Page 8 of For Butter or Worse
Don’t worry,she thought as she patted the side of a wall,I won’t let us close.
She sighed, then turned and headed down the hallway, past her office, bathrooms and supply closet, toward the back loading door.
Nina peered out the window—no one there. She opened the door to see if a package had been dropped off, but there was nothing. Just an electric fall breeze, the kind that buzzed with anticipation. September in LA could be hit-or-miss. Sometimes the days were as hot as summer and other times you could grab a gingerbread latte and feel like you were somewhere with distinct seasons. Today was the latter.
“Nina,” a hushed voice said.
She exhaled sharply. Of course, he was there, ruining an otherwise perfect moment.
She slowly turned to face Leo. Even with enormous sunglasses and a hoodie pulled over his head, she’d recognize that swoop of dark hair anywhere. And he’d either had time for a spray tan, or the warmth from the sun was hitting him just right to make his skin look as golden as the top of a crème brûlée.
She squinted, and he had the nerve to smile back.
She wasn’t going to let him get her flustered, especially not at her own restaurant. Though how was it possible that he managed to fill out a hoodie this well? Like, who has muscles underneath bulky fabric? Leo did, because, of course, he’d bethatguy.
“I know you’re not familiar with what arealrestaurant is like, but the front door isn’t usually located in the alley,” she snapped.
He clicked his tongue before responding. “See, for a moment I was wondering if I’d made a mistake coming here. But I’d hate to miss this witty repartee.”
“It’s not repartee if I’m the only one with wit.” She straightened, like one of those exotic birds she’d seen in an episode ofPlanet Earthwhen they wanted to intimidate predators. “Why do you look like an extra fromSVU?”
Leo pulled down the hood and took off his sunglasses. “Did you know there are paparazzi outside your restaurant? I’m surprised they’re willing to drive this far east.” He shook his head to himself. “Why have a restaurant in Silver Lake? It’s like the Brooklyn of LA. Shouldn’t you be in West Hollywood, where the real money is?”
“If I’d known there was a portal from hell located so close by I would’ve reconsidered the location.” Less than a minute in Leo’s presence, and she’d slipped back into insult mode as easily as popping dark chocolate into her mouth. The taste of knocking him down a peg was as sweet as always.Thiswas why quitting the show was the right move—she didn’t like the version of herself he brought out.
“Can I come in?” He ignored her comment and started to walk toward her, as if she’d already answered.
But she wasn’t going to let the bad egg back in the carton. She took a step forward, blocking his path. “What about anything I’ve said makes you think I’d want to see you in this alley, let alone my restaurant?”
“We need to talk.” His jaw flexed, revealing just how square it was. “You owe me an explanation.”
Of all the things Leo could’ve said, expecting more from her was definitely rich. “I don’t owe you anything.” She didn’t notice him move closer until they were standing on the same step, inches apart.
“If you’re still mad about the nickname thing, I’m sorry. Okay?” He looked up at her through lowered lashes. The vulnerability in his creamy brown eyes was unnerving, which must have been why her heart seemed to stop, then thudded wildly.
Leo closed the space between them. They weren’t touching, exactly, but she could feel warmth coming off him. If she so much as breathed harder, her chest might brush his. He’d grown stubble overnight, and his lips parted slightly to reveal the wedge between his front teeth. She didn’t like the way her mind lingered on what his stubble might feel like against her mouth. She had to go.
“Forget it.” She turned to head back inside, but Leo gently caught her wrist and held on to it.
“What I did was wrong. I messed up. I really am sorry.” His expression was genuine, a trait she rarely, if ever, saw from him.
But Nina knew Leo well, and she’d watched him charm his way out of every uncomfortable situation she’d ever seen him in.Not this time.
She shook her hand free from Leo’s. But as she did, she inadvertently pulled him forward, and he tripped. All six foot whatever of himtrippedand fell forward. She had to lean into him just to keep them both from falling. Their bodies pressed together and she immediately felt a surge of pain. Her nose smashed awkwardly against his solid chest, his chin knocked against the top of her head and his designer shoe stepped on one of her purple sneakers.
“You clumsy, big-footed demon.” She spit out the string of his hoodie, which was stuck in her mouth.
“Don’t act like you aren’t enjoying my pecs. I pay a trainer good money to get them that firm.”
She rolled her eyes and shoved Leo forward and off her. But as she did, shouting erupted from farther down the alley.
A man was running toward them, a camera pointed. “Leo! How long have you and Nina been dating? Nina! Is Leo a good kisser?”
Nina frowned before her brain could catch up. There was a reporter, with a camera, who’d just seen Leo on top of her—not good.
“You really are very talented at ruining my life, you know that?” Nina hissed at Leo.
“You think I’m talented?” He smirked.
