Coyote (Hawks MC Next Generation #1) - Lila Rose Page 0,38
deliver it, sorry,” he said, putting his things away.
“What? Why?”
“Was with a woman in the shop next door. If she sees me in the area, she’ll kill me. You can take my car and deliver it.”
“Are you serious? What did you do to her?”
“Nothing you need to know about.” He tossed me his keys. “It’s a good sale. You can’t pass that up.”
“I know, but I also need to be here with Denise.”
He waved me off. “You’ve got a couple of hours before the lunch rush and I can handle the breakfast one with Denise. I swear I won’t get pissed at a customer.”
I nibbled on my bottom lip. “As long as you’re sure?”
He waved at me. “It’s fine.”
“Okay, I’ll tell Denise we’ll do it. She’s got the customer on the phone.”
“I’ll go tell her. You start boxing the stuff up.”
Nodding, I said, “Thanks, Stanley.” As I did, I couldn’t help but think of the texts Bryson and I shared the previous night.
Bryson: Hey, coffee girl. Want to see that movie?
Me: I would like to, but I’m buggered tonight. Sorry, I really need to rest the next few days because of the accident.
Besides, I wasn’t ready to see him after Denise said he wanted me. Not only would I be blushing through the whole thing, but I hated the thought of letting anyone down, and I worried that he did want something more than friendship.
Bryson: I understand. It’s probably good you do rest. Can I ask you a question though?
My stomach had dropped when I’d read that.
Me: Sure.
The dots kept showing and disappearing again, and that had me feeling worse because I worried what he was going to ask.
Bryson: Actually, I’ll ask you when we do go out. Talk soon, and take care, Channa. xx
He’d ended with two Xs, and I couldn’t help but stare at them. Xs meant kisses.
I sighed at the thought. I really did have to talk with him, but knowing what was going to be said made me want to hurl. After I’d finished texting that I’d see him tomorrow for his usual coffee and I was going to get an early night, he hadn’t replied. I’d worried I’d hurt his feelings because it did sound a little cold, plus I didn’t put on any Xs. If I had, I’d have been leading him on.
God, why couldn’t I just be interested in Bryson? He was a great guy. Charming, funny, nice. However, I wasn’t attracted to him despite him being good-looking.
Putting my thoughts aside, I went back out the front, passing Stanley on the way to check what time they wanted their order delivered. “Denise,” I called, walking through the doors.
“Yeah?” She was down making coffee.
I smiled at the customer waiting for his order and asked, “What time was the delivery?”
“In an hour, which gives you enough time to get there and get back for the lunch rush. The owner, a guy, already paid for it over the phone with his credit card.”
“Great. After I take these hot party pies and sausage rolls, can you refill it?”
“Will do, boss.” She went on to serve someone else while I boxed the items.
The front door opened, and through the display window in the pie warmer, I saw Bryson entering. Hiding would be a chicken way out, and I’d already been enough of a wuss. I grabbed the last few party pies, closed the lid, and straightened.
Smiling, I said, “You’re in early.”
Bryson winked. “I am. I have the afternoon off since I started early, so I wanted to catch you before I left.”
What did I say in return? That was nice? Thanks? Okay?
Thankfully, Denise spoke up first, “Bryson, want your usual coffee?”
He nodded. “Thanks, Denise.” He turned back to me again. “Sweetheart,” he started, his voice lower. “What I wanted to ask last night was if you’d go on a date with me?”
Dear God. Did he think my workplace was the best spot to ask me out? His smile was hopeful, and I really, honestly hated to reject him.
“Bryson…”
His smile dropped away and he nodded. “You’re not into me like that?”
“You’re a great friend.” He winced, and I cringed. “I’m so sorry. I wish I was because you’re an amazing man.”
“It’s okay, Channa. Listen, just be careful with that biker guy, yeah?”
“There’s nothing going on between me and him,” I told him, which was the truth.
He studied me for a moment, and then said, “There might not be right now, but he’s into you, and I don’t want you