Page 33 of The Waiter at Table 6

Ryder: Just closing up. Perfect timing because I just looked at my phone for the first time all day.

Vanessa: Would you want to come over? Or are you going home?

Vanessa: Actually, forget I asked, you’re probably too tired

Ryder: Vanessa, you might literally be the only bright spot in my day. I’d love to come over.

Vanessa: Only if you’re sure

Ryder: I’ll be there in an hour

My doorbell rings in forty-five minutes. And when I open the door, it’s clear Ryder has had a hard day. He still looks just as hot as he always does, but there’s tension lining his eyes and his smile isn’t quite as bright.

I want to hug him.

So I do.

Stepping forward, I slide my arms around his neck and squeeze him to me.

“Hi,” I whisper.

I don’t know if it’s surprise or something else that makes him hesitate, but it takes him a second to return the hug. But when he does, he melts into me. His arms go around my waist in an iron grip, and his face buries in my shoulder.

“Hey, babe,” I hear his muffled greeting.

My arms tighten around him, relishing this closeness. I wait for his grip to slacken before I let go. When I slide away, I stay close enough that I can grab his hand and pull him toward the kitchen.

“I made you something,” I say with a smile.

He can’t hide his surprise this time. “You did?”

I pull him to a stop at the kitchen counter, biting down on my lower lip as I nod. When his nostrils flare, scenting my surprise, I open the oven door and remove the chocolate chip cookies I’ve been keeping warm.

“You said you needed proof, so…” No longer able to keep my smile contained, I give Ryder the full force of it as I offer him a cookie.

He takes the first bite, his eyes fluttering closed, and he moans.

My breath hitches at the sound. It’s not lost on me that I’m now on the receiving end of the mirror image of our first meeting at the restaurant.

“Oh my God,” he groans, taking another bite. “You were right, these are the best cookies I’ve ever tasted.” I huff a startled laugh when he shoves the entirety of the rest of the cookie in his mouth. “Are you looking for a job as a pastry chef, by any chance?” he asks, his mouth full. “Because I think I might be looking for one now.”

I shake my head with a chuckle, handing him another. “You’re ridiculous,” I say fondly.

He houses the cookie, but when he reaches for another, I finally slide the rest of the cookies into a bowl and grab his hand again so I can tug him in the direction of my basement.

“I have one other thing that’s a known cure for a bad day.”

I can hear him still chewing as he says, “Better than these cookies and your company? Doubtful.”

And I was already warm and fizzing with energy from today, but having Ryder near on top of that? I don’t think I’ve ever been this high on life.

Ryder notices, of course. “You seem chipper. Good day?”

I shine a quick grin over my shoulder. “Not to rub it in, but yes. I had the best day.”

“Well, that sounds promising. Care to share? I’ll live vicariously through you.”

I let out a laugh when I think about Ryder spinning around a pole. “Hold that thought.”

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