Page 8 of The Viper

“Your shift hasn’t even started yet,” Finn says as he brews a coffee for a customer.

I walk through to the staff break room in the back, and put my bag and sweater away. Evelyn is sitting at the table where she lifts her chin and smiles. “Rose, you’re eager aren’t you?” she jokes. “You know, I have it on good authority the boss likes you, so you don’t need to come in early.”

“Considering you’re the boss, that makes me happy.” I smile toward her. “I was hoping to see Eliza. But she wasn’t home, so I just want to talk to her before my shift starts.” I wave my cell toward her.

“You can take it in my office, or I can leave to give you privacy.”

She’s already pushing up out of her chair. I have a feeling Eliza’s not going to answer though. “It’s okay, there’s nothing private.” I bring the phone up to my ear. My heart quickens as I hear the click. “Hey,” I say expecting Eliza to reply.

“You know what to do,” Eliza’s message plays.

“Ugh,” I grumble as I shake my head and lower my phone.

“Everything okay?” Evelyn asks as she flicks through her phone.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. I was hoping to talk to her, that’s all. Anyway, I’ll head out to start early.” I slide my phone back into my pocket and walk out to the front. “Has the morning been busy?” I ask as I sidle up next to Finn.

“Not really. It’s been a steady stream since we opened, nothing crazy. Abbie and I have been handling it, but Evelyn had to come out a few times to help.”

“Okay.” I tie an apron on and look around the café. “Do you want me to work the coffee machine while you serve? Or would you prefer me to serve?” Considering Finn has been here since opening, he can have his choice of what to do.

“I’ll help Abbie while you take over the machine.”

“Sure.” He finishes with the coffee he’s making, then brings over the next ticket waiting. The tickets are coming in faster as more and more people are coming into the café.

“What can I get started for you?” Abbie asks.

“I’m here to see Rose.”

His deep, smooth voice is like cool silk on a hot summer night. My breath catches and I close my eyes for a split second so I can regain my composure. I look around the machine and see Abbie pointing toward me. There’s no denying that Dominic is sexy and suave. But, I’m not a fool and I don’t want to get involved with someone like him. Dominic approaches and looks over at me. “What do you want?” I ask with fire.

“A coffee,” he replies with mirth.

I stop frothing the milk for the cappuccino I’m making, and stare at him. “Did you order one?”

“Not yet, I was hoping you would take my order.” He winks at me.

I run my tongue over my teeth, and huff. “What do you want, Dominic? You’re obviously not here for the coffee. So, what do you want?”

“Why are you always so short with me? I’m just trying to get to know you. You are my sister-in-law’s sister, and I think it’s important we get to know each other.”

I return my attention to the milk I’m frothing. “No, thanks. I don’t need to get to know any of you.”

“Rose, I think we should talk.”

“I’m working.” I instantly shut him down.

He takes a few steps to the side and shoves his hands in his pockets while staring at me. “This is a cute café. It has a European feel to it.”

“It’s also my place of employment, and my boss is in the back. If she sees me not working she won’t be happy. Can you leave, please?”

“No, I’m not going anywhere.” He’s beginning to irritate me. “What kind of things do you serve here?”

I glare at him from above the jug of milk I’ve just finished frothing. “Haven’t you ever been inside a café before? Would you like a guided tour?” I click my tongue and shake my head. “We’re busy. Go away.” Dominic hunkers down and doesn’t move. He looks out the front windows and I follow his line of sight. Two of his men are outside, their backs to us as they stand protectively in front of the café. “I’m going to get into trouble. Please leave.”

“If you make me a coffee.”

I glance at the tickets stacking up. “What do you want?” If I don’t make him a coffee, he’s going to end up staying here and being a nuisance.

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