Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [15]
Braden placed a careful hand at the small of her back and reached around her to pull the door to the café open. “That somebody would be me.”
“What?” She waited for him as he paused in the entry, propping the wet umbrella in the corner.
“Edwards Construction did the renovation. It’s our family business. The Grind was one of the first projects I worked on with my father. That’s how I met Angie.”
“You did an incredible job.”
Warm with pride, Braden trailed Beth into the kitchen.
“Hey, Ange.”
Angie glanced up, shrewd gaze assessing them in one quick sweep. “Oh, good. You haven’t drowned.”
“I’m sorry. Braden helped me get the top up, but we waited in the Jeep until the rain stopped. Did things get busy?”
“It’s fine. Come take over for me, I want to get the soup on the stove.” Beth went to work putting together what looked like a variety of sandwiches.
Angie grunted as she pulled a large pot of soup out of the built-in fridge.
“Let me help with that.”
Angie’s glare stopped Braden before he’d taken a half step toward her. “I’ve got it,” she snapped. “Been doing this long enough without you, haven’t I?”
Braden held his hands up in surrender and watched, more than a little amused, as Angie hefted the pot of soup onto the stove and flicked on the burner. While she was preoccupied, Braden tried to subtly slide toward Beth.
“Customers belong up front.”
Braden rolled his eyes. Damn, that woman had eyes in the back of her head.
Braden ignored her. “Is that tomato basil?” Angie’s silence was answer enough. “Aw, Ange, for me? You know it’s my favorite.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed a playful kiss to the side of her cheek.
“Back up, Edwards.” Angie angled her elbow into his ribs, forcing him to retreat. “You can go grab a table and buy a cup like everyone else.”
“I’ll just wait back here.” Braden met Angie’s disapproving glare with a grin. “Better company.”
“I resent that!” Marianne bustled through the door, carelessly tossing the tray she was carrying into the sink. Hands free, she pulled Braden’s face down for a kiss. “Hiya, handsome.”
“Out! This kitchen isn’t big enough for everyone.”
Braden opened his mouth to protest.
“Edwards…” Angie brandished her soup spoon in his direction, sending red droplets flying. He knew, without a doubt, she’d whack him with it.
“Okay, okay. I’ll go.” Braden let his dimples flash in a wicked grin at Angie’s smug expression. “As soon as Beth tells me what time to pick her up tomorrow.”
Beth paused in the middle of loading the sandwiches onto an empty display tray. “What?”
“Our date? You. Me. Steak. Tomorrow night, remember?”
Beth grasped the tray of sandwiches and made for the door. “I don’t think…”
Braden took a small step to block her path. “I’m not leaving until you say yes. Say yes, Beth.”
“Yes.” Her eyes went wide and her mouth fell open, as though shocked by her own answer. Before she could take it back, Braden charged ahead.
“Perfect. How’s seven?”
“Seven’s good. Where should I meet you?”
“I’ll pick you up. Let me just get a piece of paper to jot down your address.”
“I can meet you.”
“I don’t mind.” But even as he said it, he knew for some reason she did mind. It hardly mattered—she’d agreed to dinner, he didn’t care where he picked her up. “Okay, why don’t I meet you here? The Chop House is only a few streets up. If the weather cooperates we can walk.”
Marianne let out a low whistle.
Red blossomed across Beth’s cheeks, as though she’d just realized they had an audience. “Okay.”
Braden smiled, he would have gone for broke and given her a hug and a casual kiss goodbye but she had that stupid serving tray clutched in front of her like a shield. “Tomorrow, then.” He stepped fully out of her way and watched as Marianne followed Beth through the door, already shooting questions.
His laughter died in his throat when he caught Angie’s expression.
“Braden…” Angie let the threat hang