“I didn’t know you could be so cute, Joe.” Ivy bumps her shoulder into our older boss.
“That’s because with the way you two work, I’ve no reason to be cute.”
I laugh around a thickening throat at his usual irritated shake of head.
“And you”—Joe points his finger at me as I grab my black apron from the hook—“no leaving early or coming in late. Wedding is over. Now you both focus on the café and the customers.”
Ivy and I wave our hands at his attempt at being a stern boss, and finally Joe disappears into the kitchen.
* * *
“I’m beat,” Ivy mutters as she hops up onto the counter and wiggles her toes.
It’s not even lunchtime, and we’ve made more lattes today than we have the entire week. It seems like everyone is out and taking advantage of the great weather.
I’m about to slide next to Ivy when a man dressed in a suit enters. For a second, I think its Zane, but then my gaze slides to his glasses and nicely cropped hair.
He smiles a friendly smile before making a beeline for me. “Hi. Are you Mrs. Teager?”
Mrs. Teager. Wow, that sounds so nice.
My heart flutters at his greeting. “Yeah, I am.”
“I’m Rick, Mr. Teager’s executive assistant.” Rick offers me his hand. “Boss has ordered lunch for the med team and cake and coffee for the meeting participants.”
“Really? Why?”
“I think he wants everyone to know about you.” Rick raises an eyebrow and bites back a smile, but my heart pounds like I’ve just run after Tassels in the park.
“Can you give me a sec?” I’m already calling Zane when Ivy slides off the counter and stands next to me.
“You go. I’ll start preparing the order.” Her excitement is palpable as she giggles at Rick. “Mrs. Teager and her best friend expect a hearty tip, just so you know.”
Zane picks up after one ring, and the butterflies in my stomach go rapid. I’ve noticed over the past few days that every time his phone rings, he waits for a few seconds to answer, but he didn’t do that with me.
“H-hello.” His raspy voice reaches my ear, and I can almost feel his hot breath on my skin.
“Hi.” I clear my throat to find my bearings. “You ordered lunch for your staff?”
He hums and gives me nothing more. But I can hear him walking.
“Zane, you don’t have to do this. How do you even remember what I blurted weeks ago? I was just rambling.”
“But I w-want everyone to know ab-bout you.”
“But—”
“Shh.” I hear the door closing behind him. “Pack me s-something special.”
And God, if I could, I’d pack myself for his lunch and be his meal.
With the way his whispered words skim my insides, I think I see stars. For a second, I worry I’m having another episode. But this time, it’s Zane Teager’s effect and not my sick brain.
I end the call and return to the counter, where Ivy has already packed lunch and cakes and is now making a variety of lattes. I grab a cup and start the second coffee machine. I make a heart on top of the foam, and before closing the lid, I take a sip of the latte, making sure there’s a clear stain of my lipstick on the mug.
We help Rick arrange all the bags in his car. When he’s about to get inside, I hand him the special cup, showing the lipstick mark.
“Can you make sure this reaches Zane and no one else?”