Second Chance Cafe Read Online Free Page B

by teaching them to make an assortment of pastries. Ethan had liked pain au chocolat, chocolate-stuffed croissants, best. They were a perfect breakfast pastry in Ethan’s opinion.
    He wondered whether Isabella liked chocolate for breakfast.
    The question begged to be answered. Ethan rolled up his sleeves, deciding to dive into the laborious task of making a pastry that would impress Isabella Romano.
    He checked his pantry to make sure he had the ingredients for croissants and then got to work mixing flour, sugar, yeast and salt. He poured milk into his stand mixer and added the flour combination, creating a large ball of dough. He ate leftover pizza and watched two movies while waiting for the dough to suitably chill. Folding the dough and making sure it was adequately buttered was time-
consuming. About halfway through the ordeal, Ethan had to stop to take his pain medication. He glanced at the clock above his stove, shocked that half the night had passed as he worked. But he didn’t mind. The feeling of rolling dough and the sight of scattered ingredients filling his kitchen counters energized him.
    By the time the kitchen smelled of a blend of chocolate and warm, fresh croissant bread, Ethan sat at the kitchen table exhausted. He downed an energy drink, trying to stay awake, and then tasted the result of his efforts.
    Ethan bit into the warm, flaky bread and was instantly lost in buttery layers, that is, until he stumbled upon the burst of deep melted chocolate.
    It was better than he’d expected. He packaged several and left for the hospital, determined to make it there before Isabella’s shift ended.
    * * *
    Isabella checked the clock again. Five forty-eight Thursday morning. She yawned. The E.R. had been slower than usual. Slow nights were the hardest. She didn’t feel so tired when working amid the rush of a busy emergency room. Maggie had the night off, which made for an even quieter night for Isabella. She sifted through the paperwork in front of her.
    I’m exhausted. I don’t want to be here right now.
    She resisted the urge to glance back up at the clock.
    “Isabella, you have a guest.” Isabella jerked her head up at Dr. Nichol’s statement. He winked at her. “The break room is free, if you want to offer him some coffee.” Isabella leaned to the side to see who was standing a few paces behind the doctor.
    Someone with the makings of a firefighter.
    She bit back her smile. Dr. Nichols walked away and Isabella sat back in her chair.
    “Up a little early, aren’t you?” she asked.
    He walked up to the desk and held out a paper bag. “Breakfast.”
    Isabella accepted the bag and peered inside, inhaling the aroma of warm bread and chocolate.
    “Where did you stop?”
    “This is from the kitchen of Ethan Carter.”
    Isabella looked up with delight. “Well, then. I can offer you some not-that-great coffee, if you’re interested.”
    “If it’s coffee with you, Isabella, I’m interested.”
    Isabella stared at him for a moment, enjoying the quickening of her heart rate at Ethan’s words. She liked his self-confidence.
    He’s good.
    “Come on, tough guy,” she said, motioning for him to follow her down the hallway. They entered the staff break room and Ethan sat down at the table while Isabella filled two foam cups with lukewarm coffee. She sat next to him and he pointed to the bag of pastry.
    “Eat,” he insisted. She chuckled and pulled out the still-warm croissant.
    “I should warn you, I’ll be completely honest with my assessment.”
    Ethan nodded. “I’d expect nothing less from an expert like you.”
    Isabella bit into the croissant and paused, appreciating the light, flaky texture and rich, buttery taste. The chocolate was obviously high quality, rich and delicious.
    “Mmm.” The response was unplanned but completely accurate. Ethan’s smile reached his eyes.
    “I assume that means you approve?”
    Isabella took another bite before answering.
    “So…why didn’t you tell