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“Hey, Ajax,” Denali said when he stepped inside.
Zayde had been in Midnight Falls for six months, but he’d yet to visit the café. Ajax’s dark blond hair was swept back, almost like he’d been riding a motorcycle with no helmet and his hair had kept that wind-blown look.
He also had the darkest gray eyes Zayde had ever seen. Zayde noticed that Ajax had tattoo sleeves as well and one on the side of his neck—though he couldn’t make out what the tattoo was—and since his buttoned-up shirt was open at the neck, Zayde also saw some ink on his chest.
Ajax did not look like someone who served coffee and muffins. He looked like he should be a pro wrestler or the manager of a wrestler. But weirdly enough, he also looked polished.
“This is Zayde,” Denali said.
Ajax smiled at him. “Hey, Zayde.”
“Hi.” Zayde shoved his hands into his front pockets, feeling awkward. “What smells so good?”
“That’s either my apricot cheesecake bars or my rum cake.” He winked. “Want to sample both?”
“Yes!” Zayde curled his lips in and cleared his throat. “I mean yes.”
Denali chuckled. “Looks like you have another fan, Ajax.”
“I always win them over.” Ajax plated a large slice of rum cake and added two apricot cheesecake bars. “Want anything to drink?”
Zayde looked at the chalkboard behind the counter with neat scrawling. If Ajax had written that, he had amazing penmanship. “An iced caramel brulé sounds good.”
“I’ll have the same,” Denali said.
“Coming right up. Go have a seat on the patio and I’ll bring your drinks to you.”
Zayde turned, looking at the interior. It was a cute little café with lumpy couches and overstuffed chairs scattered about, all just waiting for someone to sink into them. On one wall was a large stone fireplace, but it sat empty since it was so warm outside.
The patio was inviting, the string lights twinkling in the daylight. Unlit candles in mason jars were scattered across the tables, and the chairs held plump, comfortable cushions. There was a comforting sense of seclusion created by the tall wooden privacy fence at the back, shielding the patio from the view of the alleyway beyond.
Zayde and Denali settled into a cozy corner table, enjoying the intimate atmosphere. Ajax soon arrived with their drinks and desserts, placing them on the table with a smile. Zayde couldn’t resist taking a bite of the rum cake, closing his eyes as the delicious flavor exploded in his mouth. He let out a moan of pleasure, and Denali chuckled.
“You really do make the best desserts in town, Ajax,” Denali said.
Ajax tipped his head in acknowledgement. “I try, but I think Sweet Spot has me beat.”
“Don’t even go there,” Denali said. “You know damn well you’re a genius in the kitchen.”
“I’ll take that compliment,” Ajax said before he walked back inside.
Zayde had been to Sweet Spot. It was a local bakery that served the best desserts, but he wasn’t going to tell Ajax that. The guy looked like he could pulverize Zayde with one arm tied behind his back and eating a sandwich with the other hand.
But he had to admit the rum cake was now his favorite. Zayde took a sip of his iced caramel brulé, savoring the sweet and creamy taste. He felt relaxed as he enjoyed the warm breeze and the tranquil ambiance that surrounded them.
“Thank you for taking me here,” Zayde said, sipping his brulé. “This place is beautiful.”
Denali’s lips curled into a smile. “I’m glad you like it. I’m a sucker for Ajax’s desserts.”
He watched as Denali leaned back in his chair, and the way his bicep flexed against the tight black T-shirt made Zayde’s mouth go dry. He cleared his throat. “What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a deputy.”
Zayde’s jaw dropped. “You’re a cop?”
“Why do you look so surprised?”
Zayde shrugged, feeling embarrassed. “I don’t know. You just… don’t look like a cop.”
