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I cock my head, not quite sure what she means.
“I’m a sous chef at The Parlor.”
“Really?” That’s not far from my pottery shop downtown. Small world. “I bet that’s a demanding job. Didn’t they just earn a second star?” I’m not rich, by any means, but I do well and have eaten at The Parlor on a few choice occasions. Dates that went nowhere. The same place this conversation will end up.
Why the hell am I still talking to this girl?
“Yes and yes. I think I was lucky they hadn’t received that star until after they hired me, straight out of school. Oh, God. Here I am diving into my life’s story and haven’t even introduced myself.” A titter in her throat brings a smile to my lips, keeping me from thanking her for her advice and moving on.
Which I most certainly should do now as she lay her fingers on mine gripping the cart handle like it’s about to fly away if I let up on it. “I’m Riley.”
“Daniel.” I swallow the lump in my throat as I take her hand to shake it. Her palms are smooth but her fingertips callused like mine. Proving her high level of dedication to her work. That alone makes her just as sexy as any of her admittedly stunning physical features. Her long golden hair. Slender frame. Breasts that are slightly less than a handful and proportional hips but an ass that I could get a good grip on.
My breath hitches as I take a deep breath catching her sage and saltwater scent. I bet she tastes as good as she smells.
“Nice to meet you, Daniel.”
I agree and regretfully release her hand.
Now, just thank her for her help and move on.
I will only make a bigger fool of myself if I stick around any longer.
Mouth open, ready to deliver my thanks, Riley cuts in, “So, who will the lucky recipient of this gumbo be?”
Did she just try to not-so-subtly ask if I’m cooking for a date?
I need to get out of here more than ever.
“My daughter.” Hell, that might end things quicker than if I was cooking for a date.
“Really? I don’t know many kids who like such spicy foods.”
“I’m not sure an eighteen-year-old counts as a kid.” And if that doesn’t scare her off, I’m not sure what will.
The way her eyes widen slightly before she clears her throat tells me she has been properly warned off.
“Well.” She clears her throat again. “I hope it’s a big hit.”
“I can pretty much guarantee I’ll ruin it and we’ll end up ordering pizza but it’s the thought that counts, right?”
“Right. But I’ll wish you the best of luck with it anyway.”
“Thank you. And thanks for the help with thefee-lay.”
She gives me a reserved smile and nods before pushing her cart on by.
I breathe easily, at last, glad I avoided getting myself into a lot of trouble with a woman half my age.
“Hey.”
I freeze when Riley calls my name before appearing beside me again, without her cart.
“This is crazy, I know but I would feel terrible if I didn’t at least offer.”
With my tongue as frozen as the rest of me, I wait for her to continue, completely oblivious to whatever she’s about to say.
“In case you run into trouble,”Oh, I think it’s too late for that. “I’d be glad to give you my number. I could talk you through the process.” She nods at my cart.
