Page 12 of Jake's Angel

My chair scrapes the floor loudly as I drag it a little closer to the table, and her eyes flick to me momentarily. She’s taking me in from head to toe, slowly. I tilt my head, the corners of my mouth curving as I smirk. Realizing she’s been caught ogling, she looks away, back to her plate, nervous, but not speaking.

I do a little perusal of my own and notice something’s off.

It’s over ninety degrees and the little blonde is wearing a hoodie and jeans. Where most girls are showing off their bodies in the summer, she’s trying to hide hers.

She looks so small, balled up in the corner of the booth next to Hawk. There’s an innocence to her. Both wonder and wariness are at war behind her beautiful, emerald green eyes, revealing a vulnerability that tugs at my protective instincts.

She’s breathtaking. One of those natural beauty types. The kind of girl who doesn’t have to work at making herself look pretty. She just is. Every guy in here has looked his fill. Most girlswould be basking in the attention, but not her. She’s trying her damnedest to make herself seem invisible.

Her long blonde hair is pulled back in a high ponytail, the end of which almost touches her waistline. A black choker with a set of angel’s wings adorns her slender neck. Her eyes scan the restaurant and the parking lot nervously. She’s either worried about something, or maybe she’s not comfortable around men like us. We are intimidating to most people.

Hawk, being the attention whore he is, deviates my attention from the intriguing woman. Leaning over the table, he grabs a piece of sausage off Sadie’s plate and asks, “So, what have you beautiful ladies been up to this morning?” Sadie stabs his hand with her fork, forcing him to pull it back. Rubbing the spot on his hand, he yells, “Damn it, woman!”

“Don’t. Touch. My. Sausage.” Sadie growls, raising her brow at him.

“All right. But for the record, you can touch my sausage any time you like.” He wiggles his brows.

“Already been chewed food isn’t my style.” Sadie sasses back. Skyler giggles, but it’s the gasp from the small stranger that has me curious.

Misty walks by, handing us our coffee on her way through the diner. Hawk winks, “Thank you, darlin′.” She checks to make sure no one else needs anything, grabbing up some empty plates before scurrying off back to the kitchen.

“And who is this delectable creature?” Hawk leans toward the mystery guest sharing his seat, as she leans further into the window.

I saw her first.

She doesn’t say anything, only makes eye contact with Sadie.

What the hell is she so afraid of?

“Don’t worry darlin′. I don’t bite unless you’re into that sort of thing. Then I’m more than happy to oblige.” He gives her hisgo-to boyish grin. The one most women seem to melt for. “So, tell me darlin′, are you? Into those types of things?” She scoffs, rolling her eyes at his flirting. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me happy to see her brush Hawk off.

She looks at Sadie as if asking for something. Permission maybe? Sadie offers a wide smile and a nod of approval.

“Does your cocky bullshit actually work?” The blonde shakes her head, then shovels another piece of waffle into her mouth like she didn’t just bust his balls. Ethan, Sadie, and Sky laugh. Hawk scrunches his face, but he’s amused with her. I can’t figure the little thing out.

Whoever she is, she isn’t afraid to eat in front of people, and I have to admit I’m kind of enjoying the way she’s putting each bite in and swiping the sticky syrup off her lips with her finger before sucking it clean.

“Depends on the woman, I suppose. Why? Is it working?” He looks at her mouth, watching her take another bite.

Around a mouth full of waffle, she questions him, “You’re kidding, right?”

“I never kid when it comes to pleasing a woman. Tell me what it is you like, darlin′, and I’ll make sure you leave satisfied and ruined for any other man that comes after me.”

Sadie scoffs.

“Sorry to disappoint you,darlin′,but I’ve already been ruined for all men. But thanks for the offer.” She pats his shoulder condescendingly.

The conviction in her tone says she believes what she’s said. She doesn’t mean it the same way Hawk did.

“Oh, I get it. You’re not into men,” Hawk says, nodding his head as if it finally makes sense why a woman is unaffected by him. The blonde gives him a‘you’re an idiot’look but doesn’t deny his claim.

I’m certain she’s not into women. Not with how she quietly is checking me out when she thinks I’m not paying attention. But I am paying attention. To everything. She’s not a lesbian. She’s fucking with him. And I find I like that she is.

Bringing her finger to her lips, she licks it clean again. She’s clueless about what she’s doing. There’s no hint of flirtation or sarcasm in her tone. She’s thoroughly enjoying her damn food and now I have to discreetly adjust myself.

I turn the focus back to Sadie.

“You need to hurry and finish your food, Sadie. We’re taking you to pick up your car at the clubhouse, and Pop needs a word.” At my stern tone and the command that she leave with us, Sadie narrows her eyes at me.

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