Page 19 of Choosing the Rejected Mate

The word lands between us.Dates.Maisie suddenly develops a compelling urge to reorganize the napkins at the far end of the counter.

Coward.

I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.“This isn’t a date.”

Daniel’s brow lifts.“No?”

“This is lunch with paperwork.”

“Romantic paperwork?”

“Expensive paperwork.”

He nods solemnly.“My favorite kind.”

I take the folder from him and open it because looking at numbers is safer than looking at his mouth.It’s not safe.The estimate makes me wheeze.

“Is the mixer lined with gold?”

“Not unless Patricia has been hiding secrets.”

I glare.“Don’t drag Patricia into this.”

“You’re right.She’s innocent.”

“This is a lot.”

“I know.”

I scan the parts list again, my stomach sinking.“Can it wait?”

His expression shifts, humor fading.“A little.Not long.”

“Define little.”

“A week.Maybe two if you’re careful.”

“I’m always careful.”

From the back, Maisie coughs, “Freezer.”

“Employees are so replaceable,” I call.

Daniel’s mouth twitches, but his eyes stay serious.“I can do the labor cheaper.”

I stiffen.“No.”

“Holly...”

“No.”I will not be a charity case.And he will be compensated for his work.

His jaw flexes.“It’s not charity.”

“It sounds charity-adjacent.”

“It’s mate-adjacent.”

My entire body locks and Daniel closes his eyes for half a second.“That came out wrong.”