and has won all sorts of awards.’ He felt a swell of unexpected pride in recounting Lizzie’s achievements.
‘So what brings her to Dolphin Bay?’
‘Family,’ he said firmly. He was protective of Lizzie’s personal life when it came to discussing it with strangers. No one needed to know about her broken marriage, her ongoing custody issues. The Morgans looked after their own.
Dell nodded. ‘I hope it all goes well for her.’
Just then Lizzie came out of the kitchen. Immediately Jesse felt her gaze go from him to Dell and back to him. Was that jealousy he saw glinting in her narrowed grey eyes? If so, there wasn’t much he could do about it but reassure her she had nothing to worry about. Women liked him. He liked women. But he was not flirting with this girl. And Dell was certainly not sending off any flirty vibes. How could he let Lizzie know that?
He beckoned Lizzie over and introduced her to Dell. ‘Dell’s been saying some very nice things about the menu.’
‘Yes,’ said Dell with a friendly smile ‘I was at your taste-test party on Saturday. Everything I tried was superb. Kudos to you.’
‘Thank you,’ said Lizzie.
‘And I was saying to your boyfriend that every café needs a handsome barista.’
Lizzie flushed. ‘Jesse’s not my—’
‘We’re friends,’ Jesse was quick to say. ‘Just friends.’
‘My mistake,’ said Dell. ‘I thought... Anyway, I’d better get back to my table and stop holding you guys up. It looks busy.’
‘Nothing the kitchen can’t handle,’ said Lizzie a little stiffly.
Dell rewarded her with a big smile. ‘I’m looking forward to my lunch. Congratulations, the café is awesome. I’ll bring my guy with me next time; I know he’ll love it too.’
Now, at last, Lizzie smiled back. Jesse was puzzled by her sudden change of attitude. Was this some kind of girl talk he wasn’t privy too? Had Dell given her a secret semaphore message to make her thaw?
Whatever, he didn’t have time to worry about it as the lunchtime coffee orders stepped up. He had worked way more than his allocated two hours but who was counting?
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