Page 5 of A Very Grumpy Green Beret

She looks so defeated. I hate seeing the disappointment and worry on her face as she slides a copy of her resume across the counter.

I want to tuck her against me and tell her she doesn’t have to work, that I’ll take care of everything. I don’t see that going over well, though. I may have fixed her tire, but I’m still a stranger. I need to win her trust. Need her to be a fraction as obsessed with me as I am with her.

And I need that to happen soon before I lose my mind and kidnap her.

I’m still trying to figure out how to approach my girl when she turns to leave and collides with my chest. She jerks backward, and I reach out instinctively to steady her.

“Easy,” I say softly.

Perry looks up in shock, then relaxes as her pale blue eyes lock onto my face. The smile she gives me lights up her face, and I almost beat my chest like a Neanderthal.

“Luca,” she says. “What are you doing here?”

Stalking you. Doing anything I can to get close to you.

“I was grabbing a coffee before I ran some errands,” I say instead.

“Coffee?” Cameron asks.

I nod. “To go, please. Plus whatever Perry would like.”

“Oh, I’m okay,” Perry says just as her stomach growls.

I raise an eyebrow at her.

She blushes, then grins sheepishly. “Maybe a blueberry muffin.”

“And two breakfast burritos. Do you want bacon or sausage?” I ask.

“You don’t have to feed me,” she protests.

I stare at her.

She sighs. “Bacon, please.”

“Coming right up,” Cameron says cheerfully, turning to put our order in.

“You really don’t have to buy me breakfast,” Perry says.

I shrug one shoulder. “It’s no big deal.”

She ducks her head and bites down on her bottom lip. The urge to tug her lip free with my thumb is almost overwhelming, but I know she’s not ready for me to touch her like that. And I’m not sure I could stop at one touch. I’m greedy when it comes to my girl.

“Are you out running errands too?” I ask as we lean against the counter.

“Kind of. I’m looking for a job, but I haven’t had much luck. No one seems to be hiring.”

I open my mouth, about to offer her a job working for me, when Cameron returns and sets my coffee and Perry’s blueberry muffin in front of us.

Perry smiles. “Thanks.”

“Of course,” Cameron replies, placing the bill on the counter. “Burritos should be up in a second.”

I grab my wallet and place the cash on the counter next to the bill. “Keep the change.”

Cameron grins and thanks me before heading back to the kitchen to grab the rest of our order.

Once our food arrives, I’ll have no reason to stay and talk to Perry. Panic slams into me. I should’ve ordered more food. Handcuffed her to a booth. Okay, maybe handcuffs are taking things a little too far. Although…