Page 5 of Marcello
“Tomorrow morning at six is when I’ll put it out. Do you want me to save you some? I honestly didn’t know before that strawberries were your favorite.”
“Nope. I’ll be there. I’m not doing anything, and yeah, I was going to sleep in, but I can come to the bakery, grab my strawberry delight, and then go back to bed.”
Lewis chuckled. Movement to my right caught my attention, and I watched as Cole and his date stood. He placed his hand on her back and guided her right toward us, but then again, we were sitting close to the door. I rolled my eyes when he gave me a pleading look. No, thank you, mister. If you truly wanted just me, then you wouldn’t have accepted her date. Nor would you have your hand on her back as you two walked past us. I shoved another fry in my mouth, and when Lewis picked up my shake, I grinned. He moaned when he took a drink, and I nodded.
“Yep. That’s why I get it.”
“That’s so good.”
“I know.” I glanced left just as Cole kissed the woman, and I felt like I wanted to puke. He was definitely a nope in my book for all of eternity.
“Did he really just do that?”
“Yep.” I picked up my burger and took a big bite. It was good, but it wasn’t as good as the shake in my opinion.
“There are nicer places to go on dates. Why did he bring her here?”
I shrugged. “Lots of people come here for dates.” I looked back behind Lewis at the group of alphas that were back there. They all seemed as if they had just chosen this place to come to dinner. They were all talking, seated at the tables of four, but they were talking to others who were next to them. I’d never seen them before and had to wonder where they’d come from. I couldn’t scent what species they were because there were too many scents in here to differentiate between them all.
“How do you decide your menu?” I asked.
“It’s honestly not anything specific. We just make what we feel like making. I was in a strawberry mood, so I thought I’d make it this weekend.”
I grinned. “I will be there tomorrow. And again on Sunday.”
Another couple got up, and when they walked past, I noticed the one was holding his stomach. He was wearing an oversized shirt, and I smiled. He was probably pregnant. He met my gaze and smiled back before he and the guy with him walked past.
“Abel, we really need to talk.”
I sighed when Cole came up to our table, all attraction for the guy now gone. “No, we don’t. Go back to your date.”
Lewis had a thunderous expression on his face. “Dude,” Lewis said. “You’re interrupting our supper. You had yours. We didn’t bother you with your date. Now, leave us to ours, or I will zap you.”
Cole’s head flinched back as if he’d been slapped. When he continued to stand there, I had to roll my lips inward to keep from laughing. Lewis did exactly what he’d said he would. I couldn’t see his magic, but I knew when the fae zapped the alpha. He jerked another way and suddenly grabbed his groin. I smiled at my dinner companion. He really was fun to be with. And just like I’d heard about fae, he actually was mischievous. It was a risk to do such a thing here in public. But he was amazing for doing that for me.
Cole gave me a look before he got up and slowly walked out of the restaurant. I didn’t know if he actually left or if he was going to be waiting for me in the parking lot. I picked up the shake and started drinking it again. At this point, I just wanted to go home, put on my comfy jammies, and curl up in bed. I pushed the rest of my food away, upset with myself for letting Cole do this to me.
“I’m sorry,” Lewis said.
I shrugged. “Don’t be. He’s not worth it, and you zapped him in the balls. Or dick?”
Lewis smiled. “Both. He’ll be numb there for a few hours, so even if he was planning on getting it on with his girlfriend, he won’t be able to for a while.”
“Seriously, that just made my night. He’s not my mate, and he was just someone to spend time with. I liked him, and he was the first alpha I’ve let get close since I was rescued. Apparently, I can’t pick guys though, so I’ll go back to not dating.”
Lewis looked like he was going to say something, but he gazed behind me, and his expression suddenly changed. “Can we go? If you’re finished?”
I nodded. After I stood and picked up my tray, I tried to figure out who Lewis had seen/what caused the change in Lewis's demeanor, but there was only a trio of guys waiting at the counter to order. We made it to the door before they called out to him.
“Lewis.”
I looked at him, wondering if I needed to help him the way he had me with Cole. Lewis sighed. “It’s all right. You can go ahead and go.” I glanced at the trio. “They’re enforcers,” he whispered. “From where I’m from.” It took me a moment to recognize them. I’d seen at least two of them in the store before. “Seriously, go on. They’re going to be difficult to get away from.”
“I can stay,” I told him. “Or I can tell them we have plans.”
“Naw. I don’t mind talking to them. They can just be a bit overprotective at times.”
I sighed. I would love nothing but that. I wanted overprotective alphas for friends. “All right,” I said. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning though.”
