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“Will you stay for lunch?” Evie switched on the two burners. “We have plenty.”

“I’d love to, but I’m meeting the scouts on the far side of the island. We’re camping this weekend.”

“You’re a scout leader?” She raised her voice over Sunita’s handwashing. “I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah, I loved it so much as a bairn, I thought I’d give back,” said Caleb. “And who can say no to sleeping under the stars on a summer’s evening?”

Not me. Evie smiled.

“Granted, with the solstice, we probably won’t spot any.” He wiped his brow as Sunita lowered a ladle into one of the soups, giving it a vigorous stir. “Well, I should make a move…”

Evie accompanied him to the door and touched his arm, his muscles firm beneath her fingers. “Thanks so much.”

“Anytime!” Caleb turned back. “And no pressure returning the pots or rescheduling our date. I know things are hectic.”

“I’ll text you soon.”

“Looking forward to it.” Collecting his wagon and backpack, Caleb headed toward his SUV.

In his absence, the truck fell silent. Briefly.

“Who can say no to sleeping under the stars,” Sunita teased, grabbing compostable paper plates and bowls. “He wants to do you. Outside.”

Evie fought back a delighted grin. “At least someone does!” Maybe One-Kiss Caleb would lose that unfortunate nickname soon after all. She tossed the salad, ensuring every buried tomato was glistening with olive oil. Stuck in a sexual drought the past four years, the thought of steamy sex left her breathless. “Isn’t he lovely?”

“Yeah.” Sunita motioned to the window. “He’s also chatting with Nick.”

Alarm bells rang between Evie’s ears as her past and present collided. She pitched sideways, stealing a look. “He’s here?” Not only had Nick skipped breakfast, he had also skipped the previous day’s lunch.

“Yup. Middle of the queue.”

True to form, he was immaculately dressed in a dark suit that probably cost more than Evie’s monthly rent. “I was hoping he’d been called away.”

Sunita began filling plates with chicken. “Want me to serve him?”

Caleb did that guy-patting-another-guy-on-the-back thing and strolled off, leaving Nick immersed in his phone.

Evie pulled her gaze away and gave the salad one last flip. “No, better not. I have to learn to leave my emotions at the door and deal with him.”

“It’ll get easier.”

She pressed her lips together.

“It will,” said Sunita kindly. “I promise.”

Evie slid open the concession window and greeted the first crew members in line with a welcoming smile and a buoyant, “Hi! What can I get you? Chicken parmesan with salad or chicken and rice soup—or both?”

Plate after plate, bowl after bowl, Evie and Sunita were in constant motion, dishing up meals and placing them into eager hands, the chorus of thank-yous upon receipt making their harried efforts worthwhile. The lead actors, however, had requested lunch in their trailers, so Sunita loaded up a tray with everything on offer and set off with Jamie to serve the VIPs.

Returning to the window, Evie received an all-business “Hello” from Nick.

“Hi,” she replied, dampening any emotion in her voice. “Chicken parmesan or chicken and rice soup?”

“Chicken parm. Cheers.” He rocked back on his heels and looked away.

Yeah, sure. Evie picked up a plate. Don’t ask about my health and open up that can of worms.

Adding salad along with a paper-wrapped, compostable fork, Evie approached the window, realizing she’d forgotten his knife. “Oh, hang on one sec…”