Kelly glanced at the clock on the industrial sized oven. “Ten minutes and we can knock off.”

Jacinta grabbed the cloth out of Kelly’s hand. “I can finish up here.”

The huge smile on her face piqued Kelly’s interest. “What are you looking so happy about?”

If it was even possible, the smile grew wider. “It’s not every day a sexy woman comes into the cafe.”

That wasn’t true, they had plenty of good looking regular clientele. However, Jacinta normally swooned after the men.

“Your point?” Kelly quirked an eyebrow.

“She’s asking for you.”

More than a little intrigued, Kelly stood on her tippy-toes so she could see over the door swinging in Jacinta’s wake. When her gaze landed on the sexy woman in concern, Kelly’s stomach lurched. “Shit. What does she want?”

“You,” Jacinta replied. “Go get her, tiger.” She shoved Kelly in the back.

Caught off guard, with no time to brace herself, Kelly stumbled through the doors making a not so grand entrance into the café.

“Hi, what brings you here?” Kelly asked, pleased her voice didn’t shake and giveaway the butterflies churning in her belly.

“Can we talk?”

The words were spoken so softly, for a minute Kelly wasn’t sure she’d heard Ashleigh right, or perhaps that was wishful thinking.

Had Ashleigh finally decided to confront her about the night Kelly had tried for the last few weeks to put behind her? She wanted to bolt but also owed it to Ashleigh to hear her out.

Maybe it had nothing to do with that night, Kelly tried to convince herself, but in the pit of her stomach she knew better.

“Sure, let me go get my things. The shop’s about to close.”

“I know.” Ashleigh interrupted. “I didn’t want to have this conversation at your work, but I had no idea how else to find you.” She blushed and damned if she didn’t look adorable.

“I couldn’t really ask Paula, and I’d appreciate it if you keep this conversation between us, okay?”

That was more than fine by Kelly. “Sure. Nicole’s at her boyfriend’s tonight, you’re welcome to come over to the flat.”

The minute the words left her mouth Kelly wondered if she needed her head read. But it was the one place she was certain Paula wouldn’t show her face.

“I’d like that. Lead the way.”

On the ride home, Kelly’s mind raced along with her motorcycle. Every time she turned a corner, her mind took off in another direction. Should she start the conversation, or wait Ashleigh out? Should she tell Ashleigh she was clean?

No that probably wasn’t a good idea. Not only would it be humiliating but Ashleigh could also take it as a slur on her character.

*