With a thoughtful look, he asks, “Really? Are you free tomorrow?”
“I’m working,” I say.
“What about after work?”
I bite my lip. “I’m busy.”
“Yeah, you’ll be busy.”
I watch him curiously while he lounges in his chair.
“You’ll be busy going on a date with me.”
A laugh breaks out from my lips. “And if I say no?”
He shrugs. “I’ll turn up here every day until you say yes.” He peers over my shoulder. “Your boss isn’t going to like that.” He chuckles. “Though pissing him off every day will be amusing.”
I know Axle will keep returning. “I don’t think you’re welcome back here at the restaurant.”
His hazel eyes flash with amusement. “He’ll never say it to my face.”
I glance back at my boss, who abruptly looks away and walks back into the kitchen. I think Axle’s right.
“I’ll come get you. Tomorrow, before you start your lunch shift, then. Let’s say nine?”
I shake my head, the collar of my shirt suddenly feeling too tight around my neck.
His eyes light up at the challenge. He leans in closer to me and looks into my eyes as he says, “Well, you better book me this table for tomorrow.”
I don’t have any other options. He’ll keep turning up at my work. Emotions battle inside of me—excitement, anxiety, and curiosity. It’s only in the morning. “I’ll think about it. Now I’d better get back to work. I can’t lose my job. I only just started here.”
While I continue to collect plates and cutlery from other tables, I steal a brief glimpse back at him. He’s still staring at me as I head into the kitchen.
After I set the plates near the sink, Mel is beside me once more. “What have you two been talking about?”
I don’t have anyone else I can talk to about this. “He asked me out on a date.”
She inches back. “Axle doesn’t date.” Her tone suggests she doesn’t believe me.
“He said a date. I’m just repeating what he said.”
She pouts. “Maybe he just meant spending time together.”
I shrug. “Probably.”
“Did you say you were going to have sex with him?”
“No!” I shriek, offended. Does she honestly believe I would pimp myself out to spend time with a guy?
She rests her hand on her hip and glances away, lost in thought. I step around her, only to be met with Cameron.
“How long’s he staying for?” Cameron asks sternly.
I blink at him. What is everyone’s problem? “I don’t know. I gather until he’s finished his meal.”
“He’s finished his meal, and he’s asked forhiswaitress.”
I wipe my hands on my apron. “I’ll go see him now.” Then I step around Cameron, feeling both his and Mel’s narrowed eyes on me as I leave the kitchen. I know I’m new to the town, but their reactions have me wondering why they have such intense reactions to Axle.
