AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He leaned against the counter and yawned, rubbing the back of his neck.
“You did an amazing job out there,” Chris said, coming into the kitchen. “The sun has already dried a lot of the tables and chairs, too. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
Chris motioned with his hand and Diesel followed him out onto the back patio. He sat on a picnic table across from Chris, curious about the serious look on the male’s face.
“I was wondering if you want to be a bouncer your whole life.”
Diesel’s brows rose. “Not really. It’s good work, it pays well. And I like hanging out with the pride. But no, I can’t see myself checking IDs when I’m fifty.”
Chris chuckled. “Amy and I’d like to have you think about coming to work here. Em said you knew our family’s plan was always for her to take it over at some point. While I don’t see that happening anytime soon, Em can’t run it by herself so we aren’t even able to take a vacation or meet my parents up somewhere for a visit while they’re doing their RV traveling.”
“Em loves the coffee shop,” Diesel said.And I love her, he added silently. He just hadn’t told her yet.
“I hope you’ll come to love it, too. But in the meantime, think about it. I know you’re invaluable at the bar – you’re clearly a hard worker. I mean, you’ve come here every day this week and done anything and everything we asked.”
“My mom always said do things right the first time.”
“My dad used to say something similar. There’s no rush for a decision, of course. Think about it, talk it over with Em. If it’s not the right time for you to make the change now, we won’t be offended in the slightest.”
“Thanks. While I have you here privately,” Diesel’s voice lowered, and a frisson of nerves skated up his spine. “I’d like to ask for your blessing for me and Em to get married.”
Chris’s brows winged up and he grinned. “Of course! I’m so happy you asked me.”
“We’re technically married by pride standards since we’re mates, but I love her, and I want her to be mine in every way.”
Chris extended his hand and Diesel shook it. “You’ve got my blessing. I’ll keep mum on the engagement, so I don’t spoil the surprise.”
“Thank you.”
“There you are!” Em said, leaning out the door.
“We were just having a chat,” Chris said.
“I’m making chicken sandwiches, Dad. Do you want one?”
“No thank you, honey.”
Diesel followed Chris into the kitchen, who nodded at them and strode out into the shop. Diesel stole a kiss from Em.
“How many sandwiches do you want?” she asked.
“Is three too many?” he asked.
“Never. I’ll give you extra chicken, too.”
He helped her make the sandwiches, enjoying her chatter as she talked about how her parents had thought she was a loon for putting apple slices on a sandwich, but it was now one of the most popular lunch menu items.
“I call it The Em,” she said as she slid the tray of four sandwiches into the oven.
“It looks great, I can’t wait to try it,” he said. They leaned against the counter and she tucked herself close with a sigh.
“Everything okay with my dad?”
