Rachel narrows her eyes like she’s not quite sure what I’m asking her. “The pancakes are good,” she says. “And the waffles. It’s all good.”

I chew on the inside of my cheek. As I’m deciding, the bell over the door chimes. When I glance up, I lock eyes with Byron.

My breath catches, and I pull off my scarf, suddenly too hot. He was the last person I was expecting to see here. His hands are shoved in his dark blue jeans, his navy sweater fitted close to his torso. He looks even more handsome in the natural light of the diner’s huge windows. Shouldn’t he be at the Colorado Club, doing things owners of billionaire retreats do?

“I’ll take the pancakes,” I say, and hand her back the menu, unable to tear my eyes from Byron.

It occurs to me that he might be looking for me. Before I can second-guess myself, I smile at the thought. “Hey,” I mouth.

He nods at me and heads to the counter, sliding onto a stool.

I glance back at Rachel, who’s looking between me and Byron. “Syrup and butter on the side, please. And a cappuccino.” Athena is going to have to carry me home.

“You want bacon?” Rachel asks. “Hash browns?”

“Just the one diabetic coma this morning, thanks.” The truth is, I’m all maxed out on decision-making. Choosing pancakes was hard enough.

She shrugs. “You betcha.”

She turns, swiping Byron over the head with her pad of paper as she passes him.

“Rachel,” he mutters in response.

“Heard you were back in town.” She rounds the counter.

“You heard right.”

“It’s been a while.”

He sighs and ignores her comment. “Can I get a coffee and some scrambled eggs?”

He seems grumpy this morning. Maybe I should leave him alone, but I feel like I should ask if he wants to come sit with me and Athena. He’s my neighbor and my boss; I don’t like the idea that he’s in a bad mood and doesn’t have anyone to talk with about what’s bothering him.

Once again, I shove down the voice of doubt inside. I slide out of the booth and head over to Byron.

“Hey,” I say.

He flips his cell so the screen faces the counter, and turns to me. “Hey.”

“Athena and I have a lovely spot by the window if you want to join us?”

He narrows his eyes. “Athena?”

“The cat.”

“Oh yeah. For a moment there, I thought you were sharing your waffles with a Greek goddess.” His expression is blank, like he’s not trying to be funny. Is it weird that I find him hilarious?

I grin. “Uh-huh.”

He shrugs. “It’s a good name for that cat.”

“Right?”