dating or something.”

“No. Just friends.” She swallowed hard and looked at all the food on the counter, most of which were containers of sugar. “Why don’t you put all this away and head home early?”

“Thanks, but I’m happy to hang around. I’m not supposed to finish for another hour and a half.”

“You’re very dedicated,” Lily mused, as she wandered away. After a couple of steps, she backtracked and looked around the doorframe at Jessica. “I just want to make sure we’re clear on something. If I send you home early, I will still pay you for the whole day.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” Lily stifled a laugh as Jessica picked up the pace of refilling the cupboards.

“That would be amazing then, thank you. I’m saving up for some new clothes, you see, and everything helps.”

“If it’s ever busy and I ask you to work longer, I’ll pay you extra for those hours, but if there’s nothing to do and I send you home early, I’ll still pay you.”

“I love working here. You’re a great boss.”

The compliment gave Lily a warm tingle in her stomach. “It’s good having you around.”

Jessica cleared away the countertop at lightning speed, then moved to the end cupboard to retrieve her bag and her raincoat.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said as she rushed past Lily. “Enjoy your date.”

“Thank you,” Lily said before giving a quick shake of the head. It wasn’t a date.

In the shop, the customers were leaving too.

Left alone with her thoughts, Lily pondered whether she’d missed some clue and Flynn really had invited her for a date.

Itwasunusual for him to invite her to his place. And him cooking was unheard of.

She shook her head. They were just friends.

Admittedly, she often got butterflies at the sight of him. And she couldn’t deny the intrusive thoughts about kissing him. But they’d agreed to just be friends, and she was fine with that.

She really was.

Now she should stop overthinking things. Since she probably wouldn’t get any more customers, she could close the shop early and get ready for her date.

She cursed herself.

It wasn’t a date.

At least she was reasonably sure it wasn’t.

Chapter Two

Flynn spenta good portion of his day debating what to cook for dinner. After his shift, he settled on his couch and searched for recipes he thought he could manage. He was all set to head to the supermarket with his list of ingredients when he questioned what on earth he was doing. There was no way Lily was expecting him to cook a proper meal. He’d look like he was trying too hard and make things awkward again.

Finally, their friendship was back on an even keel and he was about to freak her out with his notions of a romantic dinner.

Scrap that idea.

He tidied up, at least. Then hopped in the shower when he realised he’d lost a lot of time searching through recipes.

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