Page 18 of One Whopper of a Love Story

Everyone in the shop clapped, which wasn’t helpful.

Nico waved, the tips of his ears a bright red.

Once I was on my feet, I snaked an arm around his waist. “Aren’t you supposed to be careful or sit down or something?”

“I’m okay. But a doughnut would help me feel better.” He leaned into me, betraying that he wasn’t quite fully recovered.

I hugged him again. “Whatever you want.”

I meant it in regard to doughnuts, but part of me meant it in so many other ways. I’d known him only a few days, but he’d been clear about what he wanted. It both thrilled me and scared me that he was interested in me.

Holding onto him, I made sure he was seated on his favorite stool. “Please sit for a bit. Please.”

He nodded. “For you.”

The old man trudged up and rested a hand on Nico’s arm. “Forgive me. I’ve been giving myself—”

I shook my head.

The man nodded. “I’ve been giving myself medicine for so long, I don’t even think about it. And I’m sorry.”

Nico shook the man’s hand. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

The wife, on the other hand, should learn to keep her voice down. No one would have been the wiser if she hadn’t announced it to the room.

“Thank you.” The man walked back toward his table.

I rubbed Nico’s arm. “Decaf?”

“Probably a good idea.”

After setting a mug of coffee in front of him, I pointed at the display case. “What’ll it be?

“Snickerdoodle.”

I set one on a plate and handed it to him.

“I really am sorry. Not only was that embarrassing, but I hurt you.”

I tugged up the collar of my shirt before leaning over the counter. If I could get through the day without a peep show, that would be good. “I’m okay, and don’t be embarrassed. Every hero needs a weakness.”

That afternoon as I slipped off my apron, four small plastic frogs fell out of the pocket. I didn’t even remember picking them up. It had been busy, but I didn’t think it had been busy enough to make me forget things. I set the four little frogs next to the register, figuring if they were dearly missed, a mom would be back to pick them up one day.

Chapter 10

Nico

Friday night I glanced at my phone as I hurried to the front door. I wasn’t sure who was knocking at my door, but I planned to get rid of them quickly so I could stay on schedule. With only an hour and a half until I went on shift, time with Layla would be limited as it was. I hadn’t even planned for dinner, but I’d figure it out. I wasn’t in danger of starving.

I’d stopped by Layla’s before going on shift every night this week, and while it took a bit of juggling to make the schedule work, it was worth it. Tonight, I’d overslept a bit, which was why I was answering my door wearing only gray sweatpants and drying my hair.

I pulled open the door. “Layla?”

With that bottom lip between her teeth, she grinned as her gaze slowly moved from my bare chest to my face. She held out a pan covered in foil. “I brought dinner.”

“I thought I was going to your place.”

“Is this a problem?” Whatever she carried into the kitchen smelled amazing.

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