Page 16 of Heart Stopping
Who was I kidding? Her and Gina got involved in my personal life all the time, and they weren't going to quit any time soon. How many times did they tell me to lighten up and have some fun once in a while? At least on a weekly basis.
What is it they say about how difficult it is to find good staff?
I looked back to Cass to see him look hopeful again. Part of me felt like I should go into the kitchen, slice some cheese and toss it to him in return for him sitting or rolling over.
"I can do lunch on Monday," I said finally. Lunch was more casual than dinner. A couple of people getting together in the same place to eat, not a date. No expectations. No pressure.
"It's a date," Cass said, throwing that idea right out of the open door and onto the street, where it was promptly run over by a taxi as the driver honked his horn at the car in front of him.
"It's not a date," I said.
"It's a date," Gina said hurrying past again.
"Definitely a date," Erin said gleefully.
"I don't suppose you know anyone who needs a job in a restaurant?" I directed the question to Cass, along with a sarcastic smile directed at Gina and Erin. They didn't need to see it, they'd hear it in my voice.
"I don't know, I think they're doing a great job," Cass said. Because of course he did. At the same time, he was obviously not trying to irritate me, he was genuinely happy they were on his side.
I know, they were trying to be onourside, but there was nous. There couldn't be an us. He was a nice guy and I was…
Someone who deleted men who did horrible things to girls and young women. Cass deserved better than someone like me.
"I can pick you up at your place," he offered, pulling out his phone. I presumed to put my address in his contacts.
"I'll meet you," I said quickly. He definitely couldn't come to my apartment. Even with the Perspex box empty and put aside for now. It was better if he didn't even know where I lived. Safer for him and for me.
At some point the people I was targeting would figure it out and come after me. I didn't need him caught up in the crossfire.
"There's a food cart on the corner of Smith and Bradley," I said. "They sell the best pretzels in the city." Okay, that was one hell of a claim, but as far as I was concerned it was completely accurate. "I'll meet you there at twelve o'clock."
"I'll be there," he said, blinking a couple of times as though surprised I'd actually agreed to meet him anywhere. Maybe wondering if I'd actually turn up. Possibly trying to remember if such a food cart actually existed, or if I was trying to brush him off.
"I need to close up now," I told him. I grabbed the side of the door and gestured for him to step out so I could shut it behind him.
"Yeah, sorry." He stepped over hurriedly and almost tripped over the threshold on his way out. He windmilled his spare hand to stay on his feet. "This is getting to be a habit," he said when he righted himself. "You keep knocking me off my feet."
I ignored Gina and Erin's chorus of 'awww' as I smiled at him and closed the door before locking it.
I shook my head at myself and rubbed a hand over my forehead. What was I getting myself into?
CHAPTER 7
BONER
I respect a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. Even when it takes me by surprise. Which Harlow did when she told me to carry Carl into the back of her restaurant.
I asked no questions. Laid the guy down and went back to deal with his associate.
The associate who rudely didn't show up. Shame, I had energy to burn after spending time with her.
On the upside, I knew where to find her late Saturday night. Just as she was locking up her restaurant.
I waited until her staff left and leaned against the alley wall, where she wouldn't fail to see me.
"You need to stop showing up like this," she said, stopping in front of me, out of reach.
"Do I, love?" I asked easily. I crossed my ankles and cocked my head at her.
