Page 43 of Hard To Stay

Chapter Sixteen

Brad

Lexi had mentionedon more than one occasion that she missed the food and the culture from the south. We’d spent the past week huddled up in my apartment so I thought a change of scenery would do us both good. Plus, I really wanted to get the hell out of my apartment. It had been nice having her all to myself, but I was starting to go stir crazy staying inside.

Colton had been off the grid since he ambushed us outside her building last week. I didn’t like the unknown and his silence was getting to me. Constantly looking over my shoulder and sleeping with one eye open every night wasn’t the healthiest way to live. But if it meant she was kept safe, I would gladly suffer the consequences. She was worth it.

We walked into one of my favorite restaurants in the city. This place was nothing short of a hole in the wall, but if you were looking for the best barbeque in town, this was your place.

Lexi’s back hit my chest the second we stepped inside. Her head moved slowly around the room. “Are you sure this place is safe?”

I kept my face neutral while I pretended to think it over. “Guess we’ll have to find out for ourselves.” I gestured with my hand to let her lead the way. Her steps were slow and measured as she continued to look over her shoulder at one of the bikers sitting at the bar.

We sat in a small booth near the back and the waitress handed us our menus. “What can I get you kids to drink?”

Lexi eyes skated from her menu to our waitress. She appeared to be in her early forties. Her entire body was covered in tattoos and piercings and she looked to be about eight months pregnant. “I’ll just have a water for now. Thanks.” She replied, politely and folded her hands in her lap.

You could tell she didn’t know what to make of this place. It was dark, and dangerous- looking. The wood tables looked like they needed a fresh coat of stain and the floorboards had nails popping out all over the place. Every square inch of wall space was covered. There were random pictures of random sizes with no discernable theme or order. It was so unique that it held your attention.

“I’ll have a water, too, and bring us two Coronas with lime, please.”

Once the waitress was gone, I reached across the table for Lexi’s hand. She placed her palm inside mine and I began to stroke her thumb gently. “Relax, you’re going to love the food. I promise.” I debated on easing her discomfort by letting her know that this place was a local landmark and was frequented by tourists, celebrities and politicians for the unique atmosphere and incredible food. But it was too much fun watching her eyes move around the room with interest taking in the surroundings.

She finally leaned into the table and whispered low enough so only I could hear her. “Are you sure this place is inspected by the health department?”

“Pretty sure that’s the law.” I replied, leaning back into the booth and looking over the menu.

“You’ve been here before?”

“Many times, and I lived to tell about it.”

The waitress appeared. “Have you guys decided yet?” She asked, pulling her pen out of her BBQ-stained apron.

I looked at Lexi, who was still looked unsure about what to order. “What’s good here?” She asked, as her eyes scanned over her choices.

“Everything.” The waitress and I replied at the same time.

Lexi blinked her eyes up at me and smiled. “Okay! You can order for me,” she said, finally closing her menu.

I turned towards the waitress who looked ready to leave if we didn’t give her an order soon. “We will have a full rack of ribs, two pulled pork sandwiches, and for the sides, we’ll have the mac and cheese, mac salad, baked beans and corn bread.” I handed the waitress our menus as she finished writing everything down.

Once she walked away, Lexi’s eyes shot to mine. “Are you expecting company?” She asked, looking at me like I was crazy.

My lips twisted. “Nope, and you’re going to help me eat every bit of it.” I told her before taking a sip of my Corona.

A grin broke out across her mouth. “Now I know you’ve lost your mind.”

I winked. “Want to bet?” There was nothing else that made me smile more than seeing her look so happy and relaxed. We needed this. I needed it.

She rolled her eyes, apparently so sure of herself. “Sure, why not? To be clear though, I will not be giving you a chance to win your Lexus back. Because make no mistake, it will be mine. So… bring it on.”

I leaned back in the booth and brought my hands to the back of my head when an idea struck me like a bolt of lightning. “How about if I win, you’ll let me use my handcuffs on you in the bedroom tonight?”

Big blue eyes locked on mine. I wasn’t into all that kinky shit that women were reading about lately, but that didn’t mean I didn’t like to spice it up every once in a while, and have a little fun. I wanted Lexi to trust me. I wanted to take away all her troubles and physically fuck them out of her system. The only thing I wanted her to worry about was where my mouth and hands were going to land next.

A small smile curled at the end of her lips. “And if I win?” She asked, arching an eyebrow. She seemed to be warming up to the idea. Either that or she was feigning interest and planned on shooting me down.

I fought hard to cover my grin when I answered. “If you win, you get to use the handcuffs on me.”

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