Page 116 of Moonlight Hearts

Ben snorted.I ignored it, ignored whatever was going on between them so I didn’t accidentally ruin it.

“Coming right up!”

I left him the menu, just in case, and while this was Rae’s section, I got lucky and spotted an empty plate.I grabbed that as an excuse to go to the kitchen.

I walked through the swing doors slowly as if this were just a normal day, then let my grin out.I couldn’t really talk because of Ben’s supernatural ears, but he wasn’t going to see my stupid happy face, so it was fine.

Kasey did look at me funny—his snakes never missed much—but I put a finger to my mouth and cleared the dishes away, then pulled out my phone to text Soyer.

The writer!

This again?

He’s early!!!!!

That’s a lot of exclamation points for one person.

He went to the counter.He sat down two chairs away from Ben, and they said hi, then he moved back to his table!!!

Amory, that is not flirting.When I came to meet you, I was flirting.Please tell me you can see the difference.

No!Yes.Maybe.The writer is different.Ben winked at him!

Impressive.

It is.You know nothing.I’m so happy for them!

Then I am happy for them as well.But sitting two chairs over from your intended isn’t flirting, my heart.

You know nothing.

??

Don’t I?

Not about this, you don’t.I have to go write an email about gingerbread lattes.Rae wants to add one to the menu, and they tricked me into telling you and Dwayne it’s a good idea.I’ll go do that now.

Are you threatening me with work?That’s not nice, Amory.

It’s really just a suggestion.

??

And here I was, flirting with you.I think I have a suggestion about that.

I cannot flirt with you.I’m at work.

I hesitated, then sent another text.

But I ?? you.

That I can accept.Go email us, my heart.

I put my phone away.

“Good news, boss?”Kasey asked.

“Yup, all around.Can you make some pancakes with your candied nut filling and the whipped cream on top?Like you did for Rae’s photo op?”