He laughs. “I’m joking. I’ll give you this Friday off. You can come with us. The parties here are fun. You’re missing out.”
Dread fills me. I don’t like parties, and it doesn’t sit well with me. He’s giving me the night off only so that I can spend it with him and his friends. I glance away and fix my ponytail. “Maybe,” I say offhandedly.
When Cameron walks away, Mel comes over. “Did Cameron say you’re not working Friday?” she asks quietly.
“He did.”
“I love my weekends off. You can work mine if you want.”
I’m looking forward to my day off. She must notice my expression because she says, “Don’t worry about it.”
“No, no, I’ll do it.” It’s an excuse for not going to the party, I guess.
She smiles. “Awesome. Thanks. You don’t want to go to a party with them anyway. All they do is get drunk and hook up.”
That’s why I don’t want to go. “Can you show me around town after our shift?” If someone else shows me, then I shouldn’t get lost. I’m hopeless with directions.
“I’m busy... Maybe another time?”
Disappointment hits me, but I smile anyway. “Yeah, perhaps next time.” I really have to meet more people.
The lunch rush is busy. I haven’t stopped. Fortunately, no glasses were shattered. I’m wiping a table when I hear the front door open. The room goes quiet.
“Oh. My. God!” Mel says in a high-pitched voice. Before I have time to look up, she rushes to my side, grabs my shoulder, and gives it a shake. “It’s him!”
I frown. “Him who?”
“It’s Axle!”
Suddenly, I can’t breathe. I freeze as all the air is sucked out of my lungs in one big breath.How did he find me?I briefly gather courage before stealing a glance at him. He saunters in, surveys the restaurant. His face is passive until his eyes find me. A broad grin spreads across his face. With a confident stride, he approaches. My heart pounds with such force that it might crack a rib.
Axle checks me out with no subtlety whatsoever. He’s wearing dark jeans, a fitted white shirt, and a vest. This is the part where I should run, but my limbs are frozen solid and my feet are bolted to the floor. Anxiety courses through my veins.
Axle stands right before me. I swallow hard and stare up at his big hazel eyes and crooked smile. I’m so small compared to him.
“Don’t I get a hug?” he asks cheekily, with a raised brow. “We’re good friends after all.”
I’m trying to smile, but I think it might look more like a grimace.He’s flirting. Eek!
He steps closer and leans in, and the scent of pine and cedar washes over me. His hot breath makes goosebumps travel up my arms. “You have no reason to fear me. I don’t bite...” He pauses. “Well, I do, but only if you want me to.”
A shiver rolls through me and my jaw drops, hitting the floor with a thump because... he did not just say that. “How did you find me?” I squeak, finally finding my words.
He chuckles. “It wasn’t difficult.”
“I’m Mel,” a seductive voice comes from beside me.
I forgot she was standing there. As I look out over the restaurant, I realize that all eyes are on us, and my cheeks redden.
“Axle,” he says to her with a chin lift.
I’ve never seen Mel smile so wide.
“I was hoping to order,” he says before he glances back at me.
“We have a seat available right by the window. The best view in the restaurant,” Mel’s quick to respond.
“He’s not staying.” The words seem to fall from my mouth. I flinch. I didn’t mean to say that aloud. He’s caught me off guard, and I’m a blabbering mess.
