He slides into the booth on the opposite side and sets a plate in front of me. My mouth waters when I see what’s probably going to be the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten.
I blink up at Saint. “Merv just called me. The storm’s really bad, and they’re advising no one drives through the pass until it’s clear? I’m not sure exactly how long it’s supposed to last, but I know I won’t be getting back home tonight. I was just looking for a motel but…”
“Every place is full because of the festival tomorrow,” he finishes for me, scratching his cheek. “I can talk to Ruby and ask if you can sleep at her place, but she lives above the shop and only has a queen bed. I’m sure I can find a blow up mattress or something…”
“I barely know your sister, I'm not going to encroach on her space.” I shake my head. “No, I’ll just sleep in my truck. I’ll be fine.
“You’re not sleeping in your damn truck, Mikey. You’ll freeze or hurt your neck or something.”
“Well I’m not imposing on your sister.”
“You can stay with me,” he blurts out.
“What?No. I’m not imposing on you, either.”
“You wouldn’t even be in this situation if not for me, so please, let me be hospitable. You’re sleeping in my guest room. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Now,” he taps the plate, “eat.”
When did he get so bossy?
And why do I not hate it?
“Fine.” I grab half of the sandwich and take a bite. My tastebuds do a little dance at the textures and flavors blessing my mouth. The bread is soft and fluffy while the chicken is tender but crispy on the outside. It balances nicely with the lettuce, and the salty prosciutto pairs well with the tang from the dressing.Fuck,this is good. “This is delicious. What is it?”
“Caesar salad with a chicken cutlet and crispy prosciutto on garlic butter bread.”
“Why isn’t this on the menu? You’d be millionaires.” I take another bite and try not to moan. The desire to shove this whole thing in my mouth is strong, but I want to savor it at the same time.
“Ruby wanted something special just for us. She used to make this for our mom before she lost her appetite to the medications.”
“It’s really sweet of you to share it with me, thank you.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” He raises his own sandwich and takes a bite.
My heart rate picks up, and my stomach flutters every time he calls me “sweetheart.” I don’t know why he calls me that or when we stepped into nickname territory, but I don’t hate it. In fact, the word sends a spark of need through my veins.
As he takes another bite, a bit of dressing gets caught on his upper lip, and my gaze tracks the path of his tongue as he swipes it off.
Get it together, Mikey.
We finish our sandwiches in silence, listening to the low chatter from other patrons and the pitter patter of rain on the window. Ruby comes to the front to take orders when new customers come in, and sometimes we make eye contact. Shegives me a beaming smile each time, and it feels so warm and welcoming, I can’t help but return it.
I’ve never really had girl friends. I was never popular in school, and the few friendships I had didn’t survive summer vacation. I would bounce around from friend group to friend group in middle school, but when I reached high school, I finally found my place in auto shop class. The only problem was, it was only boys in the class.
Ruby seems so sweet, and I think I’d like to be her friend. If she’s as sweet as her brother, it wouldn’t be difficult.
I don’t know what’s supposed to happen now that we’re done eating. Am I supposed to hang out here while he finishes up whatever work he needs to do? Am I supposed to leave? My plan was to go home. I hate feeling like I’ve thrown a wrench into his day.
“Do you want to be my guinea pig again? I have a dessert I’ve never made before, and I could really use your feedback,” Saint says as he gathers our napkins and empty plates.
“Sure. What is it?”
He stands and motions towards the kitchen. “Follow me, and I’ll show you.”
I feel like a puppy, following Saint to the kitchen so he can feed me treats. All that’s left is for him to pet my head and call me a good girl.
Fuck, that would be hot.
I shake off the vivid image popping into my head.Jesus Christ.
