Catch Me (The Winters Family Series: Book 1) Read online

  As Alyssa walked to the counter, she noticed some tables where customers were without food. "Anna, do you need me to help with getting some orders? There are a few tables that look like they're waiting."

  Anna put her hands up, "Honey, you better ask Rachel. She was swamped all morning."

  Just then Rachel walked out, "Alyssa, hi Sweetie! Today has been crazy, but a great morning." Rachel was the lead server. She was friendly, and excellent at her job.

  Alyssa grabbed a pad and pen, "Do you want me to help with a few tables?"

  Rachel smiled, "Bless you, my friend. The booth in the middle just arrived, want to grab him for me?"

  Alyssa looked over, and about did a double take. The man sitting at the table was handsome. He had dark brown hair that looked unkempt, like he had been running his hands through it several times. He had a sharp jawline, prominent nose, five o'clock shadow, and lips that desired to be kissed.

  Alex looked up to find the woman looking right at him. Damn she was stunning.

  Alyssa realized they were staring at each other. She quickly looked down, shook her head. Then looked at Lexie sitting on the barstool, her legs swinging back and forth. "Is it everything you dreamed it would be baby girl?"

  Lexie had her mouth a little too full, "And more, Momma."

  Alyssa just smiled and decided to stop staring at the handsome man, and take his order. When she walked over, he looked up and smiled. His smile was radiant. It took her a second to compose herself. "Hi there, sorry about the wait. We can get you free pastry if you like?"

  At that moment Lexie ran over to the table, "Ahhhh... you should get Aunt Anna's coffee cake, it's the best!"

  Alyssa just smiled, "Sweet girl, let him decide okay?"

  Alex lightly laughed, "Sounds like she knows what she's talking about. So a piece of coffee cake sounds wonderful. I wasn't waiting too long though, you can charge me for it, it's okay."

  Lexie was excited, "I’ll have Aunt Anna get you a piece right now."

  Alyssa shook her head, "Nope, my cafe, my decision. Sorry, she loves talking about Anna's pastries, and of course eating them."

  Alex looked stunned, "You're Alyssa?"

  Alyssa looked at him curious, "Yes, do I know you?"

  He put his hand out, "Hi, I am Alex, Alex Winters."

  Alyssa shook his hand. There was immediate sparks that passed through her arm from his touch. "Yes. How are you? You arrived early?" She sat down opposite him, "When did you arrive in Boise?"

  Alex felt the sparks and heat as he shook her hand. Wow, something felt different. This couldn't be happening. He tried to ignore what he was feeling. "I arrived late last night. I really thought I would get in tomorrow. I left a little early though."

  Lexie approached the table carrying a piece of coffee cake with Anna's help. "Here you go." Then she rested both hands on the table, her head resting on her hands. She was waiting until he took a bite.

  Alyssa combed through Lexie's hair, "She wants to make sure you like it."

  "Oh, well here we go." He took a bite, and actually moaned. He looked at Alyssa, then at the little girl, "Wow, this is amazing."

  Her eyes went wide, and she jumped with excitement, "Yay! I better go tell Aunt Anna!" She ran off to find Anna in the kitchen.

  "Sorry, that's my daughter Alexandra, most of us call her Lexie."

  Alex smiled, "So... she's Lexie, and she does eat."

  Alyssa laughed, like a full belly laugh. She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed like this. "That she does. She loves to help at the cafe." She looked down at her hands to compose herself. What was it about this stranger? He was making her feel things she had not felt in years. When she looked up, forest green eyes were looking right at her. Jokingly, "So you want to do the interview today... right now? Then you can start helping us tomorrow!" Then with a serious look, "I'm kidding. You're probably tired from all the driving."

  Alex was not sure what to make of this beautiful woman. "Sure."

  Alyssa was looking at Lexie helping Rachel at the cash register. She quickly looked back at Alex, "What? What did you say?"

  "Yes. I would love to help now. You said you've been short handed for about a month?"

  Alyssa just looked at him stunned, "You're serious aren't you? Well, okay, follow me." As she passed Lexie, "Hey sweetie, I am just going to show Alex around, okay? I’ll be right back." She then looked at Alex, "It's pretty small here, so this won't take long. Then I'll have them make a few of our signature dishes for you to try."

  "Sounds great." Alex followed behind her, she was gorgeous from behind too. He needed to reel himself in, and quickly.