“It’s my lunch hour,” Joshua protested.
“Uncle Hiro, I’ve never waited tables before,” the other man said.
“Jacob, no time like the present. Josh, I only need you for the rush. Help an old man out, boys.”
“You got it, Pop.” Josh winked. “I’ll help you, Jacob.”
“Looks like we might have to wait on your food for a while, Mitchell.” Phoebe grabbed his hand and gave him one of her mo
cking looks. God, he’d missed her. “I hope you will survive, Mr. Wolfe.”
“How much time do you normally take for lunch, counselor?”
“An hour, but Ashley’s got everything covered. I need to pick up my dress for Jena’s wedding Saturday and then I plan on working from home this afternoon. No court dates today.”
“Works for me.”
“Besides, I think my bodyguard needs to stretch out on my sofa and get some much-needed rest. When was the last time you slept?”
He shrugged. “Night before last, but that doesn’t matter. I’m here for you.”
“I know, and you can’t imagine how much that means to me. But when we get to my house, I’m determined you get to take a nap.”
God, he loved her fire. He missed being with her.
Joshua walked over and handed them their drinks. “Nice to see you two together.”
“It’s only lunch, Josh.” Phoebe grinned. “Don’t jump to conclusions.”
“I’m not the only one who is assuming that you two might be back together.” Joshua motioned to several customers who were glancing their direction. “You know how the people in Destiny are, Phoebe.”
She nodded and smiled.
Everyone seemed acutely interested in her and Mitchell, even Belle White, Amber’s sister, who wasn’t even a native of the town.
“Just take our order, please.”
Phoebe ordered sweet and sour chicken.
Feeling his stomach roll, he added another entrée to the list. “And more coffee, please.”
“I’ll have mom put on a new pot. Thanks.” Josh walked away.
Mitchell looked over at Phoebe, who was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. “Lucas told me that you wanted to talk.”
She nodded. “I do, but let’s have our lunch first. Okay?”
“I’ve waited three years to talk, honey. If all I have to do is wait a few more minutes, that will be just fine with me.”
“Thank you. I just need to get my thoughts clear before we dive in. Besides, you’re starving, right?”
He reached across the table and grabbed her hands. He could feel her tremble. “I’ve been starving to be with you again, Phoebe. Whatever time you need, I’ll give it to you. I can see it in your eyes. You’re ready to give us another shot, aren’t you?”
Phoebe looked down at their joined hands. “Maybe, but there’s so much to discuss before we go there, Mitchell.”
“Then we’ll discuss it.” It was the most important thing in the world to him. He wouldn’t mess up this chance.
“After we eat, okay?”