Savor You (Fusion #5)(8)

It’s just seven fifteen when I arrive. I’m early, but Cami is coming out of the front door. She smiles when she sees me.

“Hi,” she says.

“Good morning. I’m early.”

“Well, Mia’s in the kitchen. I just had to finish up some payroll stuff, and my computer at home finally gave up the ghost, so I came into the office. Employees still have to get paid.”

I nod and she points at the coffee. “For Mia?”

“It is.”

“Going in with ammo. You’re smart.”

“She likes coffee.”

She nods. “She’s not really a morning person.”

“Are you trying to warn me?”

“It’s never a bad thing to have all of the information.”

“True.”

She tilts her head and props her hands on her hips, watching me. “How long were you together? Before?”

“She didn’t tell you?”

She simply shakes her head no.

“A few months.”

“Did you love her?”

I frown, and she shakes her head. “Forget I asked. I’m nosy by nature, especially when it comes to my girls. She’s important to me.”

It’s like talking to Addie last night.

“I’m just here for a job, Cami. And I have a soft spot for Mia. I’m not a jerk.”

“Are you sure?”

“I don’t recall ever being called a jerk,” I reply honestly. “And it’s not my intent to hurt anyone’s feelings. I don’t want to talk about our past with you if she hasn’t already told you herself.”

“I get that,” she says and holds up her hands in surrender. “And I even approve of that. It means you have integrity, and I respect it. No need to tell me secrets. I just wanted to point out that she can be tough to work with, but it just means that she wants everything to be perfect.”

“Well, then she and I are on the same page there.”

Cami grins. “Go on in. I’ll lock the door behind you. Have a good morning.”

“You too.”

I walk past her, through the empty restaurant to the kitchen. The door is propped open, and music is playing from a wireless speaker on the counter. Adele is setting fire to the rain and Mia is moving her hips back and forth as she puts dry goods away, her back to me.

She’s wearing a sweatshirt Flashdance-style, exposing one perfect shoulder. She’s in black leggings and sandals with a closed toe.

Her curly black hair is piled on top of her head in a messy bun, and I want nothing more than to shake it loose and grab it tightly, just the way she likes it, while I— “You’re early.”

I shake my head, clearing my thoughts and look into her blue eyes.

“I’m always early.”

“Hmph.” She walks into the freezer and then comes out with a big pan full of roast. “I need to prep this and get it in the oven.”

“French dips for lunch?”

“It’s the special,” she replies. “It’ll take me five minutes, and then I’ll have time for you.”

“I can help.”

“Not necessary.”

I move next to her and she glares up at me. “No means no, Camden.”

My lips twitch and I can’t help but touch the end of her nose with my finger. “You’re still not a morning person.”

“I have knives,” she replies. “Lots of knives.”

“So noted.”

Her eyes zero in on the coffee. “Is that for me?”

“It is.”

She stops and turns away from the beef.

“Is it an Americano?”

“Right again.”

She sighs. “God damn it.”

“What’s wrong?”

“You brought me coffee.”

“You like coffee.”

“Yeah, and you’re going to make me be nice to you, and that wasn’t part of the plan.”

I chuckle and pass the cup to her. “I’m a likeable guy.”

She takes a sip, considering me.

“You’re okay.”

I raise a brow.

“Thank you for the coffee.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Now go away so I can do this. Being watched makes me nervous.”

“And you’ve agreed to be on TV?” I cock a brow and she narrows her eyes on me.

“Yes, smarty pants, because it’s what’s best for the restaurant.”

I take a sip of my coffee, watching her sip her own, taking her in.

“I’ve watched you cook dozens, if not hundreds, of dishes.”

“It made me nervous then too,” she mutters, surprising me.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

She shrugs that bare shoulder, and my cock twitches. Damn it, maybe it’s best if I don’t watch her cook.

So, I turn and walk out of the kitchen. I need more coffee.

And a fucking cold shower.





Chapter Three





Mia


How am I going to do this? He’s been here for five minutes, and I feel unfocused and just . . . ridiculous.