Forbidden Heat novel Chapter 380

Taking the cab wasn’t bad but it was quite pricey. After a relatively traffic-free ride, I arrived at the bar right on time to help out with pre-opening tasks. Kat and other team members were there to greet me enthusiastically.

“How was the move? You should have let me help you…” Kat asked as she stood next to me.

I picked up some utensils and began arranging them. Opening time will arrive soon so we had to hurry a bit right now.

“Smooth. There’s nothing for you to worry about. I told you that I didn’t have a lot of stuff. Thanks for offering to help though,” I replied before smiling appreciatively at her.

“Do you think Charles will turn up today?” Kat asked wistfully.

“Do you want to see him?” I asked teasingly.

“Of course. I want to see what moves he’ll make on you. Haha!” Kat replied before laughing loudly.

My eyes glanced towards the still-closed door of the bar’s entrance as I wondered if Charles would make it tonight. I didn’t know where he went but I hoped that he was alright. I had to say that looking into cases of death during missions as part of my work did not give me a good feeling about this at all. Then again, I didn’t even know what exactly Charles did for his work. He seemed very experienced, so he’s obviously been on the field before, but does he still do that?

I realize that I didn’t know anything much about Charles at all. Then again, maybe I didn’t know much about anyone on this island at all. Reiner, included.

“Opening time! At your stations. Go go go!” Jamie called out loudly as he clapped his hand.

He was right, it was opening time. Right on the clock.

Kat and I had the honor of opening the door to the bar to welcome our first customers for the night. We glanced at each other before nodding to indicate that we were ready. Firmly, Kat and I pulled the door inwards, opening it up to signal the official opening of the bar for the night.

“You got a free table?”

My eyes opened wide in surprise before relief filled my chest. If I had been overly worried just now; there wasn’t a need to be. Standing proudly right in front of me with a teasing smile on his lips was Charles in the flesh. He looks completely fine too.

“Of course…” I managed to reply softly.

“Why do you look so shocked to see me?” he asked before chuckling.

He placed a large hand on top of my head as he walked past me into the bar. Charles is really here. I had to say that I was more than a little pleasantly surprised. Working here had felt a little lonely and empty without Charles here. I wondered where he went off to for so many days and then I wondered if he would tell me if I asked.

“Happy?” Kat whispered as she nudged me with her elbow.

“It’s not like that…I’m just relieved that he’s…you know…fine,” I replied.

“Is that so?” Kat asked teasingly.

I could feel her eyes on me, but my eyes were glued to Charles’ broad back. He’s fine so what more is there for me to worry about. I shook my head slightly to clear my dark thoughts before heading to the counter to grab a menu for Charles.

“Still need a menu?” I asked teasingly as I stood next to his table.

“No…” he replied before flashing me an amused smile.