Page 44 of Waitress at the Shadow Ridge Inn
I knew what Iwantedto think. Instead, I said, “Honestly? After what I just told you, I’m surprised you haven’t left skid marks on your way out the door.”
“You don’t have a clue, do you?”
“A clue about what?”
He ignored my question and patted the outside of my thighs. “You should call Rose and tell her you want the night off.”
I glanced up at the wall clock and gasped. It was much later than I’d thought.
I reluctantly climbed off his lap and pushed myself away. “Shit. I have to get ready. And how did you know I was working tonight?”
He laughed. “You work every day.”
“Good point.”
“Take the night off. Let Shannon cover for you for a change.”
“What if her kids are sick again?”
“Then, Mike can miss his weekly poker game and take care of them,” Steve said. “After that stunt he pulled, I’d say he owes you one.”
The idea had merit. I was tired and sore and mentally exhausted from baring my soul. Spending a quiet, cozy evening with Steve sounded heavenly. And incredibly dangerous. I was falling hard for this guy, and if I wanted a chance at something more, there were a few things I needed to take care of before I could jump into those waters.
Still, I could takeonenight off … right?
Just as I was thinking that, Steve’s phone buzzed. He fished it out of his pocket, looked at the screen, and grinned.
“Shannon just texted me,” he said. “Rose said I’m to use whatever means necessary to keep you from coming in tonight.”
His phone buzzed again.
“And she’s holding me personally responsible for ensuring your well-being.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
He turned the phone around so I could read the messages, and, yep, he wasn’t kidding.
“Do you think Rose is playing matchmaker?”
“No doubt in my mind.” He shook his head. “I don’t know who’s worse—Rose or my mother.”
“Guess I’m not going into work tonight,” I said on an exhale, relieved that the decision had been taken out of my hands.
“Then, how about you take a hot bath and I make us some dinner?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do,” he said, shaking the phone at me, eyes twinkling. “Otherwise, I’ll face the wrath of Roseandmy mother, and I’m just not that brave.”
I laughed because how could I not? The man made me feel lighter inside.
“Fine. If you want to hide out here, I’ve got your back. But I don’t have anything to make dinner with. Lou usually hooks me up. Unless, of course, you like cereal. I’ve got a couple of boxes of that.”
His lips quirked. “I think we can do better than that. Why don’t you come back to my place? My kitchen is fully stocked.”
I was about to decline when he added, “Did I mention I have a Jacuzzi?”
