I reach my hand into my pocket, grabbing my key. I slide the key into the hole and unlock my door, slipping into my room and taking in a deep breath.
It’s beenan hour since Whiskey, Gears, Bear, and I started exploring the town. The town is pretty small, but all the guyswant me to know my way around town without becoming lost or getting into trouble.
“Are you ready to eat something?” Gears turns to face Bear and me.
I nod and give a thumbs-up. I didn’t get to eat breakfast this morning and am starving. I woke up late and didn’t want to get anything in the motel, fearing that the owner would talk to me.
“How about we go to the diner? Does that sound good?” Bear squeezes my hip.
I give him a big smile. All the guys laugh when they see it. I could eat the chocolate chip waffles from the diner anytime.
“Let me guess, you also get the chocolate chip waffles,” Whiskey teases.
I look at him, confused. How does he know that? I whip my head over to Bear and see him smiling.
“You and Bear are so alike. You both love the diner and get the same thing! It’s like you guys are made for each other,” Whiskey laughs.
Blood rushes to my cheeks, and I hide in Bear’s chest, which moves up and down as he laughs. I peek my head up, watching Bear. Butterflies invade my stomach, and I smile. Bear looks down at me as we smile at each other.
“All right, love birds, let’s get to the diner. After the diner, we can go show Brooke the best places to shop,” Gears says, breaking our eye contact.
We all start making our way toward the diner. I pick up my pace a little, wanting to get there sooner so I can eat.
“Slow down, the waffles will still be there when we arrive,” Bear chuckles.
I grab Bear’s hand and attempt to pull him with me. I know they will still be there, but I don’t want to wait. My mouth starts watering just thinking about them. I see the diner come into view, and I tug on Bear’s hand.
“Why don’t you go find a seat with Gears and Whiskey, and I will catch up with you.” Bear motions toward Gears.
I nod, taking Gears’s hand and dragging him to the diner. Whiskey and Bear laugh as Gears and I leave. We make it into the diner, and I spot an open booth right away. I slip into one side, while Gears sits on the other side.
A minute later, Bear and Whiskey come through the door and make their way toward us. Bear sits next to me. I smile at Jean as she heads our way.
“Hello, Brooke. Boys,” Jean says.
I wave and bounce in my seat, excitement and anticipation flowing through me.
“I want to let you guys know before you order that we are out of pancakes and waffles. We ran out about an hour ago.” Jean looks at Bear and me.
My whole body sags with the news. A frown makes its way onto my face. What am I going to get now? I pick up the menu, skimming it.
I jerk my head toward Bear, remembering him telling me to slow down because the waffles would still be here. I pick up my phone and angrily type.
You lied! You said they would have waffles and they don’t.
Bear reads it before handing my phone back, smiling and laughing.
Why are you smiling and laughing? This isn’t funny!
Bear just laughs even more. Jean and Whiskey join in with him. I give him a glare, but he just smiles back.
“They have waffles. I called while you were dragging Gears and told Jean to play along,” Bear chuckles, taking my hand.
I yank my hand out and look away. How dare he do that?
“Come on, love, don’t be like that. It was all fun and jokes.” I continue to ignore Bear.
From the corner of my eye, Gears and Whiskey look amused. I look away and watch people walk.
