“It’s a date.”

We smile at one another and both escape out our own doors.

“Of course, your date card might be getting filled up soon,” he says when I meet him at the back of the truck.

“It’s never too full for you.” I tilt my head and flutter my eyelids a few times.

“It’d better not be. I’m the number one guy in your life.” His arms are full of photos, and he bends down, placing a kiss on my forehead. “Now, open the door for me.”

I rush over to the door, inserting the key into the lock. Although Bette’s ass is in her office, she refuses to leave the door unlocked, even knowing I’m coming in this morning.

“Thanks.” Todd shuffles through the door.

I follow him in and instruct him to place the pictures on the back table.

“They are beautiful. I have to be the hottest chef in New York.” He peers down at the pictures of himself.

My hand lands on his strong bicep. “I might be biased.”

In my eyes, Davis and Todd are standing right next to each other to get the prize. I wonder why Todd has yet to mention my date with Davis. Every time his name is mentioned, my anxiety goes sky high.

“Relax, Amelia.” He leaves the studio to grab another set of photos. “I haven’t seen you this interested in a guy before, which means you need to be careful,” he warns as he walks backward out the front door.

I know Todd’s right. That warning only brings Cam, my ex, to mind. Cam screwed me every which way but sideways, in every facet of my life. Although he was great in bed and bought me everything I thought I wanted, it was a match made in Hell, and Cam was the devil.

All his gifts came as consolation prizes.

“Please don’t hate me for leaving you behind while attending family obligations.”

“Please don’t hate me for keeping you my own little secret from my hidden world of trust-fund babies.”

I was stupid, and I was on a rebound. I wanted someone to take control for a while.

“Noodle?” Todd’s hand rubs my arm.

I quickly wipe the few tears that have dropped.

“Come here,” he says, pulling me into a hug. “Maybe this thing with Davis is happening too soon.”

I hear his cautious tone, not wanting to upset me more.

“No, things with Cam have been over for six months, and I don’t think I ever loved him anyway. A flood of memories ushered back to my mind, that’s all.” I draw back from our embrace. “Thanks, though.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he says as his eyes stare down at me. “I’m not saying to shy away from Davis. Just don’t go jumping in with two feet.”

“Is that the infamous Todd Hamilton?” Bette’s nails-on-a-chalkboard voice interrupts us.

I roll my eyes, and Todd chuckles before releasing me from his arms and turning his attention to Bette.

“The one and only,” he flirts, kissing her on the cheek.

Bette’s hands grip his biceps, and I release an exaggerated sigh when I notice the bulge because Todd is flexing.

Allowing Todd to work his charm on Bette, I concentrate on my photographs, grouping them into specific collections. At least she’s off my back for the time being. Then, I hear her Jimmy Choos clicking my way. I fight the urge to throw my body across my babies. There’s no way I can handle her judgmental opinions right now with Cam in my head.

“Oh, Amelia, I love them.”

Say what?

Those are not the words I thought would come out of her mouth.

“Too bad you’re not facing forward in this one,” she says sweetly to Todd.

I swallow down the rising bile in my throat, and I’m thankful the phone rings to relieve me from the conversation. Briskly walking away, I make it to the phone on what must have been the last ring before it would have gone to our automated voicemail.

Practically breathless, I answer the phone with my trained line, “Good afternoon. Thank you for calling Art on Wells. This is Amelia. How can I help you?”

A familiar chuckle echoes over the line.

“Did you get that all out okay?” Davis asks.

My stomach somersaults about ten times. I take a seat behind the desk so I won’t fall to the ground from my weak knees.

“It’s the story of my life.” I try to appear nothing but casual.

“I tried your cell but no answer. I hope you don’t mind me calling you there?”

I pick up my cell and notice the black screen. Crap, I really meant to charge it last night.

Scrambling to locate the charger in the drawers, I answer, “Not at all. Bette’s busy flirting with Todd.”

“Todd’s there?” he questions.

An odd silence fills the line.

“Yeah, he helped me bring the photos for Bette to look at.” I’m not sure why I feel an overwhelming obligation to inform Davis of the mundane details. I plug in my charger and notice the red battery light on my screen.

“I could have helped you,” he mentions. I don’t add anything, so he continues, “I was actually calling because a big bridal brunch is scheduled for next Sunday. They’ve rented out the whole restaurant from eleven to two. I know you weren’t scheduled, but would you mind working?”

He’s all business, and now, I’m edgy because of my false assumptions about his phone call. I haven’t talked to Davis in two days, and I’m beginning to think whatever was going on isn’t.

“No problem,” I say, leaving it nothing but professional.

“Great. I was wondering if after . . . would you like to do something together? I have to check out a location at Coney Island for the cooking show I’m doing. So, would you want to ride the Ferris wheel?”

“Why, Mr. Morgan, that depends. Is it the only ride I’ll get?” I could hit myself for letting that line slip out of my mouth after he called me just for business.

“I’ll throw in some bumper boats. You’re bound to get a little wet,” he teases.

I can’t stop the laugh that erupts out of me, vibrating off the walls of the gallery. Todd and Bette turn toward me and I cover my mouth, cupping it over the phone.

“I’m up for that. Maybe I’ll treat you to some mini golf,” I offer.

“One condition, if you accept.” Humor fills the line now.

“Aren’t there always conditions?”

“I pay—”

“But—”

“No buts, Amelia. I pay for . . . everything. You bring your license and your keys. That’s it.”

“Are you going to inspect me, Chef Morgan?”

“Only if I think you’ve disobeyed my wishes.”

“I might forget about my emergency cash for cab fare.”

“I hope you do.”

No humor can be heard in his voice, and a tingling sensation flows through me with the thought of him frisking me with my hands over my head and my legs spread wide.

By this point, I notice Todd is making his way over.

“I really need to get going. I’ll see you tonight,” I whisper into the receiver.

“Thank you, Amelia.”

I absolutely love the sound of my name coming from his lips.

“You’re welcome.” I eye Todd getting closer with every step. “Bye.” I hang up right as Todd reaches the other side of the desk.

“I gotta jet. I’ll see you tonight.”

I round the counter and wrap my arms around him. He gives me his usual bear hug, and I kiss him on the cheek.

“Thanks again.”

“I think the verdict is still out.” He glances over his shoulder to Bette holding her glasses out in front of her, inspecting a picture with Gia in it. “I think I helped you out, though.”

I place my hand on his arm. “She loves you.”

“Who doesn’t?” He winks.

I laugh, escorting him to the door. “I’ll see you tonight.” I give him another big hug.

“I’ll be there.” He steps out of the building.

I stand in the doorway to watch him go.

Right before he circles around his car, he turns around. “They’re good photos, Amelia. You’re so talented. No matter what she says, be proud of them.” Another wink, and he disappears to the other side of his truck.

He’s like my own little self-esteem booster, always giving me doses of compliments that leave me feeling sky-high.