Читать книгу Cooking Up Romance онлайн | страница 34

Sitting behind his desk, laptop open, looking so darn appealing and being about as considerate as a person could be, Zack said the words she’d hoped for. Come back. She fought the urge to rush to him and throw her arms around his neck. Pure fantasy, of course, since she’d never do that to a near stranger, no matter how wonderful they were. Especially if they might be married. And a potential work contract.

“I’ll be here.”

Emma showed up from another office. “I wish you could come tomorrow, too.”

“You’re such a sweetie.” It was easy, and felt natural to draw the child close to her waist and deliver a single-armed hug. What she couldn’t do to the father was safe to do to his kid. Emma seemed to really crave the attention, too. “You were a big help today.”

“That’s because I want to be a cook when I grow up.”

“You do? That’s great.”

“So, we’ll see you Wednesday, then?” Zack broke in. “Same time and place?”

She looked Zackery Gardner in the eyes, feeling a powerful surge of something run through her that had nothing to do with getting a second chance, and pretended to be cool as a seasoned cucumber in rice vinegar. Cool was necessary around such a man. Especially since he was a family man.

“You betcha.”

Wednesday, when she pulled her rig onto the construction site, she couldn’t help but notice someone had set out a bunch of overturned wooden crates. Had Zack done it for the men to sit on? If so, that was progress and a sign of good faith. She sure hoped she could fill those makeshift seats today.

Out the door ran Emma from the office and, following behind, Zack.

“Hi!” Emma said, looking as if she was bursting to tell Lacy something.

“Thought setting up some places for the men to sit might bring more guys over,” Zack explained as he made the last few steps to her truck.

“I can sure use the help and it’s certainly worth a try. Thank you.”

“Probably should’ve done it for Monday, but I think you’ll have a much better turnout today.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Dad gave them a peck talk and said they should try your lunches.”