Page 24 of Redeemed

"Got it. I'll meet with him after the lunch rush today, get him to give me some times, then I'll call Amy and see what we can set up."

"Perfect!" Maggie exclaimed, shutting her planner. Sofia helped her to her feet. "I'm going to head home, put my cankles up and try to get us some rest. Call me if you need anything."

Maggie made a face as she righted herself. "These two make me feel like I'm dragging around the Titanic," she groaned, rubbing circles on her belly. "I know I've put a lot on you really quickly these last couple of months, Sofia, but you've done a fantastic job with it all."

She hugged Maggie again. "Anything I can do. You know that," Sofia said. "You're still working too hard. Don't you worry about me. I've got it handled. You just go grow those little humans."

"I don't have much of a choice, now do I?" Maggie laughed. "But I hate missing out on anything! You keep me in the loop!"

"Yes, boss!" Sofia said, giving her a little salute.

And with that, Maggie headed home and Sofia got to planning wedding reception ideas.

Chapter twenty-two

Stolen Kisses

JTspenthisdaystrying to catch glimpses of Sofia through the passthrough window and trying to catch her in the back hallways and in the office so he could taste her just one more time. He'd never felt so compelled to be with someone all the time. They worked together, they practically lived together, and it still wasn't enough. She was all he could think about and the burns and cuts on his hands showed his distractions, but he didn't care.

It was coming up on their three month 'real relationship' anniversary and he had been wracking his brain trying to come up with something extra special for her. Finally, he had found it. A 14-karat gold necklace of an infinity symbol with a tiny ruby on one side – her birthstone, and a tiny onyx chip on the opposite side – his birthstone. He knew the gold would be luminous against the tan skin of her throat. He wanted to put together a romantic meal for them at the corner booth of the café so he could get it all together without her catching on. Once they got a break in their weekend catering schedule, he'd find an excuse to stay longer than her one day and then go pick her up as a surprise. He was so lost in his plans that he didn't hear her come up behind him. Luckily, he was stirring up some potato salad and didn't have anything sharp in his hand.

He jumped as Sofia's arms came around his waist. He dropped a spoon but then quickly twisted to put them chest to chest. "Mmmm, hey baby. This is a nice surprise," he said, cupping her face and giving her a tender kiss. "Everything slowing down out there, huh?"

"Yep, Jenny is just finishing up with the last customers," she confirmed. "I was going to see if you had a couple of minutes for me to go over your schedule. We need to get a meeting on the books with the bride for that last minute wedding I just booked."

He let his hands roam to the small of her back and pulled her closer. "Whenever and wherever you want me, darlin'," he growled in her ear.

"Mmmmm," she moaned. "Um, in the office in five minutes?"

"I'll be there," he agreed, raining kisses from her neck to her jawline and finally to her mouth.

Sofia fell into the kiss, thoughts of brides and menus and decorations completely forgotten until a voice came from behind them.

"Ahem," a high-pitched voice said.

JT rested his forehead on Sofia's for a moment before standing up. "Yes, Jenny?"

"Wanted to let you know that was the last table. I've already done the prep work for the morning so I'm going to take off, if that's okay."

Sofia turned to the girl and JT dropped an arm across her shoulder casually. "Sure, Jenny. That's great. Thanks for all your hard work today," Sofia managed with a smile.

The girl gave a little wave and left, the doors swinging behind her.

"Again, we really need to get a damn lock for that door," JT groaned. "That girl is killing my mojo."

Sofia giggled. "I think your mojo is working just fine, Mr. Wade. Now get done and meet me in the office in five."

"Yes, ma'am," JT said with a little salute and watched her leave the kitchen. He never passed up an opportunity to watch that fine backside leave a room.

Four and a half minutes later, JT was entering the office and sitting down in front of the desk with Sofia. He eyed the loveseat but figured they'd never get work done if they landed there. Having Maggie's big wooden desk between them was probably a good idea.

"So, here's the deal," Sofia announced as he took his seat. "This bride's caterer got Covid and had to cancel on her at the last minute. The wedding is in two weeks."

"Wow! That doesn't leave us much time," JT agreed. "Do you know what they are looking for?"

"That's one of the reasons I decided to take the job," Sofia explained. "It's going to be a high-end wedding with some traditional Mexican touches. You'll get an opportunity to show what you can really do. I think it can bring in a whole new line of business for us, if we can do it right."

"Sounds like the best kind of challenge. Do they already have a menu they want?"