ite checkered floor. The air smelled like fries and coffee, and the place hummed with chatter-construction guys unwinding, a few retirees lingering over pi

burger in front of the old guy by the windo

ir, smirked. "You're a saint, Tina. What's a

d back, winking as she topped off his c

. She loved this job-well, most days. The people, the noise, the way she co

r curly hair bouncing as she peeked over at Tina. "You got an admirer, gi

leather jacket that screamed "I'm trying too hard." He was good-looking, sure, but

k to Ginny. "Another prince charming.

e's got a vibe. May

e got from a rom-com.'" Tina grabbed a rag and wiped down a spot on the counte

and pants that fit just right. He looked like he belonged in an office, not a greasy diner, but he didn't seem out

o cute guys in ten minutes

swaggered toward her, holding a single red rose like he'd

ping her tray like a shi

. "I couldn't help myself. You're the pre

able looked up. "Wow, did you practice that in the

ike you. I'm Jake, by the way. Thought maybe this

her lips twitching. "A rose, huh? What's next

flirting. "Come on, give me a shot. Di

Honey, I get enough excitement dodging spilled coff

ng, leaned over the counter. "Tina, he's

mirking. "Gin, if he can't handle

one, still grinning. "How about your nu

ver. He moved with this calm, steady vibe, like he wasn't in a hurry but knew exactly where he was go

nd smooth. "I don't want to butt in,

ned to him. Jake frown

were talking. They've got a bet going-two hundred buc

fell open.

d in two seconds flat. "That's- No, it

ising. "Two hundred dollars? Are you k

mean-" Jake stam

ttle bro party?" Tina crossed her arms, glaring. "Take

door, leaving the rose on a table.

She turned to the guy who'd stepped in. "O

er stomach flip-warm, real, not flashy. "No problem

but not full of himself. "I'm Tina," she said, sticking out her hand

s grip solid. "Vincen

ut. "Fancy. You Italian or jus

talian. Family'

ng into a grin. "Seriously, though, that was cool of

n't like liars. You

the second. "Well, you saved me

at her. "I should head out. But

id, a little bummed h

smile-and walked out. Tina watched

lbowing her hard. "Tina! What

aughed, turnin

ere totally checking him out!" Ginny's eyes were wid

said, but she couldn't stop s

ny grabbed Tina's apron and yanked i

fight it. "Fine. But if this f

oved her toward

. She spotted Enzo a few feet away, unlocking a sleek black

she called,

ooking surpr

just- Thanks again, you know? And, uh, if you're not busy, m

nd easy, and Tina forgot ho