He looks at me, his resolve weakening. I can see the flame of desire in his eyes, and I want it.
Need it.
But he shakes it off and barks, “Do you see this place? Do you see the people in there? That’s what your father did.Maggie’s Dineris theonlyplace to eat here because nobody wants to open a business in the shitty part of Belmont. Your father made us invisible over here in this fucking hellhole, so just stay away or else.”
“Or else what?” I gasp, completely shocked, the words just left my mouth, but, damn, it felt good to say them! For months, I’ve been bossed around by my father, his staff, and a team of psychiatrists. Enough is enough! Talking back to this man is reigniting a fire inside me that I thought went out forever. “Who do you think you are? My daddy?” His eyes widen, and a deep, low growl rumbles in his chest.
My whole body ignites, watching this man seethe.
I lower my voice, uttering my words in a slow, sultry tone. “You like bossing boys like me around, huh?”
His eyes roll back, and it’s honestly the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. It’s like he’s losing all control, and I’m loving it.
But then he takes a deep breath, and the rabid look in his eyes vanishes. He rips his arms from my grasp, then pushes me away. “Stay on your side of town if you know what’s good for you.” His eyes are like daggers. It’s a threat, and once again, my body betrays me, the blood rushing to my center.
He successfully starts his motorcycle and speeds off, with Gabe sitting behind him, and I watch him drive off.
What just happened?
And why did I like it?
It’s one thing to vibe with someone. Getting sprung when they chew you out in front of a diner? That’s bizarre.
I turn toward the diner in a daze, my mind still trying to understand what just happened, and take in the restaurant. I didn’t really look at it before; I was in such a stupor when I arrived.
Maggie’s Diner. Cute.
It really is cute. In need of an upgrade, but really warm and homey. It feels nice being here. I pass a HELP WANTED sign as I walk through the entrance, and the woman who initiallytook my order is staring at me with concern. The nametag over her left breast reads Maggie, and it dawns on me that she must be the owner.
“What was that about?” Maggie asks as I take a seat.
“Huh? Oh, um…” The interaction with my hot devil still has me tongue-tied when an idea pops into my head. “Does he come here a lot?” I ask.
“Who? The one who nearly wrung your neck outside? Yeah, almost every day.”
Perfect.“Can I apply for a job here?”
She says nothing, but her eyes are wide. I meanwide.“Youwanna work here?” she asks.
“Yes.”
She folds her arms across her chest. “Ever wait tables before?”
Guess this is the job interview.“No…”
“Ever do anything in customer service?” she asks.
“Not exactly.”I don’t think this could be going any worse.
She rolls her eyes and puts her hand on her hip. “Jesus, give me something here, kid. Can you at least start soon?”
Okay, I do have a positive answer for that one.“I can start right now if you want.”
Her eyes look like they might pop out of her head. “You’re hired. Come ‘round back, and I’ll give you a hat and an apron.”
I look down to make sure my mouth isn’t lying on the floor. “Really? Thank you!”
“No, no, don’t thank me until you’ve had a full day here. Today is a trial run. If I like what you do, your first official day is tomorrow.”
