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Most days, I enjoyed my job, even though in my heart I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Sometimes I regretted not taking the marketing position Rhett offered me multiple times. But once we ended things, I knew I couldn’t work directly with him every day after my heart was shattered. So instead, I settled for a receptionist job at the law office in town. I quit once Brendan was born because I didn’t want to work full-time. Part-time waitressing gave me the flexibility I wanted that first year, but now I had to admit I needed more. I didn’t go to school for six years for this. My dad confirmed with me this morning that he had an interview set up for me next week at an up-and-coming marketing agency right in the city. I was excited about the opportunity to use my degree.
Rhett texted me earlier and filled me in, asking if I was okay covering for the opening manager. Still, he usually helped out when we were short staffed, but he was nowhere to be found.
I helped the new server multiple times, replaced a customer’s meal because the eggs were runny, took care of my own tables, and figured out why our point-of-sale systems wouldn’t ring up the daily special correctly.
I was officially annoyed, tired, and cranky within only a few hours.
My hair, which I’d spent extra time on that morning, was a frizzy mess because of the humidity, and my makeup wasn’t any better because I ran around dealing with chaos. I could feel the sweat dotting my hairline and forming between my breasts.
What’s the air conditioner set on? Why the hell is it so hot in here? Or is it me? You know what? That’s it.
I shoved the two plates of food at a server to carry out to their table, ready to go in search of Rhett. Before my feet could move, he entered through the front doors, smiling as our eyes locked. When his eyes traveled the length of my body, including my crossed arms and glare, his smile faded. But at least he was moving with purpose in my direction now.
“Rhett.” James, a family friend of his parents appearing off to the side near the hostess stand, slapped him on the back. “Rumor is you and Bella are finally together.”
Rhett’s eyes widened as he ran his hand through his hair. “I—I think that’s between Bella and me, don’t you?”
Pushing past James, he reached me with a few quick strides and turned me toward the back offices. As we walked, his hand moved to the small of my back, and I couldn’t help the shiver that swept through me.
“What’s wrong?” he asked once we were in the back hallway. My jaw dropped.
Is he freaking serious right now?
I blew out a frustrated sigh. “It’s been crazy today. You left me in charge, then disappeared.”
“I’m sorry ba—Bella.” He tucked a lock of hair that was sticking to my cheek behind my ear. “I knew you could handle it, though.” His hand moved from my hair to rub the back of his neck. “We had to shut the AC unit off. Sorry about that. But it should cool back down in a minute. I’m here now. What needs to be dealt with?”
“Wait—what’s wrong with the AC? Where were you?”
Oh, God. Now I sound like the nagging girlfriend. Is that what I even was—a girlfriend? His girlfriend? What even are we?
“Over at the Inn, meeting with the contractors about the damage from the flooding earlier this week.” He looked up and over my shoulder as his eyes hardened. “That’s why he pushed for the extra security,” he mumbled.
“Huh? Who?”
“My dad.” His eyes locked with mine again. “You told my dad what happened with Drew? But not me?” I could see the hurt in his eyes.
“No, of course not.” I sighed, glancing over my shoulder at the security camera mounted above the door. “Ashley said she was going to convince your dad to install cameras but promised me she wouldn’t tell either of you why.” I nervously bit my lip.
“Don’t do that.” He glanced at my mouth and then awkwardly shifted his eyes up and over my head. Here we were again, going round and round. “Come on, let’s get out there.” He cringed as he heard something clatter to the ground.
“It’s been like this all morning. She’s sweet, but Jamie is a hot mess.” I rolled my eyes and followed Rhett out of the back hallway.
I gave up on my hair and piled it high on my head. He didn’t seem to notice anyway since he had been more focused on me biting my lip. It was a nervous habit and one he never cared about before.
I kept myself busy over the next hour, making sure we had everything set for the lunch rush. But my eyes sought out Rhett again and again.
Great, where did he disappear to now?
He was standing at a table filled with shamelessly flirting women. Even though I had no claim to him yet, a wave of jealousy hit me. I knew he wasn’t seeking their attention. But it still got under my skin, and it didn’t help that this type of thing happened daily. Our eyes met, and he mouthed “save me,” but I crossed my arms and shook my head. Nope. I was going to let him squirm for a minute. His eyes narrowed in my direction, and I chuckled.
“Not going to save your man?”
I turned to find Hattie and Savannah, Rhett’s two youngest sisters, smirking as they also took in the scene. “He’s not my man, and no, I don’t plan to save him.”
Hattie placed one hand on her hip. “I think your nose just grew.” She glanced at her sister and muttered, “I told you Ashley was full of shit.”
“What?” I glared at the two troublemakers.
