by Terra Kelly
Just then Rachel walked over to the register. “Alyssa. Hi, sweetie! It’s been a crazy morning.” Rachel was the lead server, super friendly, and excellent at her job.
Alyssa grabbed a pad and pen. “Do you want me to help with a few tables?”
Rachel smiled. “Bless you, my friend. The booth in the middle just arrived, want to grab him?”
Alyssa glanced over and had to do a double take. The man sitting at the table was handsome. He had dark brown hair that looked unkempt, almost like he had been running his hands through it several times. He had a sharp jawline, prominent nose, five o’clock shadow, and lips that desired to be kissed.
Alyssa realized they were staring at each other. She turned to Lexie who was sitting on the barstool, her legs swinging back and forth, and asked, “Is it everything you dreamed it would be, baby girl?”
Lexie had her mouth a little too full, and said, “And more, Momma.”
Alyssa smiled and decided she needed to stop staring at the handsome man and take his order. As she headed over he glanced up, and man, that smile about took her breath away. She took a second to compose herself before, she said, “Hi there, sorry about the wait. We can get you free pastry if you like?”
At that moment, Lexie ran over to the table, and excitedly said, “Oh... you should get Aunt Anna’s coffee cake, it’s the best!”
“Sweet girl, let him decide okay?”
Alex laughed. “Sounds like she knows what she’s talking about. So, a piece of coffee cake sounds wonderful. I wasn’t waiting too long though, you can charge me for it, it’s okay.”
“I’ll have Aunt Anna get you a piece right now,” Lexie said, running back toward Anna.
Alyssa shook her head. “Nope. My cafe, my decision. Sorry, she loves talking about Anna’s pastries, and… eating them.”
“You’re, Alyssa?”
Alyssa turned her head to the side. “Yes. Do I know you?”
He put his hand out in a greeting. “Hi. I’m Alex, Alex Winters.”
Alyssa shook his hand and immediate sparks passed through her arm from his touch. She cleared her throat. “Yes. How are you? You arrived early?” She sat down opposite him in the booth. “When did you arrive in Boise?”
Alex felt the sparks fly as he shook her hand. Wow, something felt different; this couldn’t be happening. He tried to ignore the feelings. “I arrived late last night. I thought I would get in tomorrow. I left a little early though.”
Lexie approached the table carrying a piece of coffee cake with Anna’s help. “Here you go.” Then she rested both hands on the table, her head sitting on her hands. She was waiting until he took a bite.
Alyssa combed through Lexie’s hair. “She wants to make sure you like it.”
“Oh, well here we go.” He took a bite and moaned. “Wow, that’s amazing.”
Lexie’s eyes went wide, and she jumped up with excitement. “Yay! I better go tell Aunt Anna!” She ran off to find Anna who went back in the kitchen.
“Sorry, that’s my daughter Alexandra, but most of us call her, Lexie.”
Alex smiled. “So... she’s Lexie, and she eats.”
Alyssa laughed, like a full belly laugh. She couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed like that. “That she does. She loves to help at the cafe.” She had to compose herself. What was it about this stranger? He was making her feel things she had not felt in years. When she glanced back up those forest green eyes were staring right at her. Joking, she said, “You want to do the interview today... maybe right now? Then you can help us tomorrow!” She went serious. “I’m kidding. You’re probably tired from all the driving.”
Alex was not sure what to make of this beautiful woman, but he was game to find out. “Sure.”
Alyssa was looking at Lexie helping Rachel at the cash register. She turned back toward Alex, “What? What did you say?”
“Yes. I would love to help now. You said you’ve been shorthanded for about a month, right?”
Alyssa felt a little stunned. “You’re serious, aren’t you? Well, okay, follow me.” As she passed Lexie. “Hey, sweetie. I’m going to show Alex around, okay?” she said, bending to kiss the top of her head. “I’ll be right back.” She then turned to Alex. “It’s pretty small here, so this won’t take long. I’ll have them make a few of our signature dishes for you to try.”
“Sounds great.” Alex followed behind her, she was gorgeous from behind, too. He needed to reel himself in.
Chapter 2
As Alex followed behind Alyssa, his mind continued to feel clouded with images. All he could think about now was her fine ass. He stopped and looked around the kitchen while also trying to bring his brain back to reality. He knew he just met this woman, and he also knew she seemed the least bit interested in him. Once he got a hold of his damn urges, and reeled himself back into the present, he looked over and found Alyssa talking to a young man by the fryer.
Alyssa turned and smiled at Alex. “Justin, this is Alex, he’s here for the chef position.” Suddenly, she realized she did not offer him the position. “Alex, I never offered you the position.” She admitted. “Does the chef position here at Lexie Eats sound like a good fit for you?”
Alex loved how polite Alyssa sounded. “I guess you didn’t,” he said, winking. “But since I need the job… and I love that you assumed.”
They both stood there staring at each other, forgetting about the other people in the kitchen. Then they heard someone clear their throat and turned toward the sound.
Stu was a black man in his 50’s and was working as the interim chef at the moment. He chuckled. “We’re all just curious if you wanted us to leave?”
Alyssa gave Stu a stern look. “We’re good, don’t you have something to be doing?” Turning back to Alex. “The kitchen is small,” she admitted. “But we’ve all acclimated to the tight quarters.” She headed toward the back door where she pointed to the barbecue pit. “We handle all the wood smoking out here on the patio. Since it’s enclosed it’s not affected by extreme weather. Plus, it’s much easier to tend to the pit and grab more wood out here.”
“I love you have a brick oven inside and wood smoking out back,” he said, moving out onto the patio more and standing just inches from Alyssa. “What made you offer both options on the menu?”
Alyssa could smell his woodsy scent and a hint of fresh clean soap. She had a sudden urge to tangle her hands in his hair. Instead, she took in several deep breaths and looked out the dusty window on the patio. A little lost in thought. “They were our…” she mumbled, clearing here throat. “I mean, they are my favorite, so I decided two fun options is always better than one.”
“I can’t argue with you there.” He knew she was holding something back, but it was none of his business… for now.
After Alyssa had introduced Alex to the staff and showed him each area of the kitchen; she asked Stu to make a few specific items on the menu.
Alex knew there was so much more to Alyssa; she seemed pleasant, polite, but also very distant. When Stu was joking around with her about clearing out the kitchen, Alyssa looked ruffled, yet her eyes told another story.
As they sat down at the booth. “What’s your favorite item on the menu?” Alex asked, resting his arms on the table.
Rachel walked up with a big bowl that had steam wafting from each side. She smiled at Alex. “Here you go darlin’, the number one seller on our menu, beef brisket chili. Enjoy!”
Alex took a bite, paused, then a faint moan escaped his lips. “Wow, this is fantastic!”
Alyssa struggled with not staring at him, but the man was stunning. It was the first time in two years she found another man attractive. For the longest time she could not imagine ever looking at anyone else. She had made vows to Derek, how could she break them? As time passed, she wanted to find happiness again. It had been a long time since she felt like smiling. When Alex made her laugh earlier, the wall around her heart cracked.
Now here he was moaning over h
er special beef brisket chili. Laughing, she said, “So, my guess is, you love it?”
Alex glanced over. “Love is only the beginning. If I didn’t get the job, I’d move here anyway just for this chili.”
She struggled to hold back her laugh, but it escaped before she could contain it. When she could compose herself, she said, “Sorry, it’s been awhile since I’ve laughed that hard.”
Alex was just about to grab another spoonful, when Alyssa made the most gorgeous sound. “You don’t have to apologize on my account,” he said. “Your laugh is going on my list of favorite sounds.” Then he bent his head and dug his spoon into the chili for another mind-blowing bite.
She flushed. “To answer your earlier question, I’m a pizza addict. So, each variety of pizza we offer are all my first choices, but the mushroom, arugula, and wood-smoked pork shoulder pizza will change the way you look at pizza forever. Want to try it?”
He nodded. “Sounds like a perfect lunch option. We could share it?”
Just then Lexie ran over and grabbed her momma’s arm and kissed it. “Miss you Momma, love you dis much.” Then she held her arms out so wide from her little body.
Alyssa had to hold back the tears that surfaced. She pulled Lexie up onto her lap. “I love you more, baby girl,” she said, wrapping her arms around her little body and kissing her temple. “We should think about heading home soon. It’s almost time for your nap.”
“I can try the pizza myself if you need to head out?”
Lexie climbed off Alyssa’s lap and was kneeling on the seat, resting her elbows on the table. She seemed in thought, then mumbled, “Hmmmm... nap or walk at Camel’s Back? I think a walk sounds like more fun Momma! Mr. Alex, you want to go for a walk, too?”
Alyssa never expected Lexie to ask Alex to go for a walk. She felt shocked by her daughter’s bold question. When Derek died, Alexandra was at an age where she would only remember snippets of their time together. Since his death, Alexandra had not seen her with any man. She figured Lexie would be just asking, like she asks Aunt Anna or a friend.
Alyssa sounded a little stunned. “Sorry, you probably want to get settled in.”
Lexie whined, “Awwww, Momma.”
Alex glanced toward Lexie. “I’d love to join you, but only if your mom is okay with that?”
Lexie was excited and leaned back to clap her hands together. “Oh Mommy, can he join us? It would be so fun to show him my favorite trail.”
Alyssa smiled. How could she even try to argue with the cutest five-year-old ever? Brushing her hand down the side of Lexie’s face, she nodded. “Okay, okay, you win. We need to enjoy momma’s favorite pizza with Alex first, deal?”
Lexie put her arms up and with so much excitement. “YAY! Deal, Momma!”
“What about you Mr. Alex, do we have a deal?”
Alex wanted to hug her, she was so cute. “Deal!” he said, nodding.
When Alyssa woke up this morning, she felt Derek’s presence. It had been a long time since she felt him with her. Maybe it was a sign; maybe he was letting her know it was time to be happy again. Now, several hours later and she was walking on a trail next to a beautiful man she had just met.
Alex was dating someone back in L. A. When he lost his job, he somehow lost his girlfriend the same day. He planned to enjoy the single life for awhile. Women confused him with their many emotions. On his way to Boise he swore off women for maybe a year. Now, as he walked on the trail in a secluded area of Boise with an amazing woman and her sweet daughter… his mind was trying to decide if it even meant anything. He wasn’t for sure if there was a man in her life. He noticed she didn’t have a wedding band on, but that implied nothing. There were many women in the restaurant industry that did not wear their wedding bands for sanitary reasons.
Lexie was walking in between them holding her mom’s hand. She pointed to a trail ahead. “Right there it is,” she said, hopping up and down with excitement. She grabbed Alex’s hand, and said, “Come on, come on.”
Alex glanced down at their clasped hands, then over at Alyssa. He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I guess we better get moving, huh?”
“When Lexie says to go, we have to go.”
They all enjoyed their walk together and spent about an hour exploring. Lexie had an imagination that could run wild. She was an only child, but always kept busy and happy. Now, Lexie was hopping from rock to rock trying to avoid the ground. She was pretending the ground was too hot to touch.
Alyssa and Alex were side-by-side, their shoulders touching occasionally. Alyssa felt a surge of energy every time Alex’s shoulder touched hers. She felt she should try to avoid the touch, but then craved it more and more.
Lexie halted. Alyssa was lost in thought and almost missed Lexie stopping. Alex grabbed Alyssa around her waist to help her from plowing into her daughter. Then he let his hands linger on her gorgeous curves.
The reason for Lexie’s sudden distraction had been a frog on a rock. With so much excitement in her voice. “Look Momma and Mr. Alex, a wittle frog.”
For about ten seconds, Alex and Alyssa remained still. Alex had his hands on her hips brushing his thumbs back and forth. Then Alyssa snapped out of the ‘Alex Winters’ trance and moved away from him. “Oh, look Lexie, how precious. What should we name this one?” She glanced up at Alex. “Lexie adores any little creature.”
Lexie seemed to be thinking. “Hmmm... let’s name him Hermy!”
Alyssa laughed. “You always name them Hermy. What about a different name?”
“Nope, he’s a Hermy. Just look at him!”
“Well, then Hermy it is.” she said, giggling. “Let’s head home, okay sweetie?”
Later that evening Alyssa was walking into Lexie’s room and stopped in the doorway. Her daughter was an incredible little girl. Her heart was just too big for that sweet little body. Alexandra had her back to Alyssa playing with her dolls. Today, when Lexie talked to Alex, she seemed so excited. Could Lexie understand that her daddy was not here anymore? They had photos of Derek everywhere so that Lexie could always remember who her daddy was. There wasn’t a male figure in her life since they moved to Boise. Well, except Stu the line cook at the cafe who spoiled Lexie rotten.
Lexie turned around. “Momma!” Alyssa bent down, and Lexie ran over and wrapped her arms around Alyssa’s neck. “I had fun with Mr. Alex today.”
“I did too, sweetie.” Then she wrapped her daughter into her arms and stood up.
Lexie put her little arms around Alyssa’s neck. “Is Mr. Alex going to be at the cafe tomorrow?”
Alyssa walked over to her bed and sat down. She brushed a strand of hair from her angelic face. “He will be at the cafe more often,” she said. “He will be the new chef. Which means we don’t have to go to the cafe so much.”
Lexie looked confused. “But I like going lots. Oh, and tomorrow I may need another piece of coffee cake.” Then she paused. “Oh no, wait, I need a cheese danid.” Lexie always called cheese danishes, cheese danids.
“You do? What kind, raspberry or strawberry filled?”
“Hmmmm... I don’t know... hmmmmm.”
Alyssa laughed. “Well you think about which kind you need while you sleep.” She gave Lexie a bear hug, and asked, “Which book should we read tonight?”
Lexie hopped off the bed and headed to her bookshelf. She held up a book. “Oh, I want to read, The Very Hungry Catepidar.” She handed the book to her momma, then she climbed into bed and snuggled under the covers.
She treasured this special time with Lexie. She loved reading to her every night. Someday soon Lexie would read the book to Alyssa, which was a crazy thought.
When Alyssa finished the book, she glanced down at her sleeping daughter, and whispered, “Night, baby girl.” Then she kissed her forehead.
Closing the door, she headed into her kitchen. She had a small island with three bar stools. She poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the island. Holding the mug with both hands, her elbows resting on the ta
ble, she was lost in thought. There was a light knock at the door. Looking down, all she had on was a long night shirt and her fluffy pink robe wrapped around her body. She glanced toward the clock and noticed it was 8:30 p.m.
She wasn’t for sure who it could be unless someone from the cafe had stopped by. She peeked around her curtain at the front window. Her eyes went wide, Alex, what? Why had he stopped by her place?
“Alex, is everything okay?”
Alex wasn’t for sure if it had been a good idea to go see Alyssa at her place, but he had never finalized with Alyssa if they needed him to work tomorrow. They had so much fun chatting with Lexie on the walk, they were distracted. He had gone back to the cafe to ask the woman in charge, Rachel, about his schedule. She had no idea, but was looking forward to him starting. Since he wanted to make a good impression with Alyssa, he asked Rachel for her address. He figured he could ask her in person. Calling her on the phone might have been a better choice, but he loved seeing her instead.
“I’m so sorry to bother you, Alyssa. Is this a bad time?”
“No, no, not a bother. Come in. What’s up?” She felt a surge of energy shoot right through her the moment she opened the door. She could feel his eyes on her as she headed back to her kitchen. Trying to keep her composure. “Do you want coffee?”
Alex stopped his mind from wandering in the wrong direction. He was attracted to her, but he knew nothing about her. “No, thank you. I was just checking to see if you need me to work tomorrow? I am available.” Alex walked into the kitchen and stood across from Alyssa at the island.
“Wow, I guess we did forget to discuss your schedule.” She sat down and grabbed her mug of coffee, needing something in her hands to distract her wandering thoughts. She took a sip, and said, “Listen, why don’t you get yourself settled in tomorrow. I planned on going in anyways. Lexie decided before she drifted off to sleep, she needed a cheese danish tomorrow.”
Alex couldn’t take his eyes off her, she seemed uncomfortable and maybe nervous. There was something about the woman, something that drew him in to her. “Do you have a husband or boyfriend that could watch her, maybe family?” He took in a deep breath and let it out. “Sorry, that was rude. That’s none of my business.”