pleasure from blaming Tate. The fact that I still worked there was crazy, but I supposed that I was a bit of a masochist.
“These pancakes are delicious.” I took my last bite of the lemon ricotta pancakes. “I’m going to have to bookmark this place, Mymi’s, right?”
“Yup. I would say they’re a best-kept secret, but too many people know about them already.” Norse finished his omelet. “I feel ready to face the day now.”
“Me too.” I smiled and then looked at my watch. “We should be getting back to the office though, before Mr. Howard gets there.”
“Yeah, we don’t want to be late for Mr. Howard.” He laughed. “Not on the first day.”
“Yeah.” I pulled out a twenty-dollar bill from my purse. “So tell me about your name, Norse. It’s so unique, I’ve never met anyone with that name before.”
“It is unique isn’t it?” He handed me back my twenty. “I got this. You can get me breakfast another day.”
“Oh no, I can’t let you pay.” I shook my head and tried to push the money into his hand.
“No, no.” He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Not today.” He looked into my eyes. “Your company has been a treat enough.”
“Oh, so you’re a flirt?” I said with a small giggle. I wasn’t sure how I felt about having a romance with a coworker, but he was good-looking and funny. Maybe it could work.
“I only flirt with pretty girls.”
“So I’m a pretty girl?”
“I’d say that.” He winked. “I have a couple of other adjectives I’d include as well.”
“Oh yeah?” My face flushed as I beamed at him. I was not above sexy, flirtatious banter. In fact, I loved it. I welcomed it. Until recently, I’d spent too much time in the confines of my family home, where every conversation was monitored. I’d always had a spicy side, and I think being raised by such a strict Catholic family had made me a bit of a rebel.
“Do you want to hear them?”
“Do you want me to hear them?”
“Yes.”
“Then proceed.”
“I find you beautiful, sexy, stunning, curvaceous, lickable, suckable …” He chuckled as my eyes widened and my face grew hot. I’d expected him to say sexy, I hadn’t expected him to go this far. “Too much?”
“Well, we just met.”
“So, it’s unlikely for me to expect a blowjob in the office restroom.”
“Uhm, yes.” I bit down on my lower lip. I’d never met a man this forward before and while I didn’t love it, I wasn’t completely turned off. In fact, his daring made me feel slightly risqué and dangerous.
“Sorry, I’ve gone too far.” He patted my shoulder. “I just didn’t expect to get a treat today. I suppose you’re new to this line of work?”
“Hmm?”
“I knew Jagger said he was sending me someone, but I didn’t think he would go this far.”
“Uhm, what?”
Who the hell was Jagger and what was Norse talking about?
“Jagger?” Magnolia stopped me with a frown. “That guy knew Jagger? And did he tell you what sort of name Norse is? I’ve literally never heard it before in my life.”
“Girl,” I took a deep sigh. “All will soon be revealed.”
“Okay.” She pursed her lips. “Am I going to need to text Jagger and tell him off?”
“Tell him off?”
“Yeah, ban him from sex for a week.” She grinned. “That would kill him.”
“Oh, Magnolia,” I laughed. “No need to go without.” I made a face. “If anyone should be punished, it’s me for being such a dumb idiot.”
“Oh, man!” Magnolia’s eyes were bright and excited. “I know this sounds awful, but I absolutely cannot wait for you to tell me what happened. I almost feel like it’s Christmas and I’m waiting to find out what my big gift is going to be.”
“Girl, trust me, Christmas has come early for you,” I groaned. “Don’t worry, I’m almost there. The payoff will be worth it.”
“Nothing, Jane, we can keep playing our game.” Norse grinned at me and licked his lips. I stared at him in confusion, but figured, hey, maybe this was how guys in NorCal flirted. It was very different from how guys acted in Los Angeles, but maybe that wasn’t a bad thing. The guys in LA either wanted to be an actor, musician, surfer or influencer. Well, many also wanted to be sports stars as well. Like my brother, Marco, and his crew. “Shall we get back to the office?”
“Yeah, let’s do it,” I said. “I’m anxious to get the day started.”
“I’m anxious as well.” He laughed. “I’m surprised you