Page 30 of The Charming Checklist
A moment passed between them, and Ava felt the tension, thick as rich espresso. Max’s warm gaze settled on her and in that moment, she felt he’d kiss her again. Not like the first time, when it had been to make a point. But now, he’d kiss her because he wanted to. She was dreaming, though, because she’d agreed to find him the perfect woman.
“I better go. I’ve got an early morning.” A moment later, he tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “Sorry if I was a grump.”
“What? No, I’ve had the best time tonight. Thank you, Max, not just for coming to dinner but for cupcakes, cotton candy, and...well, mostly for Tarzan.” She held up the gorilla.
“You named him Tarzan?” He cocked his head and one corner of his amazing mouth curled up.
She laughed and beat Tarzan’s hands on his chest. “I’ll find a special place for him.”
“You do that.”
Chapter Nine
It was a good thing that Max had already made up his mind to fire Nick. Because if last night’s display hadn’t been enough to confirm his decision, the next morning, Nick showed up two hours late to work once again. Max had planned to wait until Adam arrived to let Nick go, but he couldn’t tolerate the disrespect another minute.
“We need to talk.” Max hooked his thumb to one of the booths.
“I’m already late. I have so much to do before we open.”
“Sit.”
Nick did, looking sheepish. “Look, I’m sorry. I had a little trouble this morning.”
“Sheryl’s husband again?”
“Why? Did he drop by here again?” Shifty-eyed Nick made good work of those eyes.
“No,” Max said with patience. People were so damn stupid. It was like Nick had deliberately hopped on a train to Nowhere. “Not yet, anyway.”
“Look, I know my head hasn’t been in the game for a while.”
Bingo. As Max always suspected, someone about to get canned knew they deserved it. They saw it coming.
“It’s Sheryl. She won’t leave me alone. I realize she’s a married woman but dayum.” He fanned his hand to indicate heat.
Max scowled. Nick, blaming his troubles on someone else. He couldn’t take another minute of this shit show. “I’m going to have to let you go.”
Nick returned the scowl. “Are youkidding? You’re firing me? Is Cole okay with this?”
“Yep.”
“I doubt that.” He stood, fists clenched. “Cole is reasonable. He’ll understand.”
“I’ve given you plenty of chances. You only get two with me.” Max stood as well, facing off.
Nick narrowed his eyes, but then his hands went up. “You know what? Forget this place! I can find better workanda better salary.”
Max hadn’t expected him to take this well, but the overt hostility surprised him. “Go for it.”
“Ah, hell! You know what? You need to get laid! You’re a slave driver. All you do is work, and I’m tired of your crap.” With that, he stalked toward the entrance, then turned back. “Send my last check. I don’t want to step inside this crappy place again.”
Max breathed a sigh of relief to be rid of the dead weight, even if he was now down one cook. Their most experienced cook. No matter. After checking the schedule, he noted they were unfortunately now down two cooks due to a previously scheduled day off for one of their staff. He’d have to fill in today. He rolled up his sleeves, went in the kitchen, washed his hands, and donned an apron. When Sam and Brian arrived for their shifts (early) Max was ready.
“What the hell?” Brian said, grabbing an apron. “Whatcha doin’ boss?”
“Where’s Nick?” Sam asked.
“Fired him.”
