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“Whatever.”
“Yes, he told me today that he’s part owner of Hooplas with some friends of his.”
“Huh.” Grace goes back to the computer.
My stomach growls, and I think about food. I could eat pizza. Hopefully, my stomach doesn’t revolt like it did with breakfast this morning.
I sit back down and watch the television while Grace taps away at the computer. When she looks up at the television and sees the house the couple choose on this episode, we both say simultaneously, “Big mistake!”
CHAPTER 10
HUDSON
Today’s Bagel Lady Day.
I don’t even want to think about why I’m so damn excited for bagels.
Yeah. Who am I kidding. I’m excited to see her. Kate. Ever since she jumped out of my car yesterday morning, I haven’t stopped thinking about her and wondering if she’s feeling any better. I keep kicking myself for not getting her phone number so I could check on her.
Today’s shift has been a slow one so far, thankfully. Only a few medical calls early this morning when I first got on shift. Now that all the chores at the fire house have been complete, the guys on this shift are all sitting around the television watching golf and talking about the ‘Bagel Lady’.
I’m having a hard time reigning in my jealously and I don’t know why I’m feeling that way. It’s very confusing so I grab my boots and the shoeshine equipment and start scrubbing away.
Finally, we all hear the doorbell ring and it’s a race to the front door to open it up. I want to be one to open the door, but I hold myself back and keep cleaning my shoes.
“Bagels are here!” someone calls out.
I watch the hallway, anticipating her long brown hair and perfect smile. Her rounded hips and quick wit. My pulse is racing, and I don’t know what’s happening to me. But then it hits me like a rock.
I want to feel her electricity again like I do every time I’ve touched her. The last time being when she grabbed my hand when we left the restaurant like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Fuck.
I like her.
A lot.
Damn it. What the hell am I going to do about it? Kane warned me away from her. That she may already have someone. But I didn’t see someone with her at the bar and I damn well didn’t see any signs of a man at her place. And if she did have someone, where the hell was he when she’s drunk in a bar or home sick with a hangover?
No, if she has someone, then they aren’t the right person for her.
But am I? Do I want to be?
Then I hear the rustling of the bags coming down the hall and I answer my own stupid question.
Yes. I do.
I stand up to go help bring in the food and coffee when I realize Kate isn’t here. It’s her friend from the bar.
“Howdy, boys. Here’s your morning joe and breakfast, compliments of Bean and Bagel.” Kate’s friend from the bar places the items on the counter for the guys that are all chattering and pulling bagels out of the bags.
A bunch of ‘thank you’s are thrown around.
“You’re welcome.” Kate’s friend says to the guys as she sees me, and the look of recognition crosses her face. “Hi.”
“Hi. Where’s Kate?” I ask.
She holds her hand out to me, “I’m Grace. The best friend.”
