A snorting sound came from the back of the younger man’s throat before he gave her a sarcastic, “Okay.”
“They didn’t,” she insisted, grabbing another pan to wash.
“Fine.” The teenager stopped what he was doing and faced her. “What would you call it, then?”
Focusing on the food stuck to the bottom of the pan, Lexi replayed the incident in her mind.
It had all started with Rob telling her she shouldn’t be flirting with Trevor and Derek. He’d said it was going to make people think she would do anything for a good tip. God, she still got riled up just thinking about it.
Her heart beat a little harder against her chest when she remembered how strong the jerk’s grip had been, and how scared she’d felt when she couldn’t break free.
But thenhewas there.
Even though she’d still been caught in Rob’s grasp, Lexi had immediately felt safe and protected. Because of Trevor.
Not that she didn’t appreciate Derek’s help and support, too, because she did. There was just something about Trevor Matthews that made her feel...different.
Lexi looked up and realized Caleb was still waiting for an answer. “They just talked to him, that’s all.”
Clearly not agreeing, Caleb shook his head and went back to rinsing the dishes. Afraid Joe would think the guys had tried to start a brawl in his place of business, she turned to Joe and reassured him that wasn’t the case.
“Trevor and Derek both talked calmly and respectfully to Rob. They made him understand he’d made a mistake, and Rob chose to leave. End of story.”
The older, bald man wiped his hands on his dirty apron before resting them on his hips. Joe was lean, the tattoos on both biceps were old and faded, but the muscles in his arms were still clearly defined.
It was easy for Lexi to imagine him as a young, fit Marine.
“Trevor and Derek.” Joe’s brows furrowed with his thoughts. “Those the two men I’ve seen you talking to a lot lately? Started coming in here a few weeks ago?”
“Yes. But, they’re not trouble-makers,” she was quick to say. “In fact, they’re both former military, like you.”
Joe’s salt and pepper brows rose at that. “Marines?”
“I’m not sure what branch they were in. Just that they used to be in the military. Oh, and they work for a private security company here in the city. Trevor said they offer people protection.” And because she felt the need to stand up for them as they had her, she added, “I really think they’re good guys, Joe.”
“You don’t have to sell me on those boys, Lex. They stepped up and took care of you when you needed it. The fact that they both served is just icing on the cake.” He gave her a wide, toothy grin, the gold cap on one of his top teeth shining beneath the kitchen lights.
Hearing Joe call them ‘boys’ made her smile. They weren’t anything like Caleb, who actually was still a boy. Trevor, especially. He was a strong, confident man.
“Uh, oh. I know that look.”
Lexi’s brows bunched together as her head swiveling back toward Caleb. “What look?”
Putting his fists beneath his chin, he began rapidly blinking both eyes while raising his voice to falsetto heights. “Trevor’s so dreamy. I hope he asks me out.”
Lexi grabbed the nearest washrag and threw it at him. “I didnothave that look.”
“Oh, yousohad that look.” Caleb chuckled. “You get it every time the guy walks in.”
“Trevor, huh?” Joe hung the newly cleaned and dried pots from the ceiling rack above the metal counter.
“Ughhhh,” Lexi growled. “Not you, too.”
“Sorry, Lex.” Joe shrugged. “I’m afraid I’m with Caleb on this one. Even with eyes as old as mine, I can see it.”
Don’t ask him. Don’t ask him.“See what?”
“The way you look at him when he’s not paying attention.”
