Page 198 of Devil's Bargain

“Why didn’t you tell us you’re friends with an NFL player?” She asks, her eyes wide.

Charles and the other two nod in agreement.

I blush and reach for a tray, placing the mug down on top of it. “We haven’t spoken for four years. I don’t know why he’s here.”

Nancy looks over at Rick. “Well, he’s obviously here to see you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because he’s only got eyes for you.”

“Don’t be silly!” I whisper, reaching for sachets of sugar in case he wants any. “He sits with his back to us. If he has eyes for anyone, it’s old Lucy May.”

Frank snorts. “That grumpy old lady…”

I laugh, making the coffee splash against the side of the mug. “She’s not that grumpy.”

They all give me a look.

I giggle. “Fine, you win! She’s grumpy!” I wheel my way back to Rick, careful not to spill his coffee.

“Thank you,” he smiles as I place the tray down on the table. My hands tremble, but he doesn’t seem to notice. How can he when his eyes are intent on my face?

“If you like her, then you better get in there before her other suitor does.”

I squeeze my eyes shut at Frank’s comment. I can’t believe Nancy told him.

Rick is watching me when I open my eyes. He’s amused. “Are they always like that?”

“You could say that.” I smile fondly. “I wouldn’t do without them, though. They make me smile daily.”

He shifts. “Who’s this other suitor?”

My cheeks burn as I shake my head. “They’re being silly. It’s my physical therapist. I mentioned once that he’s cute and now they’re convinced we have a blossoming romance.”

He hums, his eyes flicking between mine. “Nothing there then?”

“No.” I blush, hitching a thumb over my shoulder. “I better get back to work. Enjoy your coffee.”

He watches me leave.

I take orders, serve food, refill the condiments, and wipe down tables. I do it all on autopilot, my mind elsewhere, acutely aware every time Rick’s hazel eyes seek me out in the room.

“Why don’t you leave early? I’ve got this!” Nancy says when I clean the coffee filter.

I don’t look up from my task. I’m not ready to leave yet. “It’s okay. I’ve only got an hour left.”

“Don’t leave the poor man waiting.”

I don’t know why I’m scared, but I am. My feelings for Rick run much deeper than I’m comfortable with. Even after all these years.

I dry my hands on a towel and whisper, “Okay.” I don’t know why he’s here, but I guess I must face him sooner or later.

“I want all the details tomorrow, and don’t forget to use protection!” She winks, making me blush even harder.

“You’re terrible!” I hiss, removing my apron, placing it over the chair below the hooks.

“See you tomorrow, lovely!” George calls from the kitchen.

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