After pouring another round of coffee for two tables near the door and delivering meals to a family in the center section, I saw Scotty waving frantically from the kitchen. “Can you grab the delivery at the side door? I’ve already signed for it, but I can’t leave the grill long enough to bring it in.”
“On it.”
I went to the side door beside the store room opposite the kitchen. As I poked my head outside, I could see the delivery truck already pulling into traffic again. Three huge boxes were stacked neatly on the pavement.
Wedging the door open with a piece of wood we kept on the floor just for that purpose, I managed to lift the first box and maneuver it into the store room. That one must have been the paper towels.
The second box was heavier. Seriously heavier. But I couldn’t very well leave it outside to be stolen. Twisting it slightly, I tried to visualize lifting it before I actually did. I’d have to lift my chin, and hold it close to my body so it was more controlled.
But I’d have to hurry, since I could hear some sort of truck or van parking in the lot just behind me.
Swiveling the box a little more so that I could get a better grip, I lifted carefully with my legs, leaning back slightly. I had no idea what was inside, but if it was this heavy, it was probably breakable.
Three steps to the door, I was already out of breath. I managed to lean it against the door frame with my knee wedged under it. Although I wanted to set it down, I didn’t know if I’d be able to pick it up again.
I shook out my arms, then lifted the box again. Turning slightly sideways to step
inside, I wobbled as the box lurched to the left and started to fall as I scrambled to hold on with a shriek.
“Steady,” a deep voice rumbled directly in my ear. I heard a thump as a hand landed under the box, and another hand grabbed my hip so that I didn’t crash to the ground myself.
I started, my entire body pressed against the stranger's. Then I turned to find myself staring up into deep green eyes.
“I’ve got it, little lady,” he grinned. “Just tell me where I’m going.”
I stepped away to give him room to follow me down the hall, trying not to stare at the gorgeous man who had just rescued me. He was even bigger than my construction buddies. Instantly my hands began to fiddle with my apron and I couldn’t stop biting my lip.
It took me a few seconds to find my voice. “If you could put it in the store room, that would be great. Thanks so much.” I opened the door for him, and he placed the box down gently, as if the weight meant nothing to him.
“Hold on, I’ll grab the other one.”
He darted back out to grab the third box, kicking out the piece of wood so that the door closed behind him. After the last box was in the store room, he smiled down at me.
“I’m sorry I grabbed you, but you were about to fall off the step.”
“That’s okay. Thank you.”
He turned toward the kitchen and took a sniff. “Damn. I guess I’m having the burger. Is it all right if I go out this way?” He pointed towards the front of the diner.
“Sure. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He paused, giving me a smile that nearly knocked me over. We were very close together in the narrow hallway, and it was hard to believe how much I wanted to step closer instead of away. He smelled incredible, but it was his energy that really drew me in.
I watched as he went out to sit with Taylor and Bob, still feeling the warmth of his hand on my hip, and remembering the blaze of those unbelievable eyes when they locked on mine. So this is their boss , I thought. Oh, my.
I’d never been so close to a man who was so beautiful. Tingles ran up and down my arms as if I’d just met a rock star or something. The desire to have him hold me again was wild.
Yet somehow I had to pull myself together and channel my “Claudia the waitress” personality again. I was here to make a living, not lust after a man who was obviously way out of my league.
Chapter 2
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Vaughan
When I sat down beside Bob and reached for the water in front of me, I noticed my hand was actually shaking slightly. For the first time ever, I’d almost lost my cool in front of a woman.
“You made it,” Taylor said with his slightly too-loud laugh.