Page 13 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

Sophie grins, bumping my hip with hers. "Now that's the Lila I know. Let's show this block what real Italian cooking tastes like. Hey, maybe we need to add paninis to the menu."

We both bust out laughing.

The lunch rush keeps us busy, and for a while, I'm able to lose myself in the rhythm of cooking. But as the crowd thins and the afternoon lull sets in, my thoughts inevitably drift back to Axel.

I'm scrubbing down the counter for what feels like the millionth time today when I spot him - Axel, standing across the street, his intense gaze fixed on my food truck. My heart does a little somersault as our eyes meet.

"Sophie," I call out, my voice sounding weird even to me. "Can you watch the truck for a few minutes? I need to step out."

Sophie pokes her head out from the back, a knowing smirk on her face as she follows my gaze. "Ooh, I see. Mr. Health Inspector's back. Go get 'em, tiger."

I roll my eyes, but I can feel my face heating up. "It's not like that. I just need to ask him about... yesterday."

"Uh-huh, sure," Sophie says, clearly not buying it. "Don't worry, I've got things covered here. Take your time."

"Thanks, Soph," I say, already moving towards the door. "I won't be long."

Taking a deep breath, I step out of the truck and make my way across the street to where Axel is standing. As I get closer, I can see the tension in his shoulders, the furrow in his brow. Whatever happened yesterday, it's clearly still bugging him.

"Mr. Anderson," I say, proud of how steady my voice sounds despite the butterflies doing the cha-cha in my stomach. "I... I was worried when you didn't come back yesterday. Is everything okay?"

Axel's expression is a mix of concern and something else I can't quite place. "Ms. Taylor," he nods, his voice low. "I apologize for my abrupt departure yesterday. There was an... urgent matter I had to attend to."

I frown, not satisfied with his vague answer. "An urgent matter? That scream... was someone hurt? I looked for news reports, but there was nothing."

Axel shifts uncomfortably, his eyes darting around like he's checking for spies or something. "The situation was... handled discreetly. I'm afraid I can't give you more details."

"But why were you involved? You're a health inspector, not a cop."

"Yes, that is true, but I am part of the neighborhood watch and it is my duty to report to the police anything out of the normal."

"Okay, but why is it being handled discreetly?" I press, studying his face. He looks tired, with dark circles under his eyes that make me want to hand him a pillow and tell him to take a nap.

He manages a small smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm sorry, Ms. Taylor. I appreciate your concern, but I can't answer your questions."

"Lila," I correct him automatically. "Please, call me Lila."

Axel nods, his expression softening slightly. "Lila. I truly am sorry for leaving you in the dark. I hope you understand that there are some aspects of my life that require... discretion."

I'm about to ask what kind of neighborhood watch requires that level of secrecy when a commotion down the street catches our attention. A crowd is gathering around Gio's truck, angry voices rising above the normal street noise. As we watch, a man staggers away from the window, doubled over and retching.

"Could be food poisoning," Axel mutters, his body tensing up like a coiled spring. He turns to me, his expression suddenly all business. "I need to investigate this."

I nod, understanding the urgency of the situation. "Of course, go. I hope no one's seriously hurt."

Axel hesitates, his eyes searching mine like he's trying to read my mind or something. "Lila, can I make it up to you? Would you be willing to meet with me later? There are some things I'd like to discuss with you, about your food truck."

My heart does another little flip. He wants to see me again? But why? "My food truck? Is there a problem?"

"No, no problem," he assures me quickly. "I just have some suggestions that might help you avoid future violations. I thought we could go over them together, maybe over coffee?"

I blink, surprised by his offer. "Oh. Um, sure, that would be great. When were you thinking?"

"How about tomorrow morning, before your truck opens? There's a café just down the street, The Cozy Bean's. They make a mean espresso."

I can't help but smile at his choice of venue. "I know it well. The owner's daughter is in my pizza-making class."

Axel's eyebrows lift, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "You teach pizza-making?"

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