Page 31 of The Offer

“We won’t have to finish them this summer, they can exist outside the list.”

She considered it for a moment, then nodded. He handed her the paper and pen, encouraging her to write it down. Jess leaned over, then with a shaky breath, wrote down number ten.

10. See them again.

She exhaled, then thrust the list back into his hands. Kevin glanced down, nodding at what he saw, then added the last item to the list. He folded it up and slipped it into the pocket of his board shorts.

Jess frowned. “I don’t get to see what you wrote?”

“Don’t worry, you will soon.”

She scowled. “But this is my list. Shouldn’t I be the one to hold it?”

“Yes, but I am the keeper of the list. I make sure that you’re not cheating and you actually do all ten things here.”

“Has anyone ever told you how frustrating it is to be your friend?”

“Aww, Jessica, we’re friends? I’m touched.”

“I hate you.”

“There she goes lying again,” he said. He pulled a bandana out of his pocket and tied it around his neck, then grabbed the corner and pulled it back, tucking his hair neatly behind. “All right, put me to work, boss.”

“I thought you were the boss.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right,” he said, taking a step back. “Should I leave then?”

Jess reached a hand out and grabbed his arm, his skin warm against her palm. “No, stay. Help me paint.”

She felt his bicep flex at her touch and wrenched her hand away quickly.

He laughed, grabbing a roller. “Then paint I will.”

Chapter Eight

“You worked at a coffee shop for two years, but it recently closed?” Jess scrolled through the open résumé on the tablet perched on her lap.

Zach nodded. “Yes, the building sold so the shop closed. My manager decided not to reopen.”

“That sucks, I’m sorry,” she said.

He nodded once. “It was a long drive from here, so it’ll be nice to work in town.”

“Completely understand that,” Jess replied. Thoughts of Charlie in his new apartment in Garrison crossed her mind, how far he must now be from home. She coughed, pushing past the thoughts, moving along with the interview. “You’re familiar with basic espresso drinks. Americanos? Lattes? Cappuccinos?”

“Basic drinks, and a little extra. We could get creative with some of our flavors and what we offer, if you’re willing.”

“Amazing, you’re hired,” Kevin butted in.

Jess leaned over and elbowed his side. “Just because we know him doesn’t mean he’s the right fit.”

“Oh come on, Jessica, Zach is perfect.”

“I know I only got this interview because of Blake,” Zach said. He lifted a leg up and crossed his ankle over his knee. “But I don’t want you to hire me for that reason alone.”

“We do love Blake, yes,” Jess said. “And you’re right, being his boyfriend can’t be the only qualifier. We do have to consider all of our options.”

Kevin rolled his eyes. “What options? Zach is willing to take a pay cut for us.”