Honestly? I can’t believe the words are even coming out of my mouth.
They feel good, though. He wants to lie to use me for some fun? Well, two can play at this game, then.
He scrubs a hand over his mouth, then lets out a breathy laugh. “So you want to schedule...what? A benefits package?”
I smile. Slow. Dangerous. “I’m thinking Tuesdays. After shift. Or when the walk-in fridge gets too cold.”
His eyes darken. “And if I ask for a raincheck on the fridge and offer you my place instead?”
I tilt my head. “Depends. Will you be wearing a mask?”
His chuckle is low and reverent, like I’ve just sucker-punched him in the best way. “Do you want me to?”
“You’re lucky I’m even considering this.” I grab the doorknob, tossing my hair back like I’m not still throbbing from the memory of him inside me. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a section to charm and tips to make.”
“Tuesday,” he says, voice low. “I’ll be ready.”
I glance over my shoulder. “You’d better be. That’s tomorrow.”
He doesn’t press toward me. Instead, he steps to the desk, plants his hands wide on the edge, and tilts his head, watching me like I’m a puzzle he hasn’t solved yet.
“So that’s all you’ve relegated me to?” he asks. “Your fantasy sidepiece?”
I smirk. “That’s all. The way I see it? I can’t depend on you. But we may as well have some summer fun.”
His eyes darken, but he gives a slow, crooked smile. “Then I guess I’ll have to be unforgettable.”
I lean halfway out the door, then glance back one more time. “That’s a tall order.”
“I’m a tall guy.”
I roll my eyes and leave before I lose the upper hand—or worse, the last sliver of restraint I’ve got left.
* * *
I wakeup tangled in sheets and tips.
Seriously—crumpled bills are still scattered on my nightstand from where I dumped my apron last night. I don’t think I’ve ever made that much money in a single shift. Ever.
Maybe it’s the skimpy black tank I wore. Or the smoky eye. Or maybe…
Maybe something in me’s changed. Opened up.
Not just physically—which, okay,definitelyphysically—but it’s more than that.
I feel…alive. Charged. Like some invisible cage I didn’t know I was in finally cracked open. And it’s not because of a man, I tell myself. It’s because of me. But if a certain big, lying, annoyingly gorgeous man had something to do with loosening the hinges? Well.
I sigh and roll to the side. No messages. No plans today.
That used to be my favorite kind of day. Now it just feels like too much space to think.
A knock rattles the door.
“Faith?” It’s my mom. “It’s already past noon. You working tonight?”
“Late shift again,” I croak. “What time is it?”
“Almost one.” She laughs. “This came for you.”
