Page 18 of Loup Garou

He leaned back in his booth and shrugged. “I’m just imagining what I’d do if a little girl said that to me when I was younger…uhh…I’d have probably done something stupid like leap away from her like she hadcootiesor something.”

A half snort, half cough tore free from me. “Ohmygod, that’s exactly what he did. Must be a boy thing. He couldn’t have gotten away from me faster if he tried. Great, now I’ll surely continue to call you Xavs. On a bright note, I won’t beg you to play dolls with me.”

His lips twitched. “Dolls. Hmm, you made him play with dolls?”

“Not exactly.” I winked. “I asked, he said no. I cried. He gave in and did a rather bad job of playing along. The point is that he did it.”

“Ah, so you used tears as a weapon.” Exavier ran his fingers over the edge of the menu absently. “No guy can resist tears.”

I let out a soft laugh. “I wish I was that good at getting my way. No. I’d found out we were moving away that morning and I was so upset about leaving him that the second he said no, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. He thought it was the doll thing. It was really an ‘I didn’t want to say goodbye to him’ thing. I had the biggest crush on him.”

“Really?” He licked his lower lip again, a habit I was beginning to really like. “So, you’re saying I’ve got some stiff competition.”

I just laughed.

“Oh my word, do my eyes deceive me or has my angel brought a man with her?”

Looking up, I smiled as I found a six-foot-tall man with short brown hair standing in front of us. He had on his double-knit polyester pants and oh-so-sexy disco days shirt as did every other person working at the diner. He rubbed his chin and stared at Exavier harder than I had. Winking, Harly smiled. “Oh, he’s a looker, Lindsay. Does he have a name or will he answer to Dark and Dangerous?”

Exavier shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat.

“We certainly have a straight one here. Have no fear, Dark and Dangerous. I’m happily married.”

“That’s right!” Charles called from behind the counter. He waved at me. “Hey, hon. How are you feeling? Any better? Jay mentioned you were sick or something last night.”

“I feel wonderful, Charlie. Thanks.” Glancing up at Harly, I winked. “I’m liking the Dark and Dangerous name, though I sort of like Hella Hunk too. It’s a shame someone already got to him and named him Exavier.”

“Well, what would the two of you like today?” Harly rolled his eyes and tossed his hand in the air. “I don’t know why I’m bothering to ask you, Lindsay. You get the same thing every time you come in here. We’re still trying to figure out where you put all the food you eat.”

Grinning, I tried to push my stomach out. I lifted my red-ribbed T-shirt and patted the almost non-existent mound. “Here.” I held it out until I was forced to exhale or burst. I chose the first option.

“She’s a nervous ball of energy. That’s how she burns all that food off. It’s in her aura, Harly. I told you that already.” Charles poured several cups of coffee, talking over the other patrons as he went. “I’m telling you, she doesn’t leave her lights on for any old reason. The girl can’t sleep and when she does, it’s fitful at best.”

Smiling, I shook my head. “Charlie, they have stalking laws you know.”

Harly tapped my arm. “Speaking of stalkers, that Stan guy you’ve been having trouble with showed up again this morning. Jay went crazy on him. He even threatened to shoot him if he dared get near you again. No offense to Dark and Dangerous, but why is it you never meet Jayhere for lunch anymore? Half the time you barely miss each other. Are you two on the outs again?”

Great, just great. Jay was already gunning for me about the attack. Couple in Stan the Stalker showing up after I left and Jay was sure to be pleasant.

I shuddered and did my best not to dwell on that. “I don’t know. Make up an answer and I’ll smile prettily and agree with it.”

Charles leaned over the counter. “Sweetie, never give Harly permission to make something up. You know that.”

Harly laughed. “Oh, I don’t need to make things up where Lindsay and Jay are concerned.” I went to object and he arched a brow. “I know. I know. You two are not a couple anymore. I understand that, but it still didn’t diminish the drama and I’m all about the drama.”

“Drama?” Exavier asked, taking more of an interest in the conversation than I liked.

Harly grinned. “Our Lindsay has a bit of a temper.”

“Really, I hadn’t noticed.” Exavier winked at me and I almost melted. “Tell me about some of this drama between her and Jay.”

My eyes widened and I cleared my throat. “Umm, Yes, I’m ready to order. I’ll take the usual. Exavier?”

“I’ll have what she’s having. Thanks.”

Harly walked away, giving me a rather funny expression as he went. Glancing at Exavier, I found him biting back a smile. “You have some interesting friends.”

“Yeah, they’re great.”

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