Itried to look extra nice. I had twisted my hair into a low bun with long pieces hanging out, did my make-up using dark brown mascara and eye-liner that matched my brown work t-shirt, and picked a pair of light blue jeans that made my short legs look longer. Just in case he came.
Officer Barkley was hands-down the finest male specimen I’d ever seen. And he was into me. He dropped the boyfriend comment like a complete novice. It was the cutest thing.
Section two was slammed because a lot of regular customers asked for me. Great for my tips, but stressful when I hoped a sexy cop would walk in any second and ask for my section. Something in my gut told me he would come. Which was why I upset the kitchen staff more than once. My game was off.
I told my coworker, Jennie, all about OfficerBarkley. Big mistake. She was more excited than I was. Between our whispers by the kitchen door, my constantly checking the hostess stand, the orders I beefed, and the constant teasing and poking, the line cooks were raging at us.
When he showed, I didn’t recognize him at first. No uniform this time. Jeans and a light jacket.
I panicked.
Come on. I don’t even have a free table!
Jennie rounded the corner from the sevens, eyes wide. “Girl, isthatthe guy?”
I felt breathless. “Yes.”
She hummed her delight, smacking me on the butt with her stack of menus. “Have fun with him, sugar.”
His eyes scanned the restaurant and landed on me. He smiled then lifted his hand in a little wave. Almost turned me into a puddle on the floor.
A few minutes later, the hostess found me. “Uh, there is an extremely hot dude waiting for one of your tables to open.”
“He’s waiting?”
There were open tables in lots of other sections, but he was waiting for mine. I swooned. After that, I nearly ran. Doing my best to get someone—anyone—out of theirstupidtable. Didn’t offer desserts or extra drinks like a proper waitress. Even dropped off checks before people were finished.
When Officer Barkley finally sat down, my nerves tingled with apprehension. He looked huge with his arms crossed over the table top. I’d noticed in the driveway how big he was, but something about the way his broad arms and shoulders dwarfed the table made my mouth go dry. I cleared my throat and put on a smile. “Officer Barkley.”
“Miranda.” His eyes were deep blue, sparkling with pleasure.
“Thanks for coming.”
“Thanks for inviting me.” He quickly looked me up and down, making me feel a little self-conscious for being in an apron and having sweat on my brow. He didn’t look too disappointed though. “How long until you get a break?”
Hot blood scorched my veins. “I’ve already had it.” My level tone surprised me.
“And you get off…”
“In about an hour and a half.”
He nodded, thinking a moment. “I’ll wait.”
“You’ll wait?” I squeaked.
“If you don’t mind me hogging up your table.”
“I don’t mind. Most of my tables will be clearing soon anyway.” I placed a menu on the table. “Can I get you something to eat or drink?”
He ordered an ice tea and said he’d wait to eat with me.
I fluttered through the next hour and a half. He watched me and my face flamed red the entire time. Could hardly force my awareness on anything besides him. By the time I clocked out, the kitchen was petitioning for my termination.
Something happened when I joined him at his table.
Magic. That’s the only word there is.
I was immediately swept away. We shared questions, stories, history, laughter. Officer Jackson Barkley brought out my talkative side. After a late dinner, we continued on to a Starbucks, where we talked for one more hour before they kicked us out to close up shop. We meant to go home, but ended up sitting on the tailgate of his truck in the dark parking lot. After our five hour date, we knew quite a bit about each other.
