Page 22 of That's a Wrap

Winking, he replies, “That’s the plan, sweetheart. You can sleep when you’re dead.”

I groan and roll my eyes for the second time this morning. “Ugh, you’re insufferable.”

“But you like me like this.” He grins. I don’t respond and instead rush from the car before he has a chance to stop me. When I’m halfway to my front door, Peter rolls down the window and calls out, “So, is that a no?”

Pausing midstep, I weigh my options before replying over my shoulder, “I’ll text you tonight when I’m done.”

I hear his triumphantyes, but don’t turn around to look at him or I know I’ll run back for one more kiss. I hurry inside and hear him pull away as I close the door behind me. Before I’m even up the stairs, my phone pings with an incoming text.

Peter:

Looking forward to making my dirty girl come tonight. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

I giggle like a schoolgirl and rush to my bedroom.

9

ELLE

Peter doesn’t wait for me to tell him I’m ready to be picked up, because of course he doesn’t. From what I can tell, this man he never listens to anyone.

“Good evening, everyone!” he announces as he walks through the front door of the cafe.

“Doesn’t the sign sayclosed?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

He gives me that annoyingly handsome smile of his. “Yeah, but the door wasn’t locked.” Then he nods a greeting to my parents. “Susan. Tim.”

“Peter, welcome back.” My mom claps her hands, very obviously thrilled to see him again. “You know, Ella Kate’s been telling us about all the fun she’s having with you. We’re so glad to see her loosen up a bit.”

Peter turns to me with a highly amused expression on his face. I just know he’s going to say something inappropriate, so I shove a broom into his hands to keep him quiet. “Since you’re here, you may as well help.” I straighten out my apron. “I’ll be in the back doing inventory if anyone needs me.”

Mom blocks my path. “Honey, why don’t you leave a little early today?” She winks at Peter over my shoulder. “Your father and I can handle inventory and closing up.”

“But… but I—” I try to protest, but Mom is already untying my apron and slipping it up over my head. “Dad, don’t you need help over there?” I ask in a last-ditch effort.

He barely looks up from the fridge. “Got it all under control, sweet pea.”

My mouth flops open like a fish as I’m literally pushed into Peter’s waiting arms.

“You kids have fun now! And be safe!” Mom calls to us as she ushers us out. Before I can make a beeline back inside, she locks the door, a wide grin on her face. Then, she promptly turns on her heels and goes back to the sandwich counter to help Dad.

“What just happened?” I mumble, pressing my hand to my forehead.

Peter blows a puff of air between his teeth. “Looks to me like you got the night off. Isn’t that a good thing?”

“No!” I shake my head. “I mean… I’m supposed to help them. If I’m not doing my job, then… then?—“

He grabs my shoulders to force my attention to him. “Ella Kate,” he says gently. “It’s okay to let them handle everything for one night. They’ve been doing this for decades, right? It’ll be fine.”

“But they need me. They always need me.” I sound like a petulant child. I can’t help it.

“Of course, they need you. But they can handle it. They would’ve told you if they couldn’t.”

My shoulders sag with defeat. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“I know I’m right. Now, come on. Let’s get some pizza.” He slings an arm around me and guides me to his car.

I assume he means we’re going to eatatthe pizzeria around the corner. But, no, we only pop in for a quick second while hegrabs a couple of pies for takeout. Somehow, he prepared for me heading out early and leaving right in time for dinner. Kind of suspicious, but I don’t say anything.

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