I rapped my knuckles on the table, deciding I was going to stick around. “I’ll take a coffee. Black.”
“Got it. One bitter bean water as black as your soul,” she said, not wasting the time to write it down.
I smirked at her words—funny little thing.
“When is your break, Rosalie?” I asked, still smiling up at her.
“I already took it. I’m off in an hour.” Her green eyes skirted the restaurant.
“Perfect. I’ll wait for you. Then you’ll come with me.” I had no idea what I’d do with her once I had her, but something. Anything. I felt like I was losing my mind, and I barely knew her. But I knew that she intrigued me and was beautiful beyond reason.
“I can’t. While your invitation is intriguing and probably dangerous, I have to look at an apartment when I get out. Raincheck?” She looked back at me.
“No, no raincheck. I’ll go with you.” Instant answer without thinking. Something inside me was just so damn sure that Ineeded to be near her. Add to it Sylar’s words, and it had my stomach in knots.
She let out a sigh and shuffled from foot to foot. I knew she didn’t want to come with me, and I understood her reticence. I wasn’t exactly someone anyone chummed around with.
She nibbled her bottom lip for a moment before leaving me without another word. I shook my head at that. She was quick on her return, though, and slid the coffee in front of me.
“Do you need anything else?” Her voice was soft.
“Yes. I came in for a muffin. I heard there were blueberry ones,” I said, Sylar’s words on repeat in my head.
“Sure. I can get you one.” She left and returned with a mountain for a damn muffin. “Anything else?”
It looked incredible, and if I knew the beauty as well as I thought I did, she had something to do with it. Anson would often comment on her kitchen skills. His words usually made me angry because I wanted to experience a good woman like Rosalie. I’d never had the chance.
I held up my finger to make her wait as I bit into the blueberry mountain she’d brought me. The flavor burst against my tongue. I’d have moaned if I were a lesser man. Instead, I drank some coffee to keep the noise inside my mouth.
“This is good. My compliments to the chef.” I smiled at her, knowing she was definitely behind it.
“I’ll let him know. Anything else?”
“You to sit with me.” I nodded to the vacant seat across from me.
“I can’t. I’m working.” She twisted her fingers in front of her. I noticed she no longer wore the rock De Luca had put on her finger months ago. Thank fuck for small favors.
“What are they paying you?” I asked.
She shuffled nervously again. Always such a nervous little thing. It added to her appeal. “I make a lot in tips.”
“I’ll give you five hundred dollars right now if you sit with me.” My words tumbled out without forethought.
“I can’t. I have to work,” she repeated, fidgeting more. “I just got this job. I don’t want to ruin it by sitting with a customer.”
“OK. I’ll give you fifty thousand to quit and sit with me.” I was good for it too. I wanted her company so damn much that I was willing to cut her a check, here and now.
She left out a scoff. “You’re insane.”
I raised my brows at her.
“Am I? You’re the one not accepting fifty thousand dollars. I’d say you’re crazier than I am.” I leaned in, catching the sweet scent of her perfume. “I’m good for it, by the way—fifty thousand, hummingbird. Sit with me. We’ll talk.”
“Klaus.” She let out a little breathy laugh that sent a surge of desire straight to my cock before she glanced to see the women eyeing us from behind the counter. “We can talk when I’m off, OK?”
“Fine. Bring me a milkshake. Strawberry.” I knew when I was fighting a losing battle.
She left me alone, and I watched as she made my milkshake behind the counter, the two waitresses flanking either side of her and whispering. I knew they were talking about me, and I didn’t look away when Rosalie cast me a quick look, her cheeks pink.
