Sweet Tooth (Little Cakes, #11)(21)

“That would be awesome,” she responded, glancing up at him frequently as he moved the heavy crates around with bulging muscles. He was in such good shape.

“Okay, Elizabeth. That’s everything on your list. Here’s the invoice. Double check to make sure I didn’t forget something vital before I leave,” he requested, handing her a couple of printed pages.

Used to doing this with other delivery drivers, she checked off the items from the list as he called them off. She tried not to be distracted when he leaned over to pull something from a low crate.

“Wow!” she said without meaning to speak aloud.

Tom glanced over his shoulder to trace the path of her gaze before holding up the perfect green pepper. “The peppers are pretty, aren’t they?” he joked, knowing perfectly well she had not been talking about the vegetables.

Elizabeth’s face flamed hot once again. “Sorry.”

Approaching her, Tom leaned close to whisper against her ear, “I stood behind your dancing bottom for a good minute when I arrived, remembering spanking you before I said a word. Thank goodness I get to spend a lot of time in walk-in coolers.”

It took her a second to process what he meant before she stepped back slightly as her gaze automatically dropped to the fly of his jeans.

“You’re killing me here, Little girl,” he told her, tugging her close once again for a tight hug.

“And we thought you changed distributors because of the gorgeous produce,” a server joked from the entrance to the kitchen.

“She did,” Tom assured her. “See you tonight, Elizabeth.”

“Bye, Tom.” Her voice paused an extra beat before using his real name.

“He’s hot,” the server complimented as soon as the back door closed.

“What’s up? Are you running low on something up front?” Elizabeth asked.

“I have a big phone order. We’re slowing down out front. Do you want me to help you get this put together?”

“That would be amazing, Tina. I’m swamped back here already,” Elizabeth responded, accepting her offer gratefully.

“Let me check on my tables, and I’ll be back in a jiffy,” the young woman suggested.

“Perfect.”

Elizabeth knew she needed to expand her staff. Nibbles & Bites was growing too fast for her to keep up with all the dishes her expanding clientele list wanted. Now, companies like this one were calling for catering orders.

“I’m back. Billy’s going to bus my tables for me in a few minutes when they leave. What shall I start on first?”

“How about the sandwiches on that order?”

“Got it, boss. You know I’m thinking about culinary school. I really like helping out in the kitchen. If you’re ever looking for some help back here, I’d love to talk to you about it.”

“I’d need to have you here and on the floor both until I could find a server to replace you. Would you be available to work more hours?”

“Definitely. I’d love that. This is a fun place to work. Everyone loves the food. People are happy here.”

“Great. We’ll talk more later. I don’t suppose you have another you at home who needs a job?” Elizabeth probed. She knew from talking to Tina that she came from a large family. Impressed with the young woman’s work ethic, she had a feeling the other siblings in her family would be a delight to have as employees as well.

“I have a sister who’s looking for her first job. She’d need some training, but she’s a good kid—very reliable and pleasant,” Tina suggested.

“Have her come in and talk to me this week. If she’s a good fit, you could train her before you transition to working back here with me.”

“She’s going to be so excited. Thank you for talking to her. I know nothing is guaranteed,” Tina rushed to assure her as she immediately started working on the sandwiches.

Pleased to discover Tina didn’t chatter or distract her from concentrating on her tasks at hand, Elizabeth was even more sure her sudden inspiration was a very good idea. With a few selected corrections here and there, Tina put together the large to-go order with ease. Then she immediately pitched in to take over the next preparation task Elizabeth had on her list. Working instinctively in her own space, Tina didn’t get in Elizabeth’s way a bit for the rest of the day.

By the time she shooed Tina out of the kitchen to head home, Elizabeth was far beyond ready for the next day. She had plenty of time to stop by her apartment and pick up some clothes for herself and Hortense to spend the night at her Daddy’s. Stopping in her office to reconcile the money, credit charges, and billing, Elizabeth sent Tom a message with the news that she would be finishing earlier than she’d expected.

His response came quickly.

That’s fabulous news. If you can remember the way to my house, feel free to head over here whenever you’re ready. The back door is always open. Bring clothes for tomorrow. I can’t wait to hold you all night long.





He sent a follow-up text with his address and a few extra directions.

With the luxury of feeling completely free for the evening, Elizabeth drove home, singing along to the radio with Hortense sitting next to her. They had matching nightgowns that Elizabeth had sewn together a few weeks ago. She couldn’t wait to show them to her Daddy—if he’d let her wear a nightgown.