Page 11 of Shot to the Hart

“I do know, and it’s you. Always has been.”

“While you are literally here with another woman,” I scoff.

“It’s… She’s… I don’t…” He can’t even get his thoughts out, probably not used to my cold demeanor towards him. Another customer comes through the door.

“Listen, I’m sure that you’re having second thoughts now but it’s too late. I have more customers to help, what can I get you both?”

“Two iced coffees with cream and sugar. One vanilla and one maple,” he orders, pays, and as he walks away whispers, ”Thanks, I’m going to keep texting KJ.”

After taking the next customer's order, I step into the back. Letting out a big breath and then returning to finish my shift. I do my best to avoid looking towards the table that Andy and Lyla have taken a seat at.

7

MAVERICK

IT’S HER

Me

Dude, these interviews have been a disaster. There’s no way this last applicant can be that much better.

Me

Linda showed up an hour late. Corinne was definitely a bunny I’ve seen out and about. Once she recognized me, she was more worried about flirting than learning about the job and Arabella.

Tate

Give Kodi a fair shot, she might be a pleasant surprise. IF you don’t vibe with her, then we start again. No big deal.

Just then I get a notification from my doorbell camera that Kodi has arrived and head to the door. She's looking down so I can’t get a good look at her.

Me

Fuck dude. Gotta go, she's here.

Tate

Text me after.

I had Tatum schedule all of these interviews during nap time so that Arabella wouldn’t get attached to someone who may not be able to stick around. I open the door and am at a loss for words staring at the woman standing in front of me. It’s her. The one who found Arabella in the ice cream aisle—who was stunning in sweats and a messy bun—this absolutely gorgeous woman who I’ve thought more about than I should have in the time since our run-in at the store.

This has to be some sort of kismet experience, right? Raven-colored curls, black nose ring, sinful green eyes, black button up paired with cerulean jeans and high-top black converse. While not professional, her outfit is practical for someone who will possibly be caring for a small child. And today, her tattoos are on full display, the patchwork art covering her arms almost entirely, making her ten times more attractive than she was that night in sweats at the grocery store. I take note of three small daisies sitting next to each other above her right wrist; as she moves her hair out of her face, the daisies go from wilted to smiling. I want to ask her what that represents, but that’s not why she’s here.

When she looks up into my eyes, recognition passes over, her pale face turning tomato red while her mouth flops open and closed like she has words but can’t get them out. “This has to be a mistake. I must have the wrong house.” She rushes out with a sheepish grin, and it’s then I remember she introduced herself as KJ and not Kodi. That has to be why I didn’t piece two and two together before she showed up for her interview today.

I laugh genuinely, and she seems so confused. “No, I think you are in the right place Ms. Roscoe. I could use some help with Arabella, and my personal assistant, Tatum, was setting up interviews for me. Why don’t you come inside and we can chat?”

“Are…” she stutters. “Are you sure?”

“One hundred percent positive. It’s actually a relief that I recognize your face, it gives me some peace of mind being that you’ve already shown me that you put her safety first,” I say as I lead her into the living room of my house and gesture for her to have a seat on the gray couch across from me. “Can I get you something to drink? Water, coffee, tea?”

“Um, water would be great actually, thanks.” I turn on my heel and head to grab my phone and two water bottles from the fridge.

Me

Dude, you won’t believe who you set up an interview with. Kodi is KJ, the girl from the grocery store last week.

Tatum

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