Page 40 of Unbidden

“Lost some of the shine, huh?” Sterling quirks his lips.

“Stop being a jackwad and just tell me what you want to drink.”

“Gasp! I think I need to speak with your manager.” Finley holds a hand over his heart in mock astonishment.

“Gladly.”

I turn to walk away, but a hand shoots out to grab my arm. My eyes lock on Elijah across the diner, his look troubled as he follows the hand on my arm. He goes to move, but I give him a small shake of the head. I recognize his need to come save me, but I don’t need that. I can take care of these asswipes on my own.

Steeling myself, I turn around. My eyes meet the deep green of Reed’s.

“Didn’t I tell you to never touch me again?” I grit out.

He slowly lets go, holding his hand up in a sign of surrender.

“No need to grab the manager. The guys will behave.” He gives them each a pointed stare before turning back to me. “I would like a Coke.”

My shock must’ve shown on my face, because Reed begins to smirk. I pull my gaze from him as the other guys give me their drink orders.

“I’ll be right back with those and give you a couple minutes to look at the menu.”

As I pass back toward the kitchen, I shoot Elijah a reassuring smile. He gives me a slight nod in return.

Once I fill their drink orders, I turn to go back, but Beth stops me.

“Is that table giving you trouble? I saw one of them grab you.” The concern in her eyes warms me.

“I’m good. I go to school with them. They were only messing around. I can handle it.”

She smiles. “Good. Let me know if you have any trouble.”

I notice Elijah has left. I grab his check and place it in my apron before walking over to the guys’ table.

“Here are your drinks.” I deliver each one before tucking the tray under my arm and pulling out my notepad. “Are you guys ready to order?”

Sterling mutters something under his breath that makes the other two laugh. Reed doesn’t react and instead turns to me.

“What would you suggest?”

I narrow my eyes, not trusting that he isn’t messing with me. “I don’t know what you like.”

“What do you like? What would you order?”

I let out a heavy sigh and cock my hip, placing my hand on it. “What’s your angle here?”

“Why are you always so suspicious? Maybe I don’t know what I want to eat.”

“Fine. The burger with the fried egg on top and the garlic fries.”

“No way. She’s lying,” Finley says.

“You know, maybe you guys need another moment. I have other tables.”

Before I can walk away, Reed responds. “I’ll have that. Medium with pepper jack cheese.”

I turn back around reluctantly, then write down his order.

“Anyone else ready to order?” I ask.

---