Page 14 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

I shrug, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "Just a little side gig. I like to share what my Nonna taught me."

"Impressive," he says, and I can tell he means it. "I'll have to sign up for a class sometime."

My blush deepens at the thought of teaching Axel how to roll out dough. "I'd be happy to give you a private lesson," I say before I can stop myself.

Oh god, did I really just say that?

Axel's eyes widen slightly, and I swear I see a flash of heat in their depths. But before he can respond, another cry from Gio's truck grabs our attention.

"I really should..." Axel trails off, gesturing towards the growing chaos.

"Go," I urge, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach. "I'll see you tomorrow at The Cozy Bean's. 6 AM?"

"6 AM," he confirms with a nod. "I'm looking forward to it."

With a final, lingering look, Axel turns and strides towards Gio's truck, his broad shoulders squared with purpose. I watch him go, my mind reeling from our conversation.

Did I really just agree to a coffee date with Axel Anderson? And did I seriously offer to give him a private lesson? What was I thinking?

I shake my head, trying to clear the swirling thoughts. It's not a date, I remind myself firmly. It's a business meeting. He just wants to give me some advice about the food truck. That's all.

But as I make my way back to Taylor Made Pizza, I can't quite silence the tiny voice in the back of my mind that whispers, "What if it's more than that?"

Sophie is waiting for me when I step back into the truck, her eyebrows raised. "Well? What did Mr. Tall, Dark, and Health Inspector want?"

I bustle past her, grabbing a fresh batch of pizza dough. "He just wanted to set up a meeting to discuss some suggestions for the truck. No big deal."

"Uh-huh," Sophie says, her tone dripping with skepticism. "A 'meeting.' Sure. And I'm the Queen of England."

I shoot her a look over my shoulder. "It's not like that, Soph. It's strictly business."

"Right. Because health inspectors always arrange one-on-one meetings with food truck owners they've cited. Totally normal."

I sigh, knowing she's not going to let this go. "Look, even if there was something else going on - which there isn't - I don't have time for distractions right now."

Sophie's expression softens. "I know, Lil. I'm just teasing. But for what it's worth, I think a little distraction might be good for you. You've been working yourself to the bone lately."

I pause, letting her words sink in. She's not wrong. Between the truck and my classes and the constant worry about finances, I can't remember the last time I did something just for me.

Maybe coffee with Axel isn't such a bad idea. Even if it is just about the truck.

"You might be right," I concede, turning back to the stove. "A little break from the grind couldn't hurt."

Sophie grins, bumping my hip with hers as she reaches for a stack of to-go containers. "That's the spirit. Just promise me one thing?"

"What's that?"

"If he tries to woo you with talk of refrigerator temperatures and expiration dates, run."

I laugh, feeling the tension of the day finally start to ease from my shoulders.

"Deal."

Later that evening, I collapse into bed, exhausted from the day's events. My mind is still reeling from my conversation with Axel and the commotion at Gio's truck.

As I'm about to drift off, a distant howl pierces the night, sending a shiver down my spine. It's not unusual to hear dogs in the city, but something about this howl feels... different. Wilder, somehow.

I sit up, straining my ears. It almost sounds like it's coming from right outside...

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