A slow grin spread across his face. Dylan had always been a sucka for an attractive woman.
Chapter 11
“Thanks for staying the entire two weeks.” Jillian Mock closed her office door as she walked down the hallway and into the heavily packed restaurant with Haven. She’d just handed Haven her final paycheck. “Most people turn in their notice, and we never see them again.”
If it had been left up to Ellis McKenna that was exactly what Haven would have done. “I know I’ve only been working here a month, but you and Harry have been great bosses to me. I didn’t want to leave you short-handed.”
“We appreciate you making your last night, tonight.”
“Honestly, I don’t mind. It’ll keep me busy and my mind occupied.”
“Still, we’re grateful. Harry and I will hate to see you go. If you ever need your job back, just give us a holler. We’ll always make room for you.”
“Thanks so much, Jillian.”
Haven turned. She could have sworn she’d heard someone call out her name. Then she heard it again as it rose above the sound of the dinner crowd. She turned in the direction of the voice only to come face to face with Dylan.
He wasn’t a ghost. It was really him standing just a few feet in front of her. Once they made eye contact, his grin stretched across his face. That sexy bedroom voice spoke to her.
“Hi.”
Haven stammered, “W-what are you doing here?” His smile had always made her heart race. It wasn’t racing, but it did jump. It was probably gas. Still, Haven wasn’t mentally prepared to see him. They had talked on the phone several times, but she hadn’t seen him since the night she’d thrown him out of their apartment.
“I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” His voice dipped. “I brought these.” Dylan handed Haven a gorgeous bouquet of red roses.
She gazed long and hard at the flowers but didn’t take them. Fighting against her natural impulses Haven shook her head. “No, I think you have me mistaken with someone else. I’ve got to get back to work.” She walked away leaving him standing in the middle of the room holding flowers and a little red box.
Haven spent the next few hours running from table to table serving people who actually seemed to want to be together. The clichés for the night were a little over the top and almost made her want to vomit. A couple of her customers requested that Haven place engagement rings at the bottom of champagne filled glasses.
Being around people in love wasn’t helping her frazzled mind. In spite of her real emotions, Haven managed to smile on cue and look thrilled for them.
Seeing Dylan had thrown Haven off balance. He’d been like a drug, and Haven wasn’t sure she was in full recovery. She was proud of how she handled him and was glad he was gone. Fortunately, her shift would be over soon, and she could cocoon up in her apartment.
The only good thing about all the love in the air, she had to admit, was the tips. They were incredible. She could use the money. Her car was ready for the graveyard. According to Ellis, Randy said it wasn’t worth the money to fix, which meant, she would have to buy another car. Lord knew she didn’t have the cash for that, and the last thing Haven would do was borrow money from the McKenna’s. No, she would get a loan from one of those Check- N-Go places before she did that. Fortunately, the lease on the BWM was good for another couple of months. Ellis was kind enough to let her keep it until she was able to buy another used car.
Exhausted after several hours of working, Haven checked her watch. Damn. Someone had just been seated in her section and her shift ended in fifteen minutes. Quickly, she went over to the table.
The smile on her face froze. “What are you still doing here?”
“If I have to wait for the rest of my life until you’re ready to talk to me, that’s what I’ll do. But, baby, it’s been a month. How long are you going to punish me?”
“Punish you? Is that what you think I’m doing? That couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“Then, why aren’t we back together?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Could it be because you have a knack for screwing other women?”
“I messed up, and I’m sorry. I’m willing to take responsibility for my role in how we ended up here, but I wasn’t the only one who made mistakes.”
“Are you trying to tell me it’s my fault that you accidentally had sex with someone else? That I made you disrespect me, or that I should take full responsibility for your actions?”
“No! That’s not what I’m trying to say at all.” Frustrated, Dylan raked his fingers through his hair. “I love you. I messed up. But, I want us to work things out. I’m even willing to go to counseling if it will help us.”
Haven couldn’t understand why he always did this. She’d begged him to go to counseling, but now that she was finally ready to say goodbye to the relationship, he wanted to try and fix things.
She didn’t say anything.
Dylan asked again, “Did you hear me? I love you. I’m willing to do anything.”
I love you. Words. They were just words from him, and Haven was doing everything in her power not to fall for them again. “You always say the right
