Page 163 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"That wasn't my question."

"It was my answer."

I glance toward the door. Betty's expression softens. "I'll behave."

"That would be new."

"Don't push your luck."

The bell above the door rings. My head comes up. Diego walks in. Jeans. Dark sweatshirt. Hair still damp. He sees me and smiles. Not a big smile. Enough.

"Hey."

I stand. "Hey." There's a second where neither of us knows whether we're supposed to shake hands again. We don't. Diego slides into the booth across from me.

Betty appears before he's settled. "You must be Diego."

His eyebrows lift. He looks at me. "I didn't tell her."

Betty puts a menu in front of him. "He didn't have to."

Diego looks around the diner. "This really is a small town."

"You'll get used to it," Betty says.

"I'm heading back to Boston today, so I might not have time."

The words catch somewhere beneath my ribs. Of course he's leaving. He has a life there. I knew that. Knowing doesn't make hearing it easier.

Betty looks at him. "Then you'll have to come back."

Diego smiles. "Maybe I will."

She points at his coffee cup. "Coffee?"

"Please."

"Milk?"

"Black."

Betty looks at me, then at him. "Huh."

"Don't."

"I didn't say anything." She smiles and walks away.

Diego watches her go. "I like her."

"Everybody does."

Betty calls from behind the counter. "I heard that."

Diego laughs. And just like that, some of the tightness in my chest lets go.

He orders pancakes, eggs, and bacon. I order eggs and toast. Diego looks at my plate when the food arrives. "That's breakfast?"

"Yes."