Page 37 of Maneater

I really don’t want him buying me dinner. Especially since he’s on such a tight budget. And anyway, eating at my diner isn’t even close to being a burden. It’s my food essentially, and the amount he eats is minuscule compared to my huge portions.

He nods slowly. “Okay, what if I get some sandwiches and snacks from the market, and we take them back to your cave. I have an employee discount.” His features light up. “We also have an awesome cold pasta salad that’s my new favorite. The lunch lady just started bringing them in. They’re filled with different olives and cheese chunks.”

A pound of salad and twelve sandwiches would likely be needed to fill me up, but did he say bring it to my cave? Who cares about food when I can have Darien all to myself.

Whoa. I must really have it bad if food fell to second place.

“That sounds great.” I put the car in park again. “Any roast beef or ham?”

Darien’s brow furrows. “Sorry, we never get roast beef. The vendor mostly sells us turkey and chicken, although we sometimes get egg salad. Oh, and ham salad. Not my favorite. But the hummus wrap is very good. Freshly made.”

I wrinkle my nose before I can stop myself. “I’m sure it is.”

Darien laughs. “But not for you.”

I laugh with him. “I’m afraid not. Either the turkey or chicken will be fine, thanks”

“Cool. I’ll be right back.”

Thoughts of sandwiches drop from my mind as Darien jogs away. I could watch that perfectly round ass swing from side to side for the rest of my life, and never tire of the sight.

As I wait for his return, I ponder this unexpected turn of events. Darien’s self-invitation is an unexpected, happy surprise. One that I’m not prepared for. I suppose I should follow my own advice and stay in the moment. It’s probably better that I didn’t get any warning. I would’ve overplanned the night and stressed us both out.

Our first night alone shouldn’t be fraught with unrealistic expectations and pressure.

Darien returns with a large tote filled to the brim. I’m hoping he hasn’t blown his entire paycheck on food. He hands me the bag as he climbs into the cab.

“I wasn’t sure which you’d like best, so I got both the turkey and chicken. And just because I don’t like the ham salads doesn’t mean you won’t.” Darien won’t meet my gaze and busies himself putting on his seatbelt. “Also, we got in these new scones. I haven’t tried them yet, so I got a few. You can tell me what you think.”

Aww. Instead of me taking care of him, he’s taking care of me. He’s seen how I eat. One sandwich is like a few bites for me.

“That was very nice of you, Darien.”

His cheeks pink. “You’ve been very good to me. I really didn’t expect you to buy me all those meals.”

“What did I tell you?” I tuck a loose curl behind his ear. “It’s my pleasure.”

I decide we’re taking care of each other.

On our way back to my place, we swap cranky customer stories and try to determine which one of us had it the worst.

“I think you win.” I chuckle. “I’ve never heard anyone complain about asymmetrical blueberries before.”

“Right?” Darien slaps his knee. “And she kept insisting that they must be defective because they weren’t all perfectly round.”

“Has she never had a blueberry before? How could she not know this?”

Humans.

Darien barks out a laugh. ”That’s the best part! She assumed the blueberries she gets at home are crappy ones and that once she bought them in the country, she’d get real ones.”

“Boy, she must’ve been pretty disappointed when you explained it to her.”

Darien shakes his head. “No. She just called me a liar and left.”

I tamp down the anger rising in me. I don’t like anyone calling my maybe boyfriend a liar.

“I’m sorry she was so rude to you.” I attempt to keep my tone light.