Page 13 of The Summer Dare
“Though summers also mean hanging out with my sisters, so I can’t complain.”
When the bell above the door chimes with another customer, my attention’s drawn to them. Before I leave, Ryan grins and points with the knife in his hand toward the couple looking around. “Go. I’ve got a steak to enjoy.”
“Let me know if you need anything,” I offer, then turn andgreet the couple who’s walked in the door as Janelle, the other server working tonight, is busy with customers of her own.
What I love most about this job is how quickly time flies. I’m constantly busy with the ebb and flow of patrons. Even on a weekday in a small town like Seaside, we definitely have our regulars who keep our tables filled. But summer brings constant tourists with money to burn as well. The tips alone make it worth my while.
As I work my way around the room checking in on customers, my eyes have a mind of their own and flit to Ryan more than I’d ever admit. Unlike most guys my age, his head isn’t in his phone. His phone is face-down on the table and his focus is on the plate in front of him.
The moment he pushes his plate forward and leans his head again on the wall behind him, I flit in his direction hoping our conversation from before continues and I learn more about him. “Are you ready for dessert? We’ve got a Marionberry pie everyone is raving about.”
“Ug, don’t I know. I’m not sure what Nell puts in her pies, but they are to die for.” Sighing he continues. “Sadly, I don’t have any room. What about two pieces to go?”
Two pieces? He must love her pastries. “I’ll make that happen.”
Then he catches me off guard when he completely changes the subject. “Did you walk to work?”
“Uh…” Why is he asking that? That’s odd. Even for him.
When he raises a brow and waits, I go with the truth. “Yeah. I did. But what makes you so interested?”
“You carried a boatload of groceries home with youyesterday morning, instead of driving. Hmmm…originally I asked out of curiosity, to see if my hunch was right.”
“And now?”
“It also gives me an excuse to ask if I can drive you home?”
Cocking my head to the side, I study him carefully. There’s not an ounce of uncertainty in his expression. But why would he wait nearly an hour to drive me less than two miles?
When the answers don’t come to me, I finally speak the loudest thought aloud. “Why?”
Running a hand down his face, he sighs. “That’s a legitimate question. Hell, I’m even asking myself the same thing, if I’m being honest.” Slowly he inhales and releases his breath as he shrugs. “But it all comes down to one thing. You intrigue me, Lanie. Even though we’ve gotten off to a rocky start, I find myself wanting to know you better.”
Who knew shooting straight from the hip would slay me?
All the questions whirling around in my mind stop on a dime. I swear the world around me disappears and I can only hear the constant strum of my heart beating through my ears as my stomach does a loopy-loop and free-falls from the sky.
Ryan’s jaw tightens the longer he waits for my response.
My throat suddenly feels as dry as the Sahara Desert and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth as I roll my lower lip under my teeth and replay his words in my mind.
God, I love his bluntness.
I’m so sick of guys who play games.
Don’t even get me started on that five o’clock shadow he’ssporting.
He’s sexy as sin and from the moment he walked inside the restaurant, I’ve wanted to run my fingers along his scruff.
“Lanie?” he asks and I remember he’s waiting for an answer.
Shit.
“Yes.”
“Yes, as in you’re finally acknowledging that I’ve spoken to you? Or are you saying yes to me taking you home?”
God, I’m such a dork.
