Page 71 of Deep Tide

“Leyla?”

She jerked back.

“Someone’s here, babe.”

“What?”

He nodded over her head.

She whirled around and heard a rap rap rap coming from the front of the shop. “Damn. It’s Rogelio.”

She rushed out, straightening her apron. Rogelio stood at the door with his silver cart. He wore a white chef jacket and checked pants—the required uniform for the Windjammer Hotel kitchen.

She unlocked the door, then remembered to tap in her code before opening it.

“Hi,” she said, stepping back.

“My code didn’t work,” he said as he wheeled in the cart.

“I had to reset everything. I’ll give you the new one.”

Rogelio looked behind her. “Who’s here?”

“Just... a friend.”

He glanced at the kitchen again. Then he shot her a knowing look with those brown-black eyes. “You’re pink, chiquita.”

“Oh, whatever.” She waved off the comment, but her cheeks warmed as she followed him into the kitchen, where Sean leaned against the counter.

“Hi. Rogelio.” He reached out a tattoo-covered arm. “You must be...?”

“Sean.”

They shook hands, and then Rogelio started unloading trays filled with biscotti.

“Vanilla, chocolate, and amaretto,” he said. “I still have to dip the vanilla ones.”

“I’ve got some Ghirardelli chips in the back,” Leyla told him.

Sean caught her eye. “I’ll head out.”

She felt a stab of disappointment. Followed by relief. Then disappointment again as she walked with him to the door.

He stopped beside it, glancing at the brand-new keypad on the wall.

“New system?” he asked.

“Just got it today.”

“It’s a good brand.”

“That’s why I got it.”

She held the door open for him, and humid air wafted inside.

“You plan to be here late?” he asked.

“Not too much longer. I need to get home. I’ve got an early start tomorrow.” She nodded back toward the kitchen. “We both do.”

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