Hot Coffee Iced Santa (Roasted Love Cozy 2)

"They told me not to open until the investigation is over," he said.

"That could take forever," I said. "They must have all the evidence by now."

He shrugged his shoulders in exasperation. "Those are my sentiments exactly. I'm thinking about getting my lawyer to step in for me. I'm losing money fast."

"Do you have a lawyer at your fingertips?" I asked.

"I have one on retainer for the restaurant. I meet with him tomorrow. I can't stay closed much longer. I built up a good clientele and can't afford to lose that. It has taken several years to reach this level."

I offered my sympathy. I meant it. Suddenly, he was someone I felt sorry for. I thought he could possibly be the person that Daniel insisted he was.

"I still have fresh food in. I'll make you a sandwich or something. Are you hungry?"

"I hadn't thought I was until you mentioned it. But, yes, I'm starved," I said. "The last thing I ate was a cheese scone in the middle of the afternoon."

Steven asked me about my job as a Barista. He was easy to talk to and I watched as he deftly whipped a basil sauce with cream and parmesan cheese. He had put a small pot of water on the stove to boil. Once the water rolled along, he added some pasta. My mouth watered just thinking of what he was going to serve me. I had a feeling it was far from a sandwich. He noticed my admiring eyes.

"I worked in a café for several years. I found out I liked to cook and went to Chef's school. My intentions were to own my own restaurant and be known as a renowned Chef."

"It looks like you succeeded with your dreams."

"I did, but not sure about being renowned. It took almost ten years to achieve where I am now, but it did happen. We have become so busy in here that I had to hire another Chef. He is the best and we work well together."

His good looks stood out more than ever. His voice was animated and he talked about his greatest love. I discovered that was his restaurant. I wondered if he dated anyone seriously. Maybe he was married. Those were more questions to get from Daniel. I didn't want Steven to think I was coming on to him if I asked him. I had a feeling it wouldn't take much for him to take advantage of me along those lines. Besides, I had to keep in mind the way he showed up so unexpectedly on my street. That was something that still nagged me.

"What are your plans for the holidays?" he asked me.

"I'm leaving for home in Tennessee in a week or so," I said. "I haven't seen my family since summer."

"I would never have taken you for a southerner. Where is your drawl?"

"I had to get rid of it when I moved to New York. No one could understand me. Of course, I had to learn the eastern accent, too. I had no idea what people were saying at times. I guess it was mutual. Now my mother tells me I talk like a New Yorker."

"You are lucky. I have no family left. I never married and was an only child. My parents died several years ago in a car accident. It is times like this that I wish I had family." He shook off his morose feelings and flashed a smile in my direction. "I'm planning to go to New York City for the holiday. That's where Christmas shines. I usually close the restaurant for a week from Christmas day until New Year's eve." Steven put a plate of pasta in front of me.

I thought there was one less question to ask Daniel about his friend. I found myself feeling sorry for the man across from me. He had to be lonely. The situation he was in with the death of his dishwasher was not so easy to handle alone. It made more sense why Daniel was so concerned about Steven.

"This pasta is delicious," I said. I savored my last bite. "Thank you for the meal. I was more than ready for it, and didn't know that until I smelled your food."

He accepted my compliment. I agreed with him that he should get his lawyer involved as soon as possible. He needed professional support.

"What are you doing out so late tonight anyway?" Steven asked me.

I told him about my Christmas shopping and how I came to be at his door.

"When I saw how stressed out everyone was at the mall, I thought of Frank. There was a Santa there who had to put up with a screaming child and her irate mother. Were there ever any incidents like that with Frank when he played Santa?"

"I never saw that at all. Like I told you, he loved kids. I remember once when a little boy was afraid of Santa, he had a way of getting him to speak up. Parents loved him and I think Frank helped relieve some of their holiday stress, too. He was a different person when it came to kids versus adults. I was always glad he worked behind the scenes. He could get upset easily with disgruntled adults. Of course, he didn't deal with that part of the business and I was glad for that."

"What about Cassie Johnson, your server? Did she get along with Frank?"

Steven looked directly at me and hesitated. Then the instant smile spread across his face. "Are you becoming the next Nancy Drew?"

I just smiled between mouthfuls of delicious pasta.

"As for Cassie, if you are thinking she had anything to do with Frank's murder, I'm sure she didn't. She just isn't the type to kill someone and stick them into the freezer when finished with the deed. Besides, if you saw her, you would know she wouldn't have the strength to manage it all."

I didn't intend to tell him I knew about Cassie threatening Frank. "Do you mind if I have her phone number anyway? I'd love to talk with her and see how she is doing."