“Good thing we were sitting down.”
Her stomach rumbled. Jinx laughed, pressing one of her hands over her abdomen.
“That settles it. I’m going to feed you, and then we’ll see how the night goes. No pressure.” His dick didn’t agree as it pushed against his zipper. The indent would surely be permanent if he didn’t give it some relief soon.
They drove to the diner connected to the truck stop. He was surprised to find it fairly busy on Christmas night, but he shouldn’t have been.
With his hand on the small of Jinx’s back, he guided her inside, waiting by the hostess's table to be seated. Jinx looked around, then at the floor, then up at him.
“Are you nervous?”
Her head shot up to his. “Fuck no. I didn’t know if you knew anyone here.”
He took in the others sitting around, then down at Jinx. “Not really. Even if I did, it wouldn’t bother me to be here. Do I look like a snob or something?”
She gave a little laugh. “No, it’s just that I’m kind of a loner. I wasn’t sure if you’d feel out of place being out with me. I’m sure many locals recognize me as the girl who works at Taps. Until yesterday, I didn’t even know you existed. How weird is that?”
The hostess returned, smiling broadly at them. “Hi, are you two ready to be seated?”
Viking nodded. “Yes. If you have a booth, that would be great.”
“Absolutely. Follow me.”
Viking gestured for Jinx to move before him, his hand automatically going to her lower back. He’d had many women since his ex-wife passed away, but never had he wanted to be with any of them outside of the clubhouse or bedroom. Not that he was a dick to any of them, he’d always ensured their comfort and safety. He didn’t feel the need or desire to build a relationship with one who could or would ultimately betray him again. His family said he needed counseling, but he’d chosen distance and new people to be his family. The Royal MC became his brothers, and their wives his to protect. He’d found comfort watching over them, talking and hanging out with their families without getting too close to get burned.
“Here you go,” the hostess said, stopping at a corner booth. “Your waitress will be Jessica. If you need anything, let her know.”
Viking waited until Jinx settled into the seat, and then he slid across from her. She looked happy.
“What’s that smile for?” he asked, shrugging out of his coat.
Jinx slipped her arms out of hers, placing them beside her. She folded her hands on the table, pausing with a laugh. “You don’t even see it, do you?”
He shook his head and reached across to enfold her hands in his. “See what?”
“She, the hostess, literally ate you up with her eyes. When we walked to the table, at least four other ladies watched us, or rather, you. I’m going to need a stick to beat women off if I go out in public with you often.”
She bit her lip as if she regretted speaking. Viking leaned forward, dropping his voice so only she could hear.
“The only woman I see is you, Jinx. Truthfully, I was staring at your cute little ass the entire time we walked. It was sheer luck I didn’t trip over my feet.”
Jinx’s laugh was like silver bells ringing through the room. Several diners turned to look at them, but Viking ignored them.
“You make me feel seen, Bekkett. You scare me.” Jinx took a shuddering breath. “I like how you make me feel, even the scary part.”
“I won’t hurt you. People say they want a village, but they don’t want to be a villager. I cut offmy family for a long time after...after a devastating time. I didn’t want a village or to be a villager. Hell, I almost wanted to disappear completely. It’s hard to dig yourself out of a hole you’ve put yourself in.” He licked his lips, wondering why he was telling Jinx this.
“What if it’s a hole someone else is in that you’re stuck inside?” Her words were barely above a whisper.
Their waitress appeared next to their table. Viking didn’t let go of Jinx’s hands as they placed their orders.
“Every hole can be filled, Jinx. You don’t need to be the filler that stays inside, though.”
A mischievous light brightens her eyes. “You know, if someone were to overhear our conversation, they could totally turn it dirty.”
He thought about it, groaning as he realized what they’d said. “Holy shit. Now I’m going to be sitting here with a hard-on, thinking about filling holes. And before you think or say anything that might piss me off, the only holes in my mind are attached to one blonde-haired beauty with green eyes. But since I’m being a gentleman, I won’t mention it.” He winked.They were interrupted again when the waitress returned with their drinks and omelets. He’d gotten the five egg while Jinx went with the smaller two egg option.
After they ate, he paid the bill and stood, holding his hand out for Jinx. “Ready?”
