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An unfamiliar ringtone pierces my ears.

What is that?

Grabbing the ringing phone out of my back pocket—

Fuck, this is Olive’s.

Patting myself frantically, I find my phone in my chef coat.

Shit. Hopefully she is okay without it for a few hours.

My bad luck strikes again.

Shoving the thought out of my mind, along with a silent apology, I dive back into the meal.

Time passes in my element, and it is only as I put the quiche in the oven that I hear someone in the main part of the restaurant.

“Hello?” The voice is muted through the kitchen door.

Setting a timer, I head through the door to the front…

And stop in my tracks.

“John?” Confusion percolates. “Were you looking for me?”

John’s face is red, his hair is astray, he’s wearing the same outfit he was last night.

“Are you okay?”

“Where’s Beanie?” He eats up the space between us until he reaches for me, grabbing my hips and holding me in place.

Warmth splutters between my thighs, heats my cheeks. “Sh—she’s in good hands. Olive is watching her. I am just here to cook a meal for a client,” I stutter out.

He leans forward, clipping into my ear, “Drop the act, Cinnamon.”

His tone, his intensity. It startles me.

“What do you mean?” There is nothing but confusion in my tone.

“I’m no longer a detective. They took my badge this morning. So be honest with me.” He forcefully rips us apart, but his large hands don’t leave my hips. His gaze is unwavering, his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “What do you do for a living, Cinnamon? Why are you here?”

“I cook? Right now I am dipping my toes in being a small business owner. I started a small business—Knife for Hire—where I’m hired to cook custom meals for clients.” I shrug my shoulders, explaining easily.

His mouth opens.

In shock.

In confusion.

In realization.

I can almost see a lightbulb illuminate above his head, but I still do not understand why.

“Cinnamon, listen to me.” And then he’s in my space again, whispering in my ear. “We need to leave. Now.”

“But my food—”

His lips cover mine, taking my explanation. Stealing my words. Invading my soul.