“If I say no, are you going to do it anyway?”
He smirks, then leans closer, peeking to the kitchen area where a glimpse of blue hair flashes occasionally. “If you like her, do something about it.”
“That’s it?” I raise a brow at him. “That’s your sage wisdom?”
A low chuckle slips from his lips. “Believe me when I tell you, I wish I could take it.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.” He releases a heavy sigh and shoves his hand through his hair before he stalks toward the front door. “Later.”
Killian holds up the plastic to-go container in my direction and inclines his head. “See you later.”
I nod at him, and they both step out to the parking lot as Lucky reappears from the back, carrying a tray to one of the tables in the far corner. Each movement she takes is measured, careful. Her hips sway slightly in jeans that hug her magnificent curves, and she stops to unload everything with a smile at having successfully made it there in one piece.
When she’s done delivering their meal, she starts wiping down the empty tables and getting ready to close for the night.
I should go home, head up the mountain, spend some time with the family who apparently think I’m avoiding them, or out in my workshop on one of the many unfinished projects waiting for me there.
Yet I find myself sitting here every night.
Watching her…
The way that long, blue hair slides down her back and over her shoulder when it’s down. Or how adorable she looks when she wraps it up in a messy bun at the back of her head to keep it out of her way like tonight.
I never thought blue hair could be so sexy, but my fingers itch to know what it feels like. How soft it is. What it smells like.
Shit.
Killian was right.
I do have it bad for her.
And I don’t know what the fuck to do about it.
When she finishes cleaning, she scans the diner and heads for my table. She glances at my plate and the two small bites I took from it. “You didn’t like the meatloaf?”
I force a smile. “Just wasn’t as hungry as I thought I was.”
Suddenly her eyes widen. “Oh, God.” She presses her hand over her mouth. “You ordered soup and a Coke.” Her eyes dart to the glass, and she buries her face in her palms, shaking her head. “I’m such an idiot. I am so sorry. I don’t know why I thought I didn’t need to write that down, but?—”
“Hey.” I probably shouldn’t do it. In fact, I know I shouldn’t, but her distress calls to me in a way that won’t let me not try to help. I reach out and gently brush her elbow until she looks at me. “It’s okay, really. I didn’t have much of an appetite anyway.”
She lowers her hands. “I can go get you a bowl of soup. Get you your right order. I?—”
“Lucky, really, I’m fine, but…” Maybe it would be wise to just let it go, but I can’t help but push. “You seem a little rattled today.”
She releases a long sigh and squeezes her eyes closed. “That obvious, huh?”
I don’t know if telling her how obvious it is would help in this situation or not, so I simply offer her an understanding smile she sees when her blue eyes finally meet mine again. “I’ve been there. A lot, lately, if I’m being honest. Just take it one day at a time.”
That’s all I’ve been doing—struggling through every day with the memories, the nightmares, the unanswered questions, just hoping that they’ll eventually stop.
The only thing that has managed to distract me from my own demons has been the woman standing in front of me, who clearly has ones of her own.
5
LIAM
