Page 88 of Smitten with the Single Dad

“Yeah, Wyatt texted us all and let us know what Cash tried to pull. That wasn’t fucking cool. But for what it’s worth, I think both you and Wyatt handled it well.”

“And as far as the customer …” She shook her head. “If I thought meatballs would go well in a fettuccini Alfredo, I would put meatballs in a fettuccini Alfredo. You know, I understand saying, ‘No mushrooms. I don’t like the texture, or I am allergic.’ That I can respect. But that customer today? No. I can not respect him.”

Laughing, Bennett pulled up to the gate and punched in the code, then they waited for it to open. “Fair enough. I also think it’s crazy. You’re enjoying working in the kitchen though?”

“Very much.”

“Well, we certainly appreciate the extra set of hands.” He drove through thegate and it closed behind them. Wyatt was on the porch of his house holding a glass of wine for her. Her heart warmed at the sight of him.

Bennett stopped the truck and climbed out, checking for signs of danger before he opened up the door for her. “Milady,” he said, holding out a hand so she could climb out easier.

“Grazie,” she said.

“Prego.”

That made her grin.

“How was the rest of your day?” Wyatt asked her, handing her the glass of red wine.

She took the glass from him and instantly took a sip. “Mmm. So much better now.”

“Dinner’s fifteen minutes away if you want to go and have a shower.”

“Please. I smell like … french fries.”

He took a big whiff. “You smell wonderful.”

The side-eye she gave him was playful. “Are the boys home?”

“Upstairs playing in their rooms.”

“Grazie, Bennett,” she said, already on the stairs.

“Prego,” he replied again.

“You got a minute?” Wyatt asked Bennett.

Bennett nodded, but it barely registered with Vica that when Wyatt closed the front door, he was on the outside of it, not the inside. What were he and Bennett discussing?

Dinner was absolutely wonderful.

Wyatt had to be feeling better to create something so delicious. A dish he called “hot honey chicken” with a decadent summer salad that had a blueberry vinaigrette and mouthwatering roasted potatoes with crumbled feta and lemon. Vica ate way more than she should have, but she couldn’t stop.

Sitting back from the table, she dramatically cupped her belly which she pushed out. “This is a baby made of food.”

Jake and Griffon chuckled, then mimicked her and did the same. Of course, they didn’t care for the chicken or salad. So they ate hotdogs and the potatoes.

“You two little beach bums look exhausted,” Wyatt said, checking his watch.

Jake’s eyes were hooded, and he nodded. “I think I’m ready for bed.”

“Me too,” Griffon agreed. “The beach was fun, but the sun zapped all my energy.”

“Dishes in the dishwasher, then upstairs, brush your teeth, and off to bed. I’ll be up shortly to read you a story and tuck you in.”

Nodding like little sun-zombies, the boys got up from the table and did as they were told.

“I can do the dishes,” Vica said. “You go see to them.”

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