Page 11 of Her Filthy Grump

Delaney grins and waves. “Layla.”

“Hey, girl.”

She shakes her head, causing her raven curls to flow around her shoulders. Then, she shakes her blue umbrella. Rainwater trickles down to the ground and lands on the scarred wooden floor.

I skirt around the edge of the counter and speed walk to her. As we embrace, I catch a whiff of baby powder and vanilla. “I’m so happy to see you. How’s Gabe?”

“Great. Growing like a weed and worships his daddy.” She leans back and surveys me from head to toe. “You don’t appear hurt.”

“What?” I frown. “When was the last time I got hurt?” I pause for a second. Yeah, I’m kind of a space cadet, so it’s not unusual for me to run into a desk and get a bruise or twist my ankle when I’m not watching where I’m going. “Recently.”

“Gavin said you went into a burning building yesterday afternoon. One of the other firemen was in a tizzy about you getting injured or suffering from smoke inhalation, so I had to check on you myself.”

I roll my eyes and spin in a circle. My long skirt brushes my ankles. “I’m fine.”

“I see that.” She motions with her hand over her shoulder. “Is that booth taken?”

“Nope. It’s slow today.” After Delaney slides into the seat, I tilt my head and pull out my notepad. “What can I get you?”

“Coffee’s fine. You know how I like it.” She tucks her purse beside her and pulls out her cell phone. “Only half a cup.”

I shove the pad into the pocket of my waist apron. “Coming right up.” I wander to the front, grab her coffee, and poke my head into the kitchen.

When I catch my boss’s eye, I beam innocently. “Blanche, is it okay to take my break and sit with Delaney for a few minutes?”

Blanche nods and gives me a thumbs up. “Sure thing. Thanks for checking in. I appreciate your focus today.”

“Thanks.” My face floods with heat at her praise. Despite what it might appear, I do value my job and want to be a good employee.

After I arrive at Delaney’s booth, I set the mug down and slip in across from her. “So, who’s this fireman who’s all worked up over my safety.”

Like I don’t know, but I don’t want to advertise I’m way more than a little worked up over him. Which is stupid. He’s a total bossy jerk. I don’t like bossy or jerks. I prefer wounded heroes. I frown.Damn it. I do have a savior complex.

Delaney cups the mug in her hands. “I’ve not met him. He started working at the station last week. I believe his name’s Kameron.”

My entire body stills.Damn it. I still don’t know his last name.How can I doodle his name with cute hearts if I don’t know what to put down on the page? God, could I be any more of a loser? Be cool about it. “Do you know what his last name is?”

“Willoughby. I think.”

Layla Willoughby. That sounds like a Bronte novel character. Nope. Better stick with imaginary book boyfriends. “Well, as you can see, Mr. Willoughby’s wrong. I’m completely safe and injury-free. No burns. No lung damage. I didn’t even fall in my yard on the way to my house.”

Delaney smirks. “What about getting run over while rescuing ducks?”

I bite my bottom lip and give her a goofy look. Laughter wells in my chest until I burst out giggling. Delaney laughs at my expression.

Finally, when I sober, I wipe the tears from my eyes. “The man is a total grump. He doesn’t like animals. He thinks I’m irresponsible and not smart enough to walk and chew gum at the same time–”

“But he’s hot?” Steam wafts above her mug.

“Damn it, Delaney.” I glance around the café to see if anyone’s listening. The closest customer is six booths away, so I should be safe.

“Well….” She arches her eyebrow and stares like she’s challenging me to deny her statement. Which I can’t.

I sigh, causing my shoulders to sag. “Yes, he’s hot.”

“Gavin sensed a bit of a spark between the two of you and sent me here to warn you off.” She winks. “But I’m a hopeless romantic. If there’re sparks, I want to see a fire.”

I tilt my head. “Are you seriously using fire analogies?”

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