Top Dog

“What’s he doing here?” I folded my arms knowing now that the boss hadn’t called me in to talk. I’d assumed I was coming down to hear him beg me back, and instead, there was Chance to say his piece.

“Just listen to him.” She took my arm and walked me to the table. “Oh, and I was right,” she whispered in my ear.

“I don’t have anything to say.” I leaned against the booth and looked out the window.

“Sit. You know we don’t like no standing around in Angelo’s diner.” Lindy encouraged me to take a seat, which I did. “Look, he’s got your favorite. I bet he gives you a bite.” She met my eyes, and I was less than impressed.

He leaned in closer. “Please, Carrie. I tried to get back in time, but it didn’t work out.”

Lindy walked over from where she’d been listening and leaned in. “No time for small talk,” she rolled her hand as if telling him to hurry up.

The two exchanged a glance, and he nodded. I didn’t know when the two had become so chummy, but it was obvious that his charms had her mesmerized.

Without warning, Chance reached across the table and took my hand. “I love you.”

I jerked my hands away and shook

my head. “Nice one. But I don’t think so.” He looked crushed, and as I saw the pain in his eyes, I couldn’t help but think he was serious.

“I know I messed up, Carrie, but I’m here, and I want you to know that you changed me. You made me want something that I haven’t wanted in ages, and that’s a real relationship.” He raked his hand through his dark hair and let out a breath. “I’m begging you for a chance. Lindy said you were heartbroken and I want you to know, I’d never do that intentionally. I thought you didn’t want more than the contract agreement.”

I didn’t even know what to say, and I wasn’t sure the words were even registering. I’d stopped hearing everything after I love you.

“I love you too.” I wasn’t sure where the words were coming from, or how I’d managed to speak them, but he practically crawled over the table to kiss me.

His lips crushed against mine and suddenly everyone in Angelo’s was clapping and cheering, including Lindy who had tears in her eyes.

I pulled away, and my cheeks reddened.

Lindy pointed to the parking lot. “Friends of yours?” she asked Chance.

I looked over to see Nate getting out of a car with a short, portly man whose face was so red that he looked like steam might billow out at any moment. They had to be looking for Chance, and as he got to his feet, the two came in.

Chance stood and greeted the angry one. “How are you, Peter?”

“Wondering why I’m down the road bothering with your deal when you’re here chatting it up with the wait staff and eating waffles.” He took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow. “What’s more important than our money, boy?”

Chance was not amused by the endearment, and he stood and squared his shoulders, looking down his nose at the man as he took my hand and pulled me up to stand beside him. “I’d like you to meet Carrie. She’s who’s more important. So, if you’ve come down here to put me in my place or threaten to take your money and run, all I’ve got to say is get moving. But you’ll miss out on a great opportunity to help the people of this community.”

The old man looked around at the eyes on him, most who were upset that he’d killed the tender moment between the handsome stranger and their favorite waitress and his face reddened, this time with embarrassment.

“It’s nice to meet you.” I put my hand out, and he took it, offering a half smile.

“Pleasure.” He glanced toward Lindy who stood with her arms folded in front of her and a sly grin on her face.

Then the order bell rang, and Joe shouted, “Order up,” returning the energy back to normal.

The portly man extended his hand toward Chance and then glanced down to the table. “Is that waffles with maple bacon?”

Lindy stepped up with her order pad. “They’re a house favorite, can I get you some?”

The old man sat in my empty seat and rattled off his order, and Nate sat with him looking like he wasn’t sure what was happening.

Chance pulled me close and kissed me again, causing my heart to do another flip. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I whispered in his ear as we took another booth.

“I didn’t think you wanted more. You’re strong, and I love the way you want to take care of your father, but I thought that was all that mattered to you, I didn’t think you’d have room for me.” He lifted his shoulder as he squeezed my hand.

“He’s getting his surgery, thanks to you. I called the specialist earlier.” I had hoped I’d be able to share that news with him, and by some miracle I had. Lindy had been right all along.