Page 73 of Forbidden

Just after the lunch crowd, Millie comes in and peeks over my shoulder. I’m making sugar cookies, but decided to make use of my artistic abilities and have been cutting out different shapes.

“Wow! You’re really good, sweetheart.”

“Thanks.”

“I got someone out here who wants to give their compliments to the chef.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. Come on.”

I wash my hands and wipe my face as I head out to the dining area. I wonder who it could be. Millie nods toward the end of the counter and I turn to see Mr. Hunter regarding me with a grin. My girly parts tingle and I return his smile as I approach him.

“Hey, babe.”

Babe. He called me ‘babe.’ I don’t know how I’m still standing on these jelly legs.

“Hey.”

“I just had one of the best meals I’ve eaten in a long time. Imagine how much better it was when I found out that you made it.”

I blush, staring down at the floor. “Thank you.”

“Seriously. It was so good I might have to get you to cook for me every day.”

“Stop.”

I link my arms behind me, dragging the tip of my Keds back and forth on the tiles.

“Look at me.”

I slowly lift my gaze and stare into his baby blues.

“What are you doing later?”

“Why? Are you asking me out?”

“No.”

“You’re not?”Huh...weird. Why would he ask what I’m doing then?

“No. I’m gonna tell you what time I’m coming to pick you up.”

Jesus. I’m trying so hard right now not to climb over this counter. The struggle is real.

“I got some shit to do, but I’ll call you later, okay?”

“Okay.”

He grasps my chin between his thumb and index finger and smiles.

“See you later, baby doll.”

“See ya.”

As I watch him walk away, I meet Chrissy’s shocked, open-mouthed stare. Fuck! I don’t know how much she saw, but I know it was enough. I’m in total panic mode. I grab her hand and pull her over to an empty booth. She sits across from me, eyes wide, mouth still hanging open.

“What the fuck, Ray? What did I just see?”