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“Thank you.”
“Okay. I’m sure Becca and Londyn would appreciate the help.” He loosened his tie and removed it, then took off his suit jacket and hung it on the back of a chair. He rolled up his sleeves, then started picking up plates.
Becca and Londyn came from the kitchen with two rolling dish trays. Becca smiled when she saw Gage and Sydney.
“Oh, my gosh. Are you staying to help?”
Gage nodded. “Bring those trays over here.”
With the four of them working, they cleared the tables in about fifteen minutes. They then removed the tablecloths and put the tables back where they belong so the room would be ready for breakfast service in the morning.
When that was done, Gage and Sydney went to the bar and sat on two stools. Paxton walked over to them.
“Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour.”
“This man of the hour could use a shot of…tequila tonight.”
“Coming right up. Sydney, what can I get you?”
“I think I’m okay. I had champagne with dinner.”
Gage had his shot, followed by a beer. He and Sydney talked about the next few weeks, and Paxton joined in when he could. He agreed Gage should work the bar on the weekends to give him a chance to mingle with his constituents.
After an hour, Gage was ready to go home. He said goodnight to Paxton, then walked Sydney to her car. When they got to it, she smiled at him.
“This was a good night.”
“Maybe. I’m sure glad it’s over, though.”
She looked intently at him for a moment, then leaned in and kissed him. He was so surprised by the move, he stepped away from her.
“Um…”
Sydney put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, my gosh. I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I did that.”
“It’s um…okay.”
“No, it’s not.” She covered her face. “I’m so embarrassed.” She fumbled with the door handle, and Gage opened the door for her.
“Sydney, forget it. It’s fine, really. You got caught up in the excitement of the night.”
She blew out a breath, then nodded and got into the car.
He looked at her for a moment. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Right. Tomorrow.”
He closed her door, then backed away from the car. She gave him a small wave, started the motor, then pulled onto the street. Gage watched her drive away.
“What the hell?” He’d always suspected she felt a little more than friendship for him. But he never expected her to act on it. Especially after the conversation they recently had about him not having the time or inclination to get involved with anyone.
Gage thought about the kiss for a moment. He liked it. He liked it a lot. But that didn’t change anything. There was too much going on in his life right now.
He sighed. “This is going to make things awkward.”
Chapter thirteen
"Like, you know. Feelings."
