Page 18 of Love Like Ours

“It’s just one drink,” he mumbled, his eyes darting around like a guilty teenager’s. “No big deal.”

Sophia stepped closer, her jaw tightening. “Drinking on the job is absolutely a big deal, Kyle. You’re fired. Head inside and get your things and leave. Now.”

His face darkened as he straightened up, his movements aggressive. “Fired? For what? Everyone needs a break once in a while!” he shouted.

“This isn’t negotiable,” she said firmly, holding her ground. “We don’t tolerate employees drinking during their shifts or breaks.”

Kyle’s expression twisted with anger, and before she could react he lunged forward, shoving her shoulder. She stumbled back a step, her heart racing as adrenaline kicked in. She hadn’t expected this. It hadn’t even crossed her mind that he’d be aggressive towards her. If it had, she would have asked her brother or another employee to be with her. Sheer panic caused her entire body to freeze up.

“Hey!” a deep voice thundered from behind them.

Sophia’s eyes widened as Palmer strode into the alley, his expression a mix of fury and protectiveness.

“You don’t touch her,” Palmer growled, and before Kyle could respond, Palmer’s fist connected with Kyle’s jaw, sending the man sprawling to the ground.

Kyle groaned, clutching his face, but Palmer didn’t let up. He stood over him, his fists balled. “Get out of here before I call the cops.”

Sophia’s chest heaved as she tried to steady herself. Kyle glared at Palmer and then at her, but he didn’t say another word. He staggered to his feet and shuffled down the alley, disappearing around the corner without even going inside to get his things.

Palmer turned towards her, his gaze softening and turning to worry. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, still catching her breath. “Yeah. I’m fine.” She was shaking and her teeth were rattling. Her entire body trembled, betraying her words, and Palmer noticed it all. Without a second thought, he stepped closer, his hand brushing her arm.

“You shouldn’t have to deal with that,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Next time, call me or your brother to deal with jerks like him. Don’t face guys like that alone.”

Sophia nodded slowly and looked up at him, her heart still racing—not from fear, but from the way his concern wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

“Thank you,” she said softly. She hated confrontations. “I… I… Thank you.”

Palmer gave a slight nod, his hand lingering for a moment before he stepped back. “Let’s get you inside.”

As they walked back into the restaurant together, Sophia glanced at him from the corner of her eye.

What would she have done if he hadn’t come along? Then her mind snapped into gear. Why was he here?

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Avery asked one of us to stop by earlier this morning. Remember?” He smiled slightly and she forgot all about Kyle and the danger she’d just put herself in as she enjoyed Palmer’s sexy crooked grin.

“Right, the dancing fridge.” She motioned to the large silver fridge, which was normally filled with chilling wine but had sat empty since it started slowly walking across the floor.

“Are you okay?” he asked again, his voice lower as he touched her arm.

She nodded and swallowed. “Yeah, I just hadn’t expected Kyle to react that way. I don’t think anyone here knew he had a drinking problem.” She walked him back to the fridge. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. I have to go change and get to work. Now that Kyle is gone, I’ll have to call in Leo to cover his shift.”

She turned to head back to the office but stopped when Palmer called out, “Sophia.” When she turned back towards him, he seemed to think for a moment. “I’m glad I stopped by when I did.”

She wanted to tell him that she was too, but her brother walked out of the large walk-in fridge at that very moment, his arms full with a box of tomatoes.

“Palmer, my man.” Lucas set the box down and gave Palmer one of those hugs adult men give one another while trying to look cool.

Rolling her eyes, she turned and went to work.