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His pleased smugness vanished in a blink. “This is dinner for us.”
“No. I can’t do this again.” I’d almost prefer this were a press dinner. Then Ramsey would be on his best behavior, and I’d see Media Ramsey in action rather than Alpha-Sweet, Sometimes-Nerdy Ramsey.
“It’s dinner with friends.” Hunter chimed in. “I’ll be there too.
He wassonot a deterrent.
“You have to eat, we have to eat…” Ramsey dangled the thought like the reasonable and honest proposal it was.
That didn’t mean I had to eat with them. I did need to approve those plans for tomorrow night, though. “Okay. It’s a work dinner. We discuss the event tomorrow.”
Ramsey raised an eyebrow. “We’ll pick you up at six. Get you home before it’s too late, because I assume you’ll work tomorrow, even though you’re about to host a massive fundraiser in another state.”
“You assume correctly.”
Ramsey stepped closer, and I backed away again.
“I’ll see you tonight.” I tried not to look too awkward, waving. I wouldn’t hold up to a drawn-outgoodbyeand who knew what else. There was no telling what I’d agree to next, especially with my body whispering,One little farewell kiss wouldn’t hurt.
Lyn’s café—Loading Java—was only a few miles from the shelter, and even in morning traffic, I was there in under ten minutes. I rushed inside, past our standard line of early customers, and into the kitchen, where Lyn was grabbing a fresh round of pastries.
Thankfully, she was alone. I’d walked in on her with one of her guys a few times, and while I’m pretty sure she was more embarrassed than me, I wasn’t in the mood for unexpected smooches this morning. From anyone.
“I’m so sorry.” I grabbed my apron from its hook and tied it in place. “I’ll help with morning rush, and then I’ll explain.” And ask for a day or two off, out of the blue. The idea of dumping that kind of surprise on someone curdled my gut. I’d be letting Lyn down. Ihatedthat. Maybe I could miss the party.
But then I was letting someone else beg for money on my shelter’s behalf, and I couldn’t do that, either.
“Don’t worry about it.” Lyn was kind. “You looked good this morning. We had it on in here.”
Heat flooded my cheeks. “Thanks.”
We made it through the morning rush with the practiced efficiency of our well-matched crew. When we hit a lull that looked like it would last at least a few minutes, I pulled Lyn aside.
I explained to her what happened last night with the inspection. And what Ramsey’s plan was. “So I may need to take off early tomorrow, and take the day after as well,” I said. “I’msosorry. I wish I could give you more warning. I’ll ask if anyone can take my shift—”
“It’s okay.” Lyn sounded like she meant it. “You’re doing something important, to you and for others.”
I still felt guilty. “But—”
“I get it. Learning to relax and take time off gets easier with each day you take off, though.”
I didn’t want it to get easier. “I never want to feel right letting people down.”
“You’re not letting me down. And don’t worry about covering your shift. Owen will do it.”
“Okay. Thank you.” I was out of arguments.
“If you need anything besides a pop-up Vegas party, let me know,” Lyn said. “I haveconnectionstoo. Mine are just less public.”
I smiled at the offer. Lyn’s friends had helped her remodel this building. I was happy to put them on the payroll to help with mine, as well. “Ask them to be on standby. Whatever comes out of this, I’m going to need a lot of help.”
I went back to work, but I couldn’t stop thinking about tomorrow. And tonight. Every timedinner with Ramseypopped into my head, a giddy little beat danced behind my ribs. It was foolish, but knowing that didn’t stop my heart from hoping otherwise.
I spent far too much mental energy onwhat should I wear tonight, as the hours at work ticked away. Especially since when I got home, I didn’t know.
My apartment was a simple one-bedroom, with sparse decoration. It suited my needs, and I rarely was here long enough to do more than sleep and shower.
The little black dress in the back of my closet called to me, and I tried to ignore its siren song. I’d bought it becauseevery girl should have at least one, and I needed to replace the half-dozen I’d had that reminded me of Ramsey.
