Page 165 of The Invite
That’s when I notice the small diner we’ve stopped at called Charlotte’s Cove. We can’t see inside because of the tinted glass windows and the pretty flower pots adorning on either side of the front gate. A few more bikes and two cars are parked beside ours, letting me know of the minimal patrons hanging around inside. The knowledge we’re in another town eases my anxiety about being caught in public with my student.
I’ve already put my job and future in jeopardy by sleeping with Augustus. Not once, but twice. I can’t even call it a mistake because I all but begged him to claim me.
Sighing, I reluctantly get off, accepting his gloved hand to not lose my balance. After removing my helmet, he dismounts his bike. Kicking the stand, he secures it.
Tucking a wild strand that came loose from my ponytail, he grips my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “You’re the first and only woman who’s sat on my bike. I plan to take you again and often.”
His shocking admission booming in my head, he takes my hand and we stroll toward the diner.
Everything he’s done today has felt like the beginning of something between us. Even though we clearly have an unsaid end date to our forbidden relationship—or rather situationship—looming ahead.
So, he really shouldn’t pull at my heartstrings like that.
The door to the diner creaks when Augustus shoves it open. We’re immediately surrounded by low chatter and utensils clanking in the kitchen in the back. The lights are dim, providing a cozy vibe. Booths line along the walls on each side while in the center, there are a couple of two-seat dining tables. No one pays us any mind as we choose a booth at the very back.
I slide into the seat and plop down. Instead of sitting across from me, Augustus slides in right beside me, slinging his arm along the back of the booth. Not an inch of space between us. My skin burns where our thighs touch despite the clothes.
“There’s a perfectly fine space over there.” I point out to the opposite seat.
“Perfectly fine is for losers,” he scoffs, unzipping his jacket. “I like the absolute best, which is right next to you.”
“You could use a lesson in modesty.”
“You could use one in flattery.”
“Has anyone told you that you’re a smooth talker?” I discreetly shift to the corner, away from his deceptively warm body to put some distance and ward off his hypnotic spell.
“Yes.”
“Who?” Jealousy flares that I have no business or right to feel.
He tugs me flush against his side with one hand curled around my inner thigh, and utters with a smirk, “You.”
My cheeks heat in a telltale blush. However, I’m saved by the young waitress who stops at our table. She taps the pen on her tiny pad, and asks without looking up, “Are you ready to order?”
“Give us a moment.”
At Augustus’s deep voice, she finally looks up and desire reflects in her eyes. Her entire demeanor changes and she cocks her hip to the side while thrusting her chest out at the same time.
I may as well be a cloud of dust for all the attention she gives me.
Possessiveness rears its ugly head and I squash it down, glancing at my lap. She’s closer to his age and stunning. They can flirt all they like, I don’t care. This isn't my insecurities talking, just my self-preservation, which had seemingly taken a back seat until now.
“Would you like to hear the specials?” she offers in a chirpy voice.
My head jerks up when Augustus’s large hand engulfs my clasped ones, and he huskily asks, “Honey, do you want to hear?”
There’s no mistaking the reverence in his tone or the dark possessiveness with which he watches me. All I can manage is a shake of my head.
My heart thuds so loud, I swear the waitress must hear it. However, she’s too busy glaring at me for cockblocking her.
It pisses me off. He came with me. He’s mine. That should clue her in.
If nothing else, the dark hickeys on my neck should.
Giving her a sugary smile, my voice comes out edgy as I dismiss her. “Just bring us the menu and some water, please.”
“Sure,” she huffs and stalks away.
