Page 8 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

“Well?” Henry flattened his hands on the table. “Those are my numbers.”

Jack ran through the figures. “They match what I got.”

“Cool,” Henry said. “I already counted the drawer. See if you get the same and I’ll recount the kitty.”

He nodded and tallied the cash in the drawer. Once finished, he checked his math with Henry’s. “We’ve got a match.”

“Yay.” Henry sighed. “Looks like you’ve had a good day.”

“It’s the best one in a long time.” Jack zipped the bags, then tucked them both in the safe. He’d retrieve them before he left. “Why don’t we go out to the dining room? Just sit a while with Anna?”

“Sure.” Henry hesitated. “I meant what I said. I’d like to go out with you. Even if it’s just coffee somewhere. Doesn’t have to be in Cedarwood, but I hear the new Brews is pretty good. Beck makes good coffee.”

“You’ve been seeing another restaurateur in your spare time?” He wanted to sound angry, but he wasn’t. He knew Henry. The attraction was real.

“I like coffee and they make good coffee to go.” Henry blushed from his hairline to his collar. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He winked. “I’m not upset. I’ve never been to Brews, so you’ll have to take me some time.”

“I will.”

Jack followed Henry out of the office. He liked watching the sway of Henry’s ass when he walked.

Anna rounded the counter and joined them at the largest table. “Boys, I don’t know about you, but I’m tired.”

“You should be,” Jack said. “We had our fourth best day ever.” He poured three sodas, then brought them to the table. “Congrats, everyone.”

“Are you kidding?” Anna’s eyes shimmered. “Damn.”

“It’s great. I’ll be busy tomorrow ordering for Tuesday,” Jack said. He leaned back in his seat. “I don’t mind. I like busy days over the dry ones. Makes the time go faster.”

“It did.” Anna finished her soda. “And since I’m tired, you’re pooped and we all should get out of here, I’m leaving.” She stood, then slapped Jack on the shoulder. “Honey, if you don’t take this boy out for dinner or at least drinks later, you’ll regret it.”

Henry’s eyes widened but he said nothing.

Jack laughed. “Understood.” He loved her like a sister, but Anna could push. “Night.”

“See you,” she called and left Jack alone with Henry.

“Well,” Henry folded his hands on the table. “Are you busy tonight? Doing that ordering, right?”

“I’ll place the orders tomorrow.” Jack sipped the drink. “Do you have a thought on what I might be doing later?”

“I can cook. Why don’t we have dinner together.” Henry’s hands trembled. “I’ll cook for you since you’ve done it for me all these times.”

“I didn’t know you were a culinary wizard.” He’d overdone the compliment, but so what?

“I wouldn’t say wizard, but I’m decent. I can make fish and salad well.” He shrugged. “I took some cooking classes last summer when I got bored.” He paused. “Would you rather get drinks somewhere? I don’t mind.”

“How about a beer somewhere?” They should go somewhere public for an actual first date.

“Sure. What time?”

“Six.”

“Where?” Henry asked.

Good question. Shit.Where could they go that was public but not a skeevy bar? “How about the diner? Colt runs it and he’s good people. We can order a beer.”

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