Page 51 of Reckless King

After we hang up, I approach the shop. “What’s going on?”

Both men turn to me.

“Are you Violet Sinclair?” the delivery man asks.

“Yes.”

“I have a delivery for you.” He holds out a clipboard. “Just need you to sign here.”

I shoot Jarrod a look, but he just shrugs.

After I’ve signed, the man rounds the back of the truck and returns with a large box on a trolley.

As he comes closer, the name on the box becomes visible, sending a jolt through me. “Did you order a new espresso machine?” I ask Jarrod. Shit. We need it, but a decision like that isn’t one he has the authority to make. And there’s no way we can afford it.

“Nope. You didn’t?”

“No.”

“In here?” The delivery man makes his way to the shop door.

With a nod, I pull the unlocked door open for him, then follow him in.

He unloads the box behind the counter, then dusts his hands on his pants. “Would you like me to install it for you?”

“Um. Give me a minute, please.” Rubbing at my forehead, I inspect the box and pull it open. Sure enough, there’s a brand-new top-of-the-line commercial espresso machine inside. I only know one person who would do something this outrageous. But why? My first payment from him is set to hit at the end of the month, and with it, I could have bought this myself. Not this one, of course. Because I’ve priced the machines more than once, and this particular one must have cost at least fifteen thousand dollars.

I turn back to the delivery guy. “I’m sorry, can you wait just a little longer?” When he nods, I take a few steps away and dial Tate’s number.

He answers on the second ring. “What a pleasant surprise.”

Despite his words, he doesn’t sound surprised to hear from me at all. “Did you buy a new espresso machine for the shop?”

“I did.”

I lower my voice and move farther away from Jarrod and the delivery person. “Why? You didn’t need to. You’re already paying me.”

“You were having problems with your old one. And I didn’t want you to have to wait. This way, Jarrod won’t have to fix the machine all the time.”

I frown, surprised he even remembers Jarrod’s name, let alone that he’s always fixing it. “I appreciate the gesture, Tate, but?—”

“It’s not a gesture, it’s a gift. One I’m giving to my fake girlfriend for being so believable. Consider it a bonus.”

“I’ll pay you back when the first installment comes through. I?—”

“You’re not paying me back. And I instructed the company to not accept a return, so if you don’t want it, then you’ll have to find some way of getting rid of it yourself.”

His tone is pure satisfaction now. I roll my eyes and huff out a breath, though I’m not as annoyed as I should be. I might even be… touched that he cares enough about my business to help me out. Even if a fifteen-thousand-dollar espresso machine is probably overkill for my little coffee shop. “Well, thank you. Jarrod and I appreciate it.”

The noise he makes in response almost sounds like a growl. “Let me make this clear, Violet. I don’t care if Jarrod appreciates it. I only care ifyouappreciate it.”

Though they shouldn’t, those words elicit a warm flutter in my chest. One that tells me I’m taking his comment in a way I probably shouldn’t. “Okay.Iappreciate it,” I say softly.

“Good.” His voice drops. “You can show me just how much you appreciate it on Friday night.”

A sudden vision hits me and my breath falters. It’s a vision where Tate makes me show my appreciation in ways that I shoulddefinitelytake offense to, but according to my body’s reaction to what I’m imagining, I apparently do not.

Based on the low laugh that comes through the phone, my silence must be telling. “While there are all sorts of enjoyable ways you could thank me, all I’m asking is for you to join me for dinner at Trio’s on Friday night.”

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