Heartwood by J.h. Croix

Author:J.h. Croix [Croix, J. H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heart Eyes Press LLC

17

Ty

My schedule was nuts for a run of several days when we had one, and then another bartender, end up with a stomach bug. It wouldn’t do to have staff spreading that crap around the restaurant, so I covered with an assist from Alec. He liked to stop in regularly as it was to check on things with the brewery.

This afternoon was the usual level of busy, and Alec had stopped by for a few hours and was about to leave. We were discussing the bar’s beer stock.

“Our selection of beers is—”

“Unparalleled,” Alec said with a grin.

I chuckled. Alec was fun to work with.

“All right, you think you’re all set now that Lily is here?” he asked.

“Should be all set. Thanks for carrying those kegs forward.”

“I help when I can,” Alec replied.

“Exactly why I’m glad I work here,” I said before turning away to take the drink order from one of the waitresses handling tables on the floor.

Aside from some passing glimpses of Belle, I didn’t have time to seek her out for a few days. Although, even a glimpse of her was a good thing. She was clearly in her element in the kitchen. She was always zipping around and getting excited when the food got rave reviews from customers.

I almost got myself in a little trouble that evening though. I was in the midst of checking on stock for the bar and passing through the kitchen when Belle called over. “Ty!”

Of course, I knew it was her because I knew her voice too well—husky and melodic, it sent a sizzle through my veins. I turned, as if she had a string attached to me, immediately crossing over to stop beside her at a stainless-steel table on one side of the kitchen.

“Yes?”

Her big brown eyes blinked at me. “I need a taste test.”

“It’s delish,” Lily called over as she hurried past us out to the bar.

“Lily says everything is delicious,” Belle offered with a smile. “I love that about her because she’s so positive, but I need a critical taster.”

“You expect me to be more critical?” I teased.

She gave a light shrug. “Just taste it.”

Belle lifted a small plate with some kind of pastry on it. I reached for it, popping it in my mouth. Flavor exploded the second my teeth broke the surface of the flaky, buttery pastry. I closed my eyes, letting out a moan.

“Oh, fuck, that is delicious,” I said as I opened my eyes.

Pink crested on her cheeks, and her lips curled in a slow smile. “Really?” She bit the plush surface of her bottom lip, and I came so fucking close to kissing her right then and there.

Her lips were simply too tempting, lush and full, and I recalled all too clearly how they felt underneath mine.

“Yes, really?” I insisted when I nudged my brain off the kissing track. “What’s in there?”

“Brie with cranberries. It’s perfect for autumn and the holidays coming up soon.”

“Can I have another?”

She immediately handed me one, and I couldn’t hold back another moan as I chewed.

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