Page 8 of Jacked-up Mate
The man’s cheeks lit up with a rosy blush. “Coffee? Water?”
“Oh. Water, please. I’m ready to order if you’re willing to take the order.” Goddess, what a stupid thing to say.
It isn’t my usual job,” the man said, chuckling. The sound weaved its way inside me. I’d really love to hear more of that sound. “I’m normally a cook on the night shift, but I’m helping out in the front of the house today.”
And wasn’t that lucky. Not that I wouldn’t have peeked into the kitchen to find him. “Right. Double bacon burger with green-bean fries.”
Foster nodded. “Hey, that’s a rare one. I’ve only had to make the green-bean fries a few times. You got it. Anything else?”
“No. Thank you.” Damn it. That was my opportunity to say, yes, I want your number. But I knew better. It wasn’t like I could date the man at night. This was impossible. If it wasn’t for him coming back over to deliver my water, I might’ve gotten up and left the diner without my meal.
Being me was frustrating at best.
I once was an alpha who got around a lot. I dated and found joy in getting to know new people. Maybe that was why I was cursed.
“Here’s your water. I have a few minutes before my other orders are up. Do you mind if I sit with you?’
“Not at all.” The words poured from my mouth without permission. He sat down and I scented him as he did. Sweet and spicy, like one of those hot chocolates sold down at the coffee shop, the ones with a sprinkling of dried chilis in it. Dark chocolate and spice, that’s what he was.
And an omega to boot.
Other alphas didn’t smell that sweet.
“How are you liking Whisper Grove?”
Foster smiled at me. “It’s great. I love the atmosphere. Everyone seems nice.”
“I wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else.”
“I’m feeling the same way.” A bell rang from the kitchen window. “Hold on.”
Foster came back only a few seconds later with my burger and veggies. “Here you go. Enjoy.”
He sat down again. It must’ve been tough to work on his feet all day. Maybe he was used to it. I had no idea what he’d done before this, but his smile told me it wasn’t a nightmare.
“Thank you.”
I dug into my food while I mulled over ways to ask this omega out and the more important thing, if I should.
“Can I interest you in dessert?” he asked, coming over to take my empty plate.
Maybe it had been that long since I’d had sex, but the way the omega asked the question, I thought he was talking about more than the cherry pie. “No. Thank you. I’m full.”
He paused for a second, working his bottom lip between his teeth. “Then, can I ask you out on a date?”
Oh, man. He read my mind. “Yes. I would really like that. But…during the day if that’s possible?”
Foster didn’t miss a beat. “I get off in a few hours and don’t have a shift in the kitchen tonight. Can you meet me here? We can grab a treat, and you can give me a tour of the town. I bet there are secrets around every corner.”
He had no idea. “I would like that. I’ll see you then.”
Before I left, he gave me his number and for the next few hours, I walked myself into a frenzy, waiting on the time to get to him.
It was like, I was already addicted. We hadn’t even had a date yet.
“Hi,” I said as he came out of the Bubbling Cauldron. He had changed clothes and had a small backpack hoisted over his shoulder.
“Hey. I was hoping you would come.”
