Free Seduction and Surrender (The Billionaire's Temptation Series) by Cali MacKay Page B

lost only a few, but she ended up having to replace the fryer at a major cost.
    “Plenty of shit luck. I hate to say it, Em, but you just can’t catch a break as of late.” Jake stopped his prep and turned to her with his brow drawn and a pout on his lips. “I know you’re going to say no, but you know I have money for the repairs. It’s not a problem. Really.”
    She shook her head no. Emma knew that Jake had inherited a sizeable chunk of money from a great-uncle who’d recently passed away. Probably didn’t even need to work, if he didn’t want to, yet she didn’t feel right asking him for money. It was her responsibility.
    “I appreciate it, but I think I’ll be okay. I’ve got a bit stashed in my emergency fund.” Not that there’d be anything left in that account if this ended up being a costly repair.
    A few hours later, she was nearly ready for service when she spied a familiar form walking towards her. It felt like she had the wind knocked out of her, as she was overcome with a wealth of emotions. “What the hell are you doing here—and who let you back here?”
    Quinn’s mouth kicked up into a crooked smile, his eyes bright and lit from within. “Such a warm welcome…” He tipped her chin up and kissed her, his lips lingering with unspoken promise. “I’m meeting my brother here for dinner, so I figured I’d check in with you and make sure things were okay between us after last night.”
    She felt like a jerk for yelling at him, but she could also feel all sorts of eyes watching them—especially Jake’s. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this—not now and definitely not here. Things are crazy, and we’re getting ready for service. Plus it’s already been one hell of a day.”
    “If I can help in any way…” His brow furrowed with a look of genuine concern, making her think once more that there was a sweet side to him, and perhaps she was mistaken about him.
    “Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do. Not unless you have a walk-in fridge strapped to the roof of your car. Mine’s decided to die on me.” The fridge wasn’t even old. Just long enough to be out of warranty. She just had some shitty luck.
    He ran a finger down her cheek and gave her a smile. “I can have someone take a look at it—and if not, I can have a new fridge here by tomorrow.”
    He had to be kidding. “No one’s going to come out here on a Friday night to fix my fridge. Not even for you. And I do not want you buying me a new one. That’s insane—even if I’m grateful for the offer.”
    He pulled out his phone, swiped his finger across a few screens, and then ignored her when she started to protest the call he was making. She listened to him, so casual, so cool, as he made arrangements to have some poor man drag his butt to her restaurant on a Friday night. Quinn hung up and gave her a smile. “Ryan will be here shortly, sweetheart.”
    “Thanks.” She didn’t know what to say or how to feel. “And I really do appreciate it, but…I’m just used to dealing with things on my own. I can’t have you rescuing me every time something goes wrong.”
    “Why the hell not? It’s not like it’s of any consequence if I buy you a new fridge or help you get your old one fixed. It was just a phone call, Emma. And if I want to help you, I’ll do just that. Are we clear?” He raised his eyebrows in question, a challenging look on his face as if daring her to turn this into an issue.
    “No, we’re not. You may own the building, but I’m still the one in charge of my restaurant. I’m not some charity case—not yours nor anyone else’s.” She let out a ragged breath and glared at him. “And why do you make me want to argue with you over the smallest thing, when I do appreciate your help, Quinn?”
    He brushed her cheek, as his eyes darkened and his lips pressed together in a kissable pout that made her want to forget they were being watched. “You’re far too stubborn for your own good.”
    “That