Page 29 of Just Desserts

I shrugged sheepishly. He passed me the card he was reading from, and I was grateful to see a full breakdown of each dish. Instead of passing out separate plates he dug right into the container with his fork. He took a bite then looked at me.

"Come on, eat up! I need your feedback; can't let you get behind."

I laughed at his serious tone and dug into the dish between us. The evening flew by as we chatted over food. We read the descriptions of each dish before trying them and discussing the pros and cons for the score sheet.

Before I realized it two hours had passed. We ate most of the food and I don't know how much help I was since everything tasted incredible in my opinion. As we were finishing up dessert Myles looked up at me, a flash of nervousness washing over his face.

"Did you finish doing inventory? I'm sorry if I interrupted you." He grimaced, looking genuinely concerned.

I flushed when I realized I completely forgot about it.

"No, I still have some left, but don't worry I can just come in early tomorrow to get it done."

"Can I help? I'm happy to keep you company, I also am pretty good with a pen and paper if you need me to update any lists."

I was completely taken off guard by the offer, but as soon as it was out there, I was considering it. I didn't want Myles to leave. I wanted to spend more time with him. I nodded nervously and we silently collected the containers to throw away. He followed me back into the kitchen and whistled.

"You've got all the top-of-the-line gear back here, damn those ovens are beautiful."

I was pleased with his response and murmured a thank you as Ishowed him into the pantry. Before I could say anything, Myles plopped himself down on the floor in a corner, seemingly at home.

"This place is larger than my bathroom at home. I'm impressed, wanna pass me the clipboard?" He asked.

I turned to look at him. How did I wind up here? Who was this man, sitting on my floor at 9pm ready to help me with inventory, not just ready but excited. It’s almost as if I had asked him to go to prom. I shrugged off all the questions and decided to just enjoy our time together.

We worked in a companionable rhythm for 45 minutes and were able to run through the rest of the list quickly. Throughout our time together we still managed to weave through some basic ‘getting to know you’ questions. Thankfully, any mention of Jonathan or Alyssa was not a factor. By the time we finished, I almost wished I had more work to do just so I could stay in his company.

Unfortunately, I knew tomorrow was going to be a bitch since I usually forced myself to go to bed early on nights I had to open the bakery the following morning. Myles stayed by my side as I shut down the shop, turning all the lights off and leaving the building. He waited next to me as I locked the front door then walked me to my car.

"So, I guess this is goodbye?" I said awkwardly, trying to withhold a groan at my lame attempt at conversation.

"I'd prefer it if it was just goodnight. I'd like to see you again, if you're up for it." He asked, that half smile doing weird things to my stomach.

"I would. Like to see you again, that is." I stammered out.

"Are you free this weekend?"

"Sort of. I moved recently, and I don't have a ton of furnitureat my new place yet. I've been spending the weekends trying to find things to furnish the rest of the apartment with. My inability to make decisions with food seems to be carrying over to decorating as well." He smiled as I rambled, and I took that as a good sign.

"Would you like some company?" He asked, and I looked at him like he had three heads.

"You want to come shopping with me?" He laughed at my expression.

"I'd like to spend time with you, and I don't mind if that comes in the form of shopping. Plus, I know a few cool furniture places we could check out. I had to do a lot of searching to find stores or designers that could fit the style for the hotel, so I know my way around interior decorating, to a degree at least."

My heart thudded in my chest and warmth flowed through my veins. A chilly breeze swept over us, breaking that spell. With a shiver, I nodded.

"I would really like the company, if you're free. Can I text you in the morning on Saturday?" I replied.

"Sounds like a plan. I'm looking forward to it. Now get into your car before you turn into a popsicle." He ordered, as he took the keys from me and unlocked my car. Myles held open the driver’s side door so I could slide in and didn’t hand me the keys untilI was buckled in.

"Do me a favor, call or text me when you get home so I know you're okay. I feel guilty for keeping you out late." I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak.

"Have a good night, sweet Isla." He said softly before closing my door and patting the roof of my car, as if telling me to giddy up.

He stayed where he was standing until I pulled out of the lot, then I saw him turn around and head towards his car. Out ofthe corner of my eye I caught another car in the parking lot across the street from the bakery. Right as I was turning out of the lot, its lights turned on.

I thought I recognized the driver, but the car looked completely unfamiliar. I dismissed it immediately, too caught up in the events from the day. My bed waited for me at home; there I could sort through all the conflicting thoughts rioting through my body.

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