Page 195 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"Javier."

They shake. Julian studies him for half a second, then looks at me. "So this is the man who makes you smile at your phone like a teenager."

"I'm going to fire you."

"You can't."

"Watch me."

Javier laughs. God, I missed that sound.

Julian glances toward the dining room. "We're almost done here. Why don't you go?"

"I can stay."

"I'll close tonight."

"Julian."

"Go, Maddy."

I look at him. His expression softens. "I've got it."

I smile. "Thank you."

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow."

Javier holds out his hand again. "Thank you, Julian."

Julian shakes it. "Nice meeting you."

"You too."

I grab my things before Julian can embarrass me again.

***

Javier

***

Ten minutes later, Maddy walks out of the restaurant wearing a coat over her chef's clothes. She stops beside me on the sidewalk. For a second, she simply looks at me. "You're really here."

"I am."

She smiles. Then she kisses me. Right there. No warning. No hesitation. I put one hand at her waist and pull her closer. Almost three months disappears. When she finally draws back, she's smiling.

"I've wanted to do that since I saw you."

"You showed impressive restraint."

"Didn't I?"

"I'm proud of you."

She laughs. We start walking. New York is still loud. Still crowded. I don't mind it as much with her beside me. She slips her hand into mine.