We were on the same page. And as we drove out of the parking lot and toward the main road that would take us to his place, I felt, for the first time in my life, like everything was falling into place. I had a job I liked, new friends, and a man I was falling in love with.
It didn’t get better than this.
EPILOGUE
PEPPER
The bell above the diner door chimed, making me all too aware that I was no longer alone. Had I forgotten to lock the door when the last customer left? It was looking likely.
“Sorry, we’re closed,” I called, wiping down the counter with one hand while reaching behind me with the other to grab the keys I’d tossed near the register.
“I was hoping you’d make an exception.”
My hand froze, mid-reach. I didn’t have to look up to know that voice. Deep. Familiar. The same one that still gave me goosebumps after ten years of marriage.
I turned slowly, already smiling. “You trying to get me in trouble, sir?”
My husband leaned against the counter like he had all the time in the world, that teasing glint in his eyes. “Your mom’s not here.”
“Still. You want me to get fired?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Fired by your own mother?”
“Don’t test her. She’d do it for the drama.”
Rourke chuckled, reaching across the counter to brush a lock of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered on my cheek for a moment longer than necessary, sending a ripple of warmth down my spine.
“You looked cute wiping the counter,” he said. “All bossy and in charge.”
“You’re lucky I didn’t throw this rag at your head.”
“Sounds kinky.”
We stood there smiling at each other like idiots. He looked like he’d just come from the workshop—his flannel sleeves rolled up, sawdust still clinging to his jeans, stubble shadowing his jaw. And here I was, in my grease-smeared apron, smelling like coffee and French fries and probably looking like I’d worked a double shift…because I had.
And still, his gaze made me feel like the sexiest woman on Earth.
“You need something?” I asked, trying to sound casual as I walked around the counter toward him.
Rourke’s arms opened without a word. I stepped right into them.
“I needed you,” he murmured against my hair. “Been thinking about you all day.”
I melted, just a little. Okay, maybe a lot.
“Same.” I smiled. “And the past few hours have been brutal.”
He frowned. “That kind of dinner rush?”
I shook my head. “No. Just knowing that the kids are at camp and I could be at home with you.”
“I would’ve definitely called off my guys’ night for that,” he said. “But as soon as we finished dinner, I figured I’d come here and surprise you.”
“Great idea.” I glanced toward the door. “Let me lock up and close down the place so we can get home.”
“I already locked the door.”
His words made me freeze in place. “Exactly what did you have in mind?”
