Page 89 of Peaks and Promises

The inside was just as dingy and dated as the outside. Worn-out tables and chairs, threadbare carpet. Most of the tables were empty, and a sign in front read Seat Yourself.

I picked a table near the back where I could see the whole place. No Summer, but I might have gotten there too late. Or on her day off. Didn’t matter. I’d grab a motel and stick around. She’d come to work eventually.

A middle-aged guy who hadn’t figured out his beer gut was too big for his shirt came to my table.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“Coke.”

“Menu’s right there.” He gestured to the laminated menus tucked into a stand on one end of the table. “Or do you know what you want?”

“Just a burger.”

“Fries?”

I nodded once.

He left to take my order to the kitchen, and as soon as he stepped away from the table, I saw her.

She stood with her back to me, talking to the customers at a table across the restaurant. Was it her? Long blond hair in a ponytail. Wicked curves that could certainly be Summer’s. My eyes trailed up and down, taking her in, and my lip curled in a sneer. As much as I hated her, she did have a hot ass.

Maybe I’d have to get my hands on it again. She’d resist, but that would make it fun.

I stared at her while she took the table’s orders. In about ten seconds, she was going to turn around and see me. I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face. She thought she could run? Who did she think she was dealing with? You couldn’t run from us. We were Mayhem. Of course we were going to find her.

She turned, but instead of grinning at her in triumph, my mouth dropped open.

Fucking Cutthroat. It wasn’t her.

Not Summer disappeared into the kitchen. It was tempting to get up and follow her for a closer look, just in case, but I waited. The guy brought my Coke, and a moment later, she emerged again, carrying a tray of drinks to her table.

Definitely wasn’t her, although I could see why Cutthroat thought it might have been. Who knew when he’d actually seen her last, and the waitress did resemble her.

She dropped off the drinks and glanced my direction. I was hardcore staring at her, and she clearly noticed.

Her eyes darted around, like she wasn’t sure if I was looking at her or something else. I didn’t bother glancing away—held her eyes while I took a drink of my Coke. Her lips twitched in a smile.

That was interesting. Maybe it wouldn’t be a wasted trip after all.

The guy brought my food. I ignored him, but every time not-Summer was in view, my eyes were on her. I watched her like a hawk, and she ate it up, casting coy glances in my direction. Finally, after bringing food out to her table, she came over to mine.

Son of a bitch. Her name tag said Summer.

I almost laughed out loud.

“Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, fine.”

“Can I get you anything else?”

Grinning—it was too fucking funny—I looked her up and down again. “How about a drink with you?”

She bit her bottom lip and smiled. “Yeah, sure. I’m off in a few.”

“I’ll wait.”

“What’s your name?”