Page 78 of Waitress at the Shadow Ridge Inn
The good news was, while the situation was dire, it wasn’t hopeless.
I drafted a list of suggestions, then called John into the office. Of the two, he was more likely to listen. I gave it to him straight up, no bullshit. He wasn’t expecting me to be so blunt, but then, he’d never seen this side of me before. I told him if they wanted to stay in business, they would have to start making some hard decisions right away.
The rest I’d handle when I returned.
Because, yes, I was determined to return.
Afterward, I slipped out the back. Everyone was busy cleaning up after the bus trip, and I didn’t see the point of long-drawn-out goodbyes.
I found Steve in the lot, leaning against my Jeep. My pulse immediately sped up at the sight of him, tendrils of joy wrapping around my heart. He looked good enough to eat. Well-washed, faded jeans clung to his muscular thighs, a thermal showcased his broad chest and tight abs to perfection, and an unbuttoned dark green-and-brown flannel brought out the flecks in his gorgeous eyes.
“About time,” he said, shooting me one of those crooked smiles that melted my bones every time. “I was about to go in there after you.”
My body wanted against his. I refrained. Barely. “What are you doing here?”
“Throwing myself on your mercy.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“I know I said I was fine with letting you take care of business, and I am. But …”
“But?” I prompted.
“But you shouldn’t have to do it alone. What I mean is, I want to be there for you, in whatever capacity you need. Hell, I’ll even stay in another hotel if that’s what you want. What if you need a hug, or a back massage, or someone to talk to?” He grinned. “Or, you know, epic sex to take your mind off things for a little while.”
Heart. Melting.
“Epic sex, huh?” I said, stepping into his arms.
“That’s your takeaway?”
I kissed the underside of his jaw. “I’m sorry. My mind blanked everything else out.”
He laughed and kissed me. “Does that mean I can come?”
“I’m counting on it,” I murmured rubbing my hips suggestively against his. I could do double entendres too.
He groaned.
“What about your job?”
“I haven’t taken a vacation in five years. I think I’m due. Besides, I can’t work even if I wanted to. My brothers decided to come by last night and steal my tools.”
“Why would they do that?”
“I think my mother put them up to it. She likes you and has told me in no uncertain terms that I’d be a fool to let you go. Which I totally agree with, by the way. So, you see, not only will I be inconsolable if you don’t let me tag along, but I’ll also be stuck here with nothing to do but get in trouble.”
“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop?” I mused.
“Exactly.”
“Well, in that case, I should probably take you with me.”
“Yeah, you should.”
That ache I’d been feeling in my chest disappeared.
I scanned the lot. “Should I follow you back to your place so you can get a few things?”
