Page 31 of Maddox
Later that evening, I’m at the diner. My feet ache in my sensible black tennis shoes. My back twinges every time I walk, and a dull pain has flared in the back of my skull.
Notwithstanding the cramps that rolled through an hour ago, I’ve been obsessing over my encounter with Maddox.
He’s so freaking hot that he scrambles my brain but at the same time despite his obvious teasing, he was surprisingly open about period stuff.
Maybe that’s because he has a sister, but Micah does too, and he acts like I have the fucking plague whenever I’m on the rag.
The first half of my shift is busy, and I’m so focused on my duties I don't have time to complain about my aching feet.
By nine o’clock though, it’s cleared up and I work from booth to booth, cleaning up the tables of dirty dishes left behind.
When the distinct roar of a motorcycle rumbles through the windows I look up.
Following the sound, I glance outside as none other than Maddox and another man dismount their bikes in the lot.
His black hair glints under the streetlamp and I follow the line of his jaw to his wicked lips before dropping my eyes to his chest.
Micah is built. He has to be to play ball, but his husky frame cannot compare to Maddox, who’s lean build and sleek muscles brutally stretch the material of his shirt.
While I practically drool, Darcy, my coworker and the woman who trained me, stops at my shoulder and says, “Thank fuck. It’s time to have a little fun.”
Fun? I have no idea what she means and I’m trying to calm my raging nerves as the two approach and I back away hastily.
Spinning to the counter, I eye it in a daze while the bell dings behind me and I rasp over my shoulder, “Take a seat. Be right there.”
From the corner of my eyes, I watch them sit in a booth in my section.
Despite the flutter in my belly, I remember his harsh words when Maddox found me at their compound. I mean, the fuck hot kiss after was amazing but I can’t let myself forget that he thinks I don’t belong in his world.
It would be foolish to fall into his teasing when I know that at the end of the day, it’s just that. It can never be more.
Not only that, but I have to face off against him and try to act cool after our exchange in the candy aisle, something I clearly struggle with around this guy.
Ugh.
After grabbing two menus, I place them on the table, glancing up when Maddox’s friend says, “Coffee.”
This one is older but hot damn, I think my synapses fry when I meet his beautiful caramel eyes.
He belongs on the cover of a magazine for rugged manly outdoor shit or something.
“Same,” Maddox says.
“O-Okay,” I stutter, moving my gaze away from the man’s lush lips, only to stare at the column of his throat. Shit, even his throat is sexy.
Mustering a smile, I look away, my cheeks heating. His long fingers tap the table as I back away and Maddox growls, “Romeo.”
Romeo turns away with a grin and I can breathe once again. He’s too freaking perfect to look at but strangely it’s Maddox’s brooding facade that creates a flock of butterflies whooping it up in my stomach.
The name definitely fits the man though because Romeo must break hearts everywhere he goes.
Once I’m behind the counter, I glance back surreptitiously, noting their heads bowed together as they speak.
They’re the last two patrons and we’ve got about an hour to go before I can close out.
When Darcy emerges from the back, I pause by her side, watching while she fluffs her hair. What is she doing?
Before I can comment, she swipes the steaming hot coffee from my hands, unapologetic when some splashes onto my fingers before marching to my table.
