Page 30 of Rugged Daddy
But I didn’t want him to let go.
“The, uh, the oven’s broken,” I said. “That was the sound you heard.”
“Do you know what’s wrong?” he asked.
I lost myself for a second in his beautiful blue stare.
“The part that helps keep the oven closed has gone bad, and I think the coils that heat up the oven from below have given out. Or maybe it’s an internal electrical issue. Either way, I’ll have to shut down today so I can get it fixed.”
“I can take a look at it,” Andrew said.
“You fix ovens?”
“I fix a lot of things around my place.”
“This isn’t a household oven.”
“But I’m sure it’s got at least some of the same parts,” he said. “Let me take a look at it. If I can fix it, I will. Think of it as payment for the sweets.”
“You already left me a tip.”
“For your hard work. I haven’t paid you for the cake and the cinnamon roll. I can pay you this way,” he said.
“Anyone here?” I heard Charlie’s voice from the storefront.
I groaned and rolled my eyes as the bell above my door rang out.
What the hell was Charlie doing back?
“Just a second, Charlie,” I said.
“A friend of yours?” Andrew asked.
“If you want to call him that. If you want to take a look at the oven, I won’t stop you at all. It’s very kind of you to offer, and I really do appreciate it,” I said.
“Heather? You back there? There’s someone on your counter. You don’t let kids sit on your counter, right?”
“She’s fine,” I said as I walked back to the register. “What can I get you?”
But his eyes narrowed slightly as Andrew’s body heat radiated against my back.
“You didn’t tell me she couldn't be up there,” Andrew said.
“She’s fine. It’s not a big deal. The glass is really thick. She’s safe,” I said.
“Come here. I’ll help you down,” Charlie said.
“No need. I’ve got my daughter,” Andrew said, stepping from behind me.
The command in his voice shot a shiver down my spine.
“Is there something you need?” I asked.
“I smell those cinnamon rolls of yours.”
“Would you like one?” I asked.
“Do you always let customers behind the counter? You never let me back there.”
