was a dusting of stubble across his chin, like he hadn't shaved that morning; it might have looked scruffy on someone else, but on him, it only emphasized the sharp, clear planes of his face.
She ought to say no. There was no way that letting the customer clean up a mess was going to get her a decent tip. Or any tip. But all of a sudden she didn't give a damn about the tip. She just wanted to see more of him.
"If you insist, I'd sure appreciate the help," she said.
He put the baby back in her carrier and stood up, turning out to be taller than she'd realized. A slight flush touched his to-die-for cheekbones when he saw the extent of the mess. Up close, she realized that there were amazing dark lashes framing those incredible eyes.
"Kids, stay where you are, there's broken glass all over the floor."
"Here." Paula whipped a dish towel out of her apron pocket. "I'll get the kids' orders while you get that."
He was actually lifting it out of her hand before she quite registered that he hadn't taken it with a regular hand, but rather, a metal clamp half-covered by the sleeve of his coat. By that time, he was already crouched on the floor, collecting the glass.
"So are you a friend of Derek and Gaby Ruger?" she asked, taking a step to the side to get out of his way of his way.
"He's our manny," Sandy said, and Hot Guy looked like he wanted to sink into the floor. His shoulders practically went up around his ears. Very nice shoulders, Paula couldn't help noticing, even in the old military-surplus coat he was wearing. "And I want a cheeseburger and a Coke, please."
"Gotcha, and Mina is probably going to want the chicken fingers like usual?" Mina was paying no attention, focused on scribbling on the placemat and part of the table. "Do you know what she wants, Mr.—I'm sorry, I didn't ask your name."
"Chicken fingers sounds good to me." He looked up from collecting broken glass in the rag. "I mean, for her. Not me. And it's Dan. My name, that is."
What a nice name. What a strong, manly, comforting name. A woman could wrap up in that name, and oh no it had been a really long time since she had even thought about men after Disaster Ex-Husband Terry; what was she even thinking?
She took a few more steps back to get a little psychological distance as well, which unfortunately meant she was now taking their order from behind the next table over. She felt ridiculous. It was a good thing there was no one else in the diner at the moment.
"Well, Dan, I'm Paula—" Which he already knew. Right. "—and welcome to Autumn Grove." She took a deep breath and tried to claw her way back to some dignity. "Would you like to try our specialty, the Double DeWitt Burger? It's our specialty. Two patties of fresh local beef, cooked your way, all the trimmings." She tried not to stare at his shoulders flexing under the coat.
"That sounds great, ma'am," he said, and smiled at her as he straightened up. It was a dazzling smile that made her stomach swoop and her knees go weak. "So I, uh_—" He had a handful of ketchup-sodden rag wrapped around the remains of the bottle. "Point me to the trash, and I'll grab a mop."
Not exactly how her ideal conversation with her dream guy was supposed to go. Paula dropped the order pad into the pocket of her apron and held out her hands.
"No, you're going to get all—"
"I've been covered with worse," she said, taking it from him carefully. His hands brushed hers: warm fingers, cool metal clamp. The sexual charge at his touch was unmistakable. Oh God. He just got sexier the closer she got. "Mop and bucket and other cleaning supplies are behind the counter. I'm just going to—kitchen—" And with that, unceremoniously, she fled.
"So what happened out there?" Mitch asked as she dropped rag, glass, and all into the trash and then ran her hands under the sink.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Mitch grinned. "Your face is red, Miz DeWitt."
Paula wiped her wet hands on her apron and slapped the order up on the board. "I'm taking a short break. I'll be back in just one minute."
She fled for the loading door that led to the alley. The door opened on a blast of cold wind and dazzling