Page 4 of Wild Curves
My palms sweat, and panic sets in.
“Um, we’re both working this weekend. Double shifts.”
“That’s alright, honey. We’ll look around the mountains. We’ve been meaning to visit and see the place. There’s some good shopping in Hope, I hear. Hey, does Allan fish? Should Dad bring his rod?”
Oh my god, this got out of control real fast. My palm goes to my forehead as I try to backtrack.
“Um, I don’t know. Please don’t come. It’s too soon…”
But as usual Mom barrels over me.
“We’ve been meaning to come and check out the Wild Taste Restaurant. Dad’s worried that it’s run by an MC.”
“But…” I try to protest that the Wild Riders are ex-military and not into anything sketchy, but Mom cuts me off.
“Oh, I know what you’re going to say, but your dad wants to check it out for himself. See what the club that employs you is all about.”
I stride to the kitchen door and peer out through the round window. Arlo sees me and holds up the last strawberry.
“It’s good,” he mouths, and my stomach does a little flip.
“I gotta go,” says Mom. “We’ll see you Friday, MeMe. You and Allan.”
I press my head against the door and close my eyes.
What have I done?
2
ARLO
Iwalk into the bar to prep for the lunch shift, and my breath hitches in my chest. I pause and lean against the bar, my gaze resting on the back of the woman who’s haunted my dreams for the last three months.
How could she not? Maggie’s short and curvy like a cute baby doll. She’s quiet and shy, but I bet there are hidden depths behind her observant brown eyes, which dart away every time I catch her looking at me.
I haven’t spoken to Maggie since she brought out the Strawberry Sins yesterday. It’s no secret that the shy assistant cook aspires to move up in the kitchen. One of the perks of the job is trying out the new desserts she spends her spare time making. Travis is impressed, and I hope he give her the promotion she deserves.
But it’s not the Strawberry Sins I’m thinking of as I watch her at the table in the restaurant corner.
Maggie’s positioned herself with her back to the bar looking out at the road and the view of the valley beyond. She must have been here early doing food prep and is taking her break before the lunch rush starts. Her chef’s hat is sitting on the table, and strands of hair fall from her sloppy bun and trail down her neck. I’d love to sweep the tendrils up with my fingertips and feel the soft skin of her neck.
I’m not sure when I started having these thoughts about the shy assistant cook. I’m known for my ability to charm anyone, but every time I try to talk to her, she darts away. She’s a mystery to me, one I’m dying to unravel.
But I’m a patient man. We’re slowly getting to know each other, and I’ll bide my time until she’s ready.
I fix a hot chocolate with extra cream and marshmallows, her favorite, and take it over to the table.
She’s staring intently at her phone and doesn’t hear me coming. I don’t mean to sneak up on her, but as I come closer, she huffs and lifts her phone up.
There’s a picture of a bearded man with a face tattoo. She swipes left, and another man comes on screen, this one with a beard and a lopsided grin that promises far too much.
My blood floods with heat when I realize what she’s up to.
“You’re on a dating site?” The words slip out as emotion courses through me.
She spins around, making a surprised squeak, and her phone slips to the floor.
I’ve got no business getting in her business, but the thought of Maggie dating another guy has my blood boiling.
