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  I look down at my watch. It’s already eight-thirty. “Let’s get out of here. My first appointment is in an hour and I still have to swing by my place to shower and get dressed. Breakfast is on me. Why don’t you go wait for me outside? I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “All right,” Collin says, getting up and I do the same. “I’ll step out to call a cab while you pay and try to make a move on that waitress. Good luck.” He grins mischievously.

  “Fucker.”

  We both laugh.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Miranda

  Damn, that guy is sizzling hot. Who is he?

  I’m standing behind the coffee counter with a dishcloth in my hands pretending to dry mugs and saucers, but the reality is I’m ogling the insanely sexy guy sitting at the back of the restaurant near the open windows leading to the patio. I’m still captivated by the stranger when a voice interrupts my daydreaming.

  “Miranda, is that client from table eighteen okay?”

  “Huh?” I jump at my boss’ voice. I didn’t even hear him approach. I turn around to meet his unimpressed stare.

  “That guy who spilled his coffee all over the place.” Austin points to the object of my obsession with his chin. “Is he okay? Did we ruin that white shirt of his or, worse, did he get burned? I don’t need any smartass suing us. The owners would be furious. Not to mention that guy looks like a heavy hitter—the kind who could make our life a living hell. Did you see that expensive watch on his wrist?” He really has a thing against rich people.

  “No, I didn’t see it. He’s okay, Austin,” I say to appease him. “He didn’t even get a drop on his clothes. I made sure of it and I was careful to warn him against touching the hot liquid until I came back with a dishrag. Yvonne and Rachel helped me clean up the mess. We had it all taken care of in a flash. He’s now enjoying his breakfast.”

  “Good to hear. Did you bring him another cup of coffee or is he going to end up being an unhappy customer?”

  Although Austin Daigre is only twenty-seven, he often talks to me as if he’s my dad. I might be younger than he is, but I’m not a child. His management status inflates his ego. Austin has been working for the company that owns Lola’s Paradise since he was eighteen. That’s nearly a decade. Every time I think about it, I shake my head in disbelief. He diligently climbed the ranks and became manager a few months after this location opened. Ironically, he got the position the same day I started. He treats this job as if this is the be-all and end-all. It’s quite interesting to observe, considering this gig is a temporary thing for most of us. Other than him, no one else gives off the vibe that they’re intent on staying here forever.

  When it comes to customers who look like they’re made of money, Austin usually smiles at them, but the second they turn around and leave, he has a string of disparaging comments to make. He doesn’t trust wealthy people because he’s dead certain they’re all out to stick it to those who have less. It’s the most ridiculous assumption I’ve ever heard, but he holds onto it for dear life. The thing is, in a city like LA someone sporting a pair of worn-out Gap jeans and an Old Navy tee shirt can be worth billions. Just because you’re well-dressed doesn’t automatically mean you have a bazillion sitting in the bank. And just because your pockets are lined with money doesn’t automatically make you an asshole.

  “Of course I brought him another coffee.” Duh. “When someone orders a double shot of espresso, it’s usually because they really need it. I should know.” I pull my lips up in a smile.

  “All right. I hope we don’t get too many of those today. It’s crazy as hell this morning. I don’t know what’s going on in LA, but it’s as if no other restaurant in the city is open. Between the hungry patrons and the fact that a few of us are MIA, I have a feeling this is going to be a brutal day.”

  “Who hasn’t shown up yet?” I ask, intrigued. Someone’s going to get a lynching. Nothing pisses off Austin more than when one of us is late—even by a minute.

  “We’re already short-staffed as is,” he huffs as he rolls his eyes. “Kelly just texted me to say she’s running late because her daughter was sick this morning and Lisa hasn’t shown up yet, nor has she called to say why. I need everyone working to be present. We want to make sure people are in and out quickly. More importantly, we want to ensure they all leave with a smile. Got it?” Right below tardiness, Austin hates it when our customers aren’t a hundred percent satisfied with the food and the service. It’s a self-defeating delusion, if you ask me. It’s impossible to please everyone even when you bring your A-game every single time.

  “Yes, sir,” I respond as cheerfully as possible.

  “Abigail got here a few minutes ago. She’s getting changed into her uniform and when she’s ready she’ll come over to help you out.” Hurray. Abigail Cooper and I always have fun when we work together. This should help make this busy morning more bearable. “I’m going back into the kitchen to lend them a hand until our two missing soldiers show up. Keep those coffees and fresh-squeezed juices coming.”

  “I sure will,” I say, tilting my head to the side for effect.

  Austin barely has time to turn on his heel before a bouncing Abby nearly skips my way. What’s up with her? She’s grinning from ear to ear. I know things are going super well with her new live-in boyfriend, but there’s no need to be this elated. Some of us aren’t that lucky.

  “Well, that’s one way to meet a guy,” Abby says, approaching me. Her smile is so wide now it’s nearly taking over her entire face.

  I draw my eyebrows together. “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t be coy, Miranda. I would’ve done the same thing had I still been single.”

  Huh? “Abby, I know it’s early in the morning, but you’re making absolutely no sense whatsoever.”

  She raises an eyebrow while she wraps the apron she just grabbed from under the counter around her waist. “I was walking in as the action was unfolding between you and that striking Adonis god,” she says, shifting her eyes to the back of the restaurant.

  My cheeks instantly flame up. “You’re crazy,” I mutter under my breath.

  “Oh, yeah?” She purses her lips and flashes me a you’re-talking-shit glance. “Because of the commotion, when I arrived, I stayed back a little to see what was going on instead of rushing to my locker. From where I was standing, I was able to notice that sexy-as-hell guy eating you up as you walked away from him. He looked at you like you were a plate of fluffy golden waffles piled sky-high, drizzled with maple syrup, with a heaping side of bacon.”

  “You’re just pulling my leg,” I protest, unwilling to believe her.

  She gets closer so that she can whisper in my ear. “In the two years we’ve been working together, I’ve never noticed a man check you out so blatantly. You definitely caught his attention.”

  “Stop it. You’re going to make me blush,” I say, bringing the back of my hand to my warm cheek.

  “I’m just telling it like it is.” She laughs quietly. “Okay, I’ll be good… for now. Let me help you so I don’t get both of us in trouble. Austin is cranky today. Clearly he’s having his period again.” She snickers as she grabs a dishrag.

  “Oh, my God, that’s hilarious.” I crack up.

  A couple of waitresses approaching us put an end to our banter. Before they even open their mouths, I already know we’re going to be bombarded with a new string of orders. It’s been like this all morning. Here we go.

  “You take care of the juices and smoothies. I’ll deal with the coffees. When those two walk away, keep talking. I want to know more,” Abby blurts out right before our colleagues arrive at the counter. There is no time for me to even respond.

  “I need two large drip coffees with steamed milk on the side, one skinny cappuccino, two large fresh OJs and one mango smoothie. That’s for table six. For table five, I’ll need three guanabana juices and three bottles of water.” Jane lists her order so quickly, it’s impossible to remember it all. Thank God she slaps
two pieces of paper on the counter or else I’d never get it right.

  “And I’ll need three skinny frozen caramel mocha lattes. Hold the whip cream and sugary drizzle. That’s for table fourteen. For table sixteen, I’ll need a chai, matcha green, caramel and hazelnut latte. All four are large and the customers want them extra hot.” Susan turns her attention to me. “Miranda, are you doing juices today?”

  “I am, Susan. Hit me with your best shot.”

  “In that case, I’ll also need a Kale Green Power smoothie and a Very Berry one. That’s also for table fourteen. I’ll take those in two travel cups. They’re taking the smoothies to go. I’ll also need two Watermelon Elixir juices and one Coconut Water Delight for table eleven. Can you also give me an extra-large fresh OJ for table three? It’s also to go.” Susan finishes listing her drinks and looks at me with a huge grin on her face. She’s taking malicious pleasure from this. Honestly, where are all these people coming from?

  “No problem. Miranda and I are on it.” Luckily, Abby responds on my behalf because I’m all of a sudden overwhelmed.

  “Great.” Both Susan and Jane chime in together before going back to tending to their customers.

  When it’s just the two of us again, Abby turns her attention to me. “Let’s keep our hands busy while you keep your lips moving.”

  “There’s not much to tell,” I retort, hoping that’ll be enough to deter her. I mean, we’re talking about me here, aka the unluckiest person in the world when it comes to men.

  “Okay, if you want to do this the hard way, I’m game. I had a great night’s sleep. I can handle anything, even your sour attitude.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with my attitude,” I huff indignantly. “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”

  “All righty then. I’ll ask questions and you answer them.” Abby’s stern stare leaves little wiggle room. I just nod in agreement. It’s too early in the morning to keep butting heads with her. “I guess this is the first time you two have met?”

  I shrug. “Yeah. I’ve never seen him during my shifts.” I grab a bunch of oranges and slide a bit to my left so I’m standing right in front of the juicer.

  “Maybe he’s new to the area. He could also be a tourist.” Abby presses the button to grind some fresh coffee. The loud sound forces both of us to pause.

  “You must be right,” I answer when she turns off the machine. “Considering the number of hours I’ve been pulling lately to squirrel away as much extra savings as possible, I definitely would’ve remembered him had I seen him before.” Damn right I would’ve.

  “Well, I know I’m repeating myself, but he’s extremely hot. I mean we’re talking volcanic levels here.”

  I nod. “He is,” I respond, chancing a glance to where that guy is sitting. “He seems like the strong, quiet and confident type while the guy he’s with is definitely too cocky and forward for his own good.” Thank God it’s so busy. The noise level in the restaurant offers a perfect shield for our conversation.

  “At least you know they’re not a couple and he’s not gay if the other one was hitting on you. Not to mention that the way your guy was caressing your ass with his eyes makes him one hundred percent straight.” She giggles.

  Well, really he’s not ‘my guy,’ but thanks for the sentiment. “Good point.” Not that that having this knowledge will do me any good if I don’t have the guts to approach him.

  “So did you cause the accident or did he?”

  I nod. “His hand jerked up as I was dropping the cup in front of him and before I knew it his very large coffee was spilling all over the place.”

  The second his hand brushed mine, the surge that ran through my body was electrifying. I really can’t explain it. It’s not as if it’s the first time I’ve ever touched a client inadvertently. That said, it’s never been this dizzying. There’s something about him.

  “Well, don’t look, but just FYI, his eyes are following your every move.” I can hear the amusement in Abby’s voice.

  “Really?” I ask, shifting my eyes furtively to the left, trying to catch a glimpse of him.

  “Yup.” Abby takes a step to the right before speaking. Since she’s taller than I am, she leans in and whispers in my ear, “Not even our resident jumbo-titties slut seems to distract him from shamelessly checking you out.”

  Surprised by her boldness, I burst out in a hysterical fit of laughter. Afraid Austin will come running out, I bite down on my lower lip to taper my amusement. Abby’s nickname for one of our promiscuous coworkers is absolutely hilarious. She usually only uses it behind closed doors. This is the first time she’s said it like that in the middle of the restaurant. Although we’re standing side by side and I can’t look at her, I can only imagine the expression on her face. I don’t think I have to tell you that Abby doesn’t like Nadine one bit. Few of the female coworkers do.

  It’s kind of ironic really, because most of the time Nadine’s bleach-blonde hair and her giant boobs steal the show around here. It’s not exactly like I have small breasts—on the contrary—but the way Nadine displays hers like trophies usually leaves men jaw-dropped and completely mesmerized. You’d think Austin would reprimand her considering he’s such a stickler when it comes to our uniforms, but he lets things slide with her. My take on it is that Nadine has allowed him to slide inside her a few times—like she has with every other guy—therefore he’s more willing to turn a blind eye.

  Basically, it’s nearly impossible to work alongside a notorious man-eater and hope that a guy will give you a second glance. Even with our shapeless black uniforms, Nadine manages to look like sex on legs. That’s why I’m a little taken aback by the fact this stranger keeps staring my way.

  “Maybe he’s just trying to catch my attention because he needs a refill.” I attempt to find a logical explanation. Surely this guy can’t be interested.

  “I doubt it. He’s looking your way in between sips. I’m going out on a limb here, but something tells me if he needed a second cup, he wouldn’t hesitate to let us know.”

  I open my mouth to answer, but suddenly Jane’s voice surprises Abby and I. We both turn around to look at our colleague. “Man, it’s a zoo out there. Are you girls done with my drinks yet? These customers are so impatient this morning.”

  “Give us a few more minutes and we should have your first order done,” I say.

  “Yeah. The drip coffees take no time at all and I’m nearly there with your skinny cappuccino,” Abby adds.

  “I’m sure that’s going to be too long because these people are so antsy, but I guess I don’t have a choice. Just make sure you hurry with the other orders.”

  “We will,” both Abby and I say in unison.

  Over the next fifteen minutes Abby and I are all business. We don’t have a choice. Once we take care of Susan and Jane’s drinks, other waiters line up to place their orders. It’s nonstop.

  Although we put a halt to our conversation about the hottie hunk, that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about him. I try my best not to be too obvious, but every time I look his way, I catch him looking back. I have to will myself to bite down a smile when our eyes meet. At first, I thought it was all in my head, but the glee in his eyes suggests he’s paying attention. I guess Abby was right after all.

  As I turn around to place three glasses of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice on a tray, the stranger stands up. My heart thumps so hard in my chest it’s as if it’s trying to escape. I turn around looking for Abby, but just like that she’s by my side. The hunk is still talking to the guy he was having breakfast with and suddenly I’m riveted by his every move.

  “I bet you two hundred dollars he’s coming this way to talk to you.”

  “Huh? What makes you say that?” My heart is now jackhammering.

  “He could’ve flagged Nadine to settle his bill like most patrons do. Instead, he’s clinging onto to the bill and cash. He’s definitely coming over to pay at the cash register, which is conveniently located right her
e,” Abby says with a gleam of triumph in her eyes.

  “You think so?” Clearly there are only three options here and I doubt he intends on running out without paying.

  She nods. “Yup.”

  I’m too petrified to even fold my lips up in a smile. We both turn to follow the action. Now the tall, dark and handsome piece of man candy is laughing with that guy who came on too strong. A few minutes later, the other guy leaves the restaurant from the patio doors while Mr. Hottie starts walking this way.

  Oh, God, he really is coming over.

  Abby pokes my shoulder. “Let’s keep working so we don’t look so obvious,” Abby suggests under her breath.

  “Good idea,” I concede. As I pivot around ready to clean the juicer so I can pretend that I’m immersed in my job and not dying for this guy to come and talk to me, I slam into a person. “Crap,” I mutter, closing my eyes.

  “Miranda, you’re not watching where you’re going,” Austin barks. Obviously he’s annoyed by the fact that I’m totally distracted. I really can’t blame him.

  “I’m really sorry about that. It’s just so busy. I was rushing and I wasn’t paying attention.” It’s only a partial lie.

  “Well, at least you’re right on that front. It’s a madhouse in here. I just heard back from Lisa. The reason she hasn’t shown up yet is because she witnessed an accident on her way here and she helped the driver out of the car before it combusted into flames. The police needed to question her. She’s not going to be here for another hour. We’re too short-staffed and we’re not keeping up. It’s not as if the flow of customers has diminished since we opened. I need you in the kitchen right now.” Shit, shit, shit.

  “Will Abby be able to manage the drinks on her own?” I ask in an attempt to remain out here as long as possible.

  “I’ll take over. That way I can also keep an eye on the restaurant,” Austin announces.

  “Okay. I just—”

  “Listen, Miranda, I don’t have time to argue with you. I need you in the kitchen, pronto.” Austin grabs my elbow and pulls me forward. As much as I want to kick and scream in protest, I restrain myself.