“Let me know what you find,” he orders. I lift my chin, letting him know I heard him, and he sighs, knowing I’m pissed. “You can go.”
I exit his office and take a seat at my desk. “What was that about?” Herb asks as he rolls his chair toward mine.
“He was just informing me that Amy’s parents were cleared of any wrongdoing.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep.” I look over at him. “I guess it pays to be the son of the mayor.”
“Asshole.”
I don’t agree verbally, even though I completely agree. “You ready to head out?”
“Yeah, but I’m in the mood for a cookie after Rach was going on about them all morning. You mind stopping at that bakery on Main so I can get one?”
“I thought you were watching your sugar.”
“One won’t hurt.” He gets up and grabs his cell and a file folder off the desk as I pick up my coffee before heading for my truck.
When we reach the Sweet Spot, I open the door for Herb to enter before me; then I walk in behind him and spot Anna at the front counter. Her eyes come to mine, and the look that fills them makes me wish we were back in my bed.
“Hey, babe.” I smile as I walk across the shop to the counter. “I want you to meet my partner, Herb.”
“Hi.” She turns to him and gives him a small smile as she holds out her hand for him to shake.
“You’re prettier than the photo I saw of you in the paper,” he tells her as he takes her hand. “And don’t worry: my wife said you aren’t uptight like the article made you seem.” I catch Anna’s smile faltering slightly. “She’s met you before a few times. Her name’s Rachel.”
“I would probably know her if I saw her. I’m just not very good with remembering names.”
“I get that,” he replies, then drops his eyes to the display case. “She said you had some famous chocolate chip cookies.”
“We do,” Chrissie chimes in as she walks out of the back room. “They’re over here on the end.” She motions for him to follow her, and he heads that way.
I walk behind the counter to Anna, and she blushes as I take her hand. “Hey, baby.”
“Hey,” she says as I lean down to kiss her cheek.
“It seems better today,” I tell her, referring to the shop, which is mostly empty except for a table taken up by two women drinking coffee, with what’s left of a muffin between them, and a mom and her son sitting at a kiddie table. They’re eating cookies—or the mom is eating a cookie while the little boy colors on the wall with chalk.
“I’m old news now.” She shrugs, then looks to Chrissie. “I’m going to show Calvin something in the back.”
“I’m sure you are.” Chrissie winks and I chuckle.
As soon as we clear the doorway to the kitchen, I press her against the wall, out of sight of anyone who might see, and take her mouth in a deep kiss, then pull back and look at her. “I missed you.”
“Me too.” She leans back, and I focus on her face and can tell something is bothering her.
“What happened?”
“I got a message from my dad this morning. He and my mom are coming into town. They want to talk over dinner tomorrow. I was . . . I was wondering if you’d come with me.”
“Of course.” I cup her jaw, a little surprised she wants me with her. “Are you sure about having dinner with them?”
“No, but I’m hoping if I do, I can get them to finally listen to me. And if they don’t . . . well, I guess that’ll just prove it’s time for me to move on and stop hoping they’ll actually act like my parents.”
“Did you hear back from your ex?” I ask, and she frowns like she forgot she had an ex.
“No, but I’m sure he got my message.” I’m sure he did too; I’m also sure that when she sent him that photo, his first thought was that she was jealous, and then he made a list of excuses that could be believable as to why he was mostly naked in her friend’s bed.
Not wanting to think about that asshole now, I change the subject. “What time is dinner tomorrow?”
“Probably late, around seven or a little after, since I don’t get off until five thirty, six. I told my dad I’d make reservations somewhere. Do you know anywhere nice I can take them?”
“I’ll make reservations this afternoon and let you know the details. I know of a few nice spots near the beach.”
“Thank you.” She leans into me and rests her forehead against my chin. “Knowing I’ll have you there makes me dread dinner a little less.”
“I’m here for you whenever you need me, Anna.” I press my lips to the top of her head, and her arms wind around my waist. I hold her, sensing that’s what she needs more than anything else.