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“You guys are sure you’re good without me?” I ask, already backing away.
“Yup.” Zoe nods. “Just be ready to tell me the full debrief tomorrow. I want details, Katie. Every single one.”
I don’t need to be told twice. I yank off my apron, tossing it into the laundry bin as I head to the back to grab my bag. Fighting off a yawn, I pull out my phone to text Max.
Katie
Getting off now.
The reply comes back almost instantly.
Max
Brilliant!
He includes a GIF of the song “Born Ready.”
Katie
Where should we meet?
Max
Actually, look out your front window.
I let out a startled laugh and rush to the restaurant’s front door. Max is standing there, looking unfairly handsome in a simple white T-shirt and jeans. His eyes light up the second he sees me, even though I’m positive I look like a walking disaster.
My shirt has a few stains and I’m likely radiating the scent of lemon sanitizer, but by this point, I’m way past caring. And judging by Max’s soft smile, he doesn’t either.
I yank the door open and motion for him to come in. “Hey,” I say, the word comes out a little breathless.
“Hiya,” he says, offering a small wave and a lopsided smile.
“I’m so excited for shaved—” I’m cut off as a man catches the edge of the glass door, halting it mid-swing.
“Excuse me,” the stranger says, forcing his way halfway inside the frame. “Are you guys still open?”
“No,” I say, maybe a little too quickly. “We’re closed for the night.”
“Oh. Well, can I just make a reservation with you for tomorrow? I tried calling, but the line was busy,” the guy says, dropping into the kind of entitled tone that makes my eye twitch.
I don’t want to be rude, but I do not want to deal with this right now. Glancing to Max, I see him watching me curiously. I take a deep breath and gather what little patience I have left. “I think we’re fully booked, but you can stop by when we open for dinner at five tomorrow.”
“Can’t you just do it now?” he asks, his voice getting curt.
And I’m officially done. “No, I can’t. I’m clocked out and the system has been shut down. Sorry,” I say, not feeling an ounce of remorse as I grab Max’s arm, haul him inside, and slam the door shut.
Only after the lock clicks into place do I realize I’m still holding onto him. My fingers are clamped tightly around his forearm, feeling the solid muscle underneath. A sudden wave of heat rushes up my skin.
I slowly uncurl my fingers, but instead of stepping back, my hand slides down the length of his arm before I let go entirely. I lean my back against the glass, letting out a long exhale. “Sorry. It’s been a day.”
“I can see that,” Max says in a low rumble. His eyes dance with amusement as he looks from the locked door back to me. “Rough shift?”
Across the room, Randy and Zoe are still sitting at a table, chatting softly. I can see my best friend looking in our direction, pretending not to eavesdrop and failing miserably.
I nod. “We went viral. The last two days have been total chaos. But I’m officially off the clock now, which means it’s time for shaved ice.”
“About that.” Max’s smile falters slightly, and he rubs the back of his neck, looking genuinely sheepish. “The Frozen Ice Palace shut at nine. I didn’t think to look up their hours, so we’ll have to find somewhere else. I’m so sorry, Katie. My fault entirely.”
