be right with you, just a sec!” she called to a table as she breezed past them to get to Dutchy and Krieger. “My dear girl.” She pulled Dutchy into a hug. “It’s so nice to see you out and about.” An auburn brow shot up at Krieger. “Oh my … I almost didn’t recognize you. Don’t you look handsome?” she said with a saucy wink.
“Uh—”
“Aunt Rosie, do you have a table for us?” Dutchy interrupted.
“Of course. I reserved you your favorite booth.”
Rosie led them to a booth right by a large window that had a view of the street. Dutchy slid into the seat facing the dining room, and he sat opposite of her. “Sorry,” she cocked her head at the other tables. “I should see to a couple of tables. But Gabriel will be right with you,” she said with a wave as she rushed off.
Dutchy’s brows drew together. “Gabriel?”
As if on cue, the former ranger came up to them. “Hey folks, what can I—oh, Sarge!” The lion shifter slapped him on the back. “Looking good, man! You sure clean up nice. Love the hair.” He shook his own dark golden locks. “Maybe if you keep this up, you’ll have hair as nice as mine.”
Krieger grumbled. “Can we order?”
He barked out a laugh and turned to Dutchy. “Hello, you must be Dutchy. Gabriel Russel, at your service.” He held out a hand.
She took it. “I didn’t realize Aunt Rosie had hired someone to replace Bridgette.”
“Well, not quite. I’m still learning the ropes, seeing as I’m buying out Rosie. My fiancée, Temperance, has been running the kitchen for a while now, and so we’re gonna take over once Rosie feels ready to step back.”
“B-b-buying her out?” Dutchy’s jaw dropped, and her face went pale.
It was obvious she had no idea what her aunt had planned. Not liking to see her upset, Krieger turned to Gabriel. “Can you give us a minute?”
“Sure. Let me get you some coffee, and I’ll come back to let you know the specials.”
As soon as Gabriel was out of earshot, he turned to Dutchy. “You didn’t know?”
Her gaze dropped down to her lap. “No.”
“Gabriel’s a good guy,” he assured her. “He’ll take care of this place. And his mate’s an amazing baker. They’ll treat Rosie’s with respect.”
“It’s not that,” she said in a quiet voice. “I just … I’m happy for Rosie. God knows she’s earned the right to put her feet up and lie back on a beach all day. But I literally had no idea she was retiring until now, because I’ve been staying away from my aunts and all my friends. Who knows what else I missed while I’ve been wallowing in pity because I can’t get any stupid work done? I’m a terrible person.”
“Don’t talk like that.” He wished he could reach out and embrace her. Hell, he’d settle on holding her hand. But it was too risky. “Rosie doesn’t seem like the type to hold a grudge. She obviously loves you.”
“And Gabriel … Oh God.” She slapped a palm on her forehead. “He’s the Gabriel Russel. Only male heir to the Lyon Industries fortune. His fiancée and their wedding planner called me a couple of times about designing her gown, and I didn’t even bother to answer. I’ll never get another client again.”
“Do you need money?” he asked quickly. He wasn’t sure how much he had in the bank, but after cashing out his pension and barely spending a dime of his salary in the last five years, it had to be substantial. “I can give you—”
“No, no, it’s not that.” Her teeth worried at her lip. “I’m all right, I still have my savings that will see me through for another year even if I don’t work. It’s more about my reputation. People will think I’m a flake. I mean … I am a flake. So maybe I don’t deserve a career in fashion.”
His chest tightened. “Don’t be too hard on yourself.” His bear growled, as if reminding him why she was in this state. Yeah, I know. But this was why he was trying to fix her. “Gabriel’s easygoing. He won’t hold it against you.”
“But the damage is already done,” she said glumly.
“That’s not true.” No, he couldn’t believe that. “I’m sure if you talk to her, she’ll understand.”
“I—Oh God, Gabriel’s coming back.” Dutchy looked around in panic.
“I have fresh coffee for you,” Gabriel announced as he stopped at their table, pot in one hand. “Let me tell