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Releasing me, he began to shift away before I tightened my grip on his arms.

“Are you sure you’re okay to get home?” I gestured over my shoulder. “There’s a couch in the back employee room if you want to rest for a while. Or my place is close, if you want to go there.”

His eyes heated, his own grip tightening on my waist. “I’m okay.” With one last kiss, he moved away from me. “Get out of the rain, Dahlia.”

“Right.” I unlocked the door.

“Text, no matter what time.” Once I was inside, Theo started toward the street. A black SUV pulled up to the curb, and he got in, thankfully not driving.

As it pulled away, I walked to the employee breakroom and checked my locker for a spare shirt. Coming up empty, I launched into my morning routine and tried to ignore my chattering teeth.

It wasn’t going well.

Less than a half hour later, my phone dinged.

Theo:Let me know if something doesn’t fit.

My brows lowered as I tried to figure out what he was talking about.

Maybe the message was meant for someone else…

Jealousy niggled at the back of my mind, taking me by surprise.

Me:Did you text the wrong number?

A knock on the glass door echoed through the silent café, making me jump.

“Sorry, we aren’t open yet,” I called out.

“Mr. Amato sent me.” The man held up a bag.

Theo:Who else would I be texting? Get the bag from Ben, Dahlia. Otherwise the dry clothes will end up soaked, too. Plus, Ben will bitch and complain all day about standing in the rain.

I unlocked the door and opened it. “Sorry, I didn’t know who you were.”

“That’s okay,” the man said, lowering his umbrella and handing me a paper bag from a store I’d never heard of. “From Mr. Amato.”

I took the outstretched bag, my curiosity demanding I peek inside. Fighting the urge, I looked at the man instead.

Tall and lean, he was probably only a few years older than me. His brownish hair was soaked and stuck to his head. Even though it wasn’t even six in the morning, he was dressed in slacks, a nice shirt, and a black tie.

“Ben, right?” I asked. At his nod, I smiled. “Thanks, Ben. I’d offer you a coffee, but it isn’t made yet. I can make a hot chocolate or tea if you want, though.”

Ben grimaced before his lip quirked up in a lopsided smile. “No, thanks. Mr. Ricci did mention something about muffins, though.” At my obviously confused expression, he added, “Luc Ricci.”

“Ah. Are you seeing him today?” At his nod, I walked behind the counter, setting the bag on a chair as I went. Using one of the empty delivery boxes, I packaged up some of the pastries and handed it over to Ben.

“I was only expecting one,” he said, yet he made no move to hand any back.

“I’m sure Luc is intending on having some, too.”

“Good point. Thank you.” Getting his umbrella ready, Ben headed for the door. “Mr. Amato said to let him know right away if something doesn’t fit so it can be replaced. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Thanks, you too,” I said distractedly, glancing toward the mystery bag.

“Lock this after me.”

After securing the lock, I grabbed the bag and peeked inside. A shoebox blocked the top. Removing the box, I opened it to find a pair of ultra-comfy looking slip-on canvas shoes. I set them to the side and picked up a small pile of dark clothes.