I can’t believe I’m working on my day off and it’s Halloween. Granted, Mary only asked me to help out until Harry comes in at five thirty. Still, with school being closed for staff development day, I was hoping to sleep in. I’m meeting Jamal, Kate, and Lucy at the carnival tonight. It’s a bit slow at the moment, but business will pick up later. The townsfolk will come traipsing in, craving a sodium fix to balance their sugar-induced daze. I walk around, wiping down tables, sweeping the floor, and other miscellaneous things to keep me occupied. I’m a regular Mrs. Clean.
King Asshole and the douchebag princes are at their usual booth in the corner. The trio finished their food almost forty minutes ago. Why are they lingering? I wish they would scram. Instead, Maverick’s penetrating gaze tracks my every move.
Stalk much?What is his deal? I’m loath to admit it, but he affects me. His presence is so fucking suffocating. My thighs clench together, recalling his talented tongue on my clit.
Cocoa, do not go there.
I glance at the clock hanging on the wall for the thousandth time since starting my shift at twelve thirty. It’s five o’clock, thank goodness; thirty minutes to go. I hear a motorcycle in the distance. The familiar rumble is welcoming. It brings back memories of riding with Saint. I peer out the big glass window as the sound draws closer. The motorcyclist turns left into the parking lot. I return my attention to my task but do a double take when my brain registers who it is.
Saint.
I immediately drop the broom and squeal excitedly. He hops off the bike and takes his helmet off. My shock dissipates and I race out the door.
“Saint!” I shout, launching myself into his arms, causing him to stumble backwards.
I rain kisses all over his face.
“I missed you too.” He smiles and kisses me on the cheek.
“Oh my God!” I slide down his body. “What are you doing here?”
“You seemed sad lately, so we decided to plan a road trip and surprise you.”
“We?”
“Yeah, Lo and Micah are here too.”
I jump up and down in excitement. “How?”
“We left Wednesday morning. My dad rented us a four-door extended cab so I could bring my baby along. Figured you could use some motorcycle therapy.”
My eyebrows rise to my hairline. “My gosh, that’s a long drive.”
“Thirty-six hours to be exact, but it wasn’t too bad. We each drove four hours a day, and anyway, you’re worth being stuck in a confined space with Micah.”
“Did my mom know?”
“Yep, she helped pay for gas, hotels, and food.”
The waterworks start.
“You don’t understand how happy I am you’re all here, but you guys are missing school.”
“We have all of our assignments, so we’re good to go.” Saint wipes my tears away.
“Give me a sec. I’m going to ask if I can leave early.”
I scurry back inside. Mary leans over the counter, wearing a goofy grin. She saw my reunion with Saint.
“I already clocked you out,” she says.
“Thank you so much. I’ll get my car in the morning.”
I grab my jacket and purse, then I’m back outside in a flash. Saint is already sitting on his motorcycle, revving up the engine. He hands me a helmet and I tug it on my head before settling in behind him. The buildings whirl by in a blur, and I tilt my face towards the sky, overcome with exhilaration.
That’s the fucker plastered all over Cocoa’s social media accounts. I haven’t spoken a single word to him, but I’m itching to punch his lights out.
She smiles at the asshole like he hangs the moon and stars. Who is he to her?
