Page 24 of Carver’s Craving

“Yep. We’re here.” He parked and shut off the engine. “It’s all good, Styx. Just enjoy yourself.”

“Okay.” With that, we headed in.

Chapter Seven

Carver

The scent of bacon, French fries, and coffee hit me like a wave. Comfort enveloped me. Lorcan, Riley, Stella, Aimee—most folks from the crew sometimes came here for lunch if a project was going well or if the weather was super crappy and we didn’t have heat where we worked. Our foreperson, Foster, usually had a good handle on things. Lorcan, his right hand, was there to ensure everything ran smoothly. The men had hired me on the spot when I presented myself with my credentials. Full-time with benefits on day one. That spoke to their trust in me.

Even after I confessed what happened back in Ontario.

I worked my ass off every day to ensure they knew their trust in me was well-placed.

“This place is so cool.” Styx whispered the words in my ear, tickling my skin with his breath.

“Classic diner—one doesn’t see them around much anymore. This one is used for filming a lot of movies and television shows.”

“Wow. Anything I might’ve heard of?”

“Carver! Great to see you.” Sarabeth headed our way with her trademark smile, her blonde ponytail swinging.

I couldn’t hold back a genuine smile—she always brightened my day. “Hey Sarabeth. Not too busy yet.”

“Give it an hour. For two?”

I nodded.

“There’s a booth near the back with your name on it. Menus on the table. Two coffees?”

I nodded.

“Great. I’ll be right there.” She eyed Styx.

Who waved. “Friend of Carver’s.”

Her grin broadened—if that were possible. “Friends always welcome. Take care of him.” She headed to the kitchen.

I headed toward the back—trying to digest what they had said. Nothing unusual…right? Styx was my friend. At least he hadn’t said old friend. That would’ve invited more questions. Questions for which I didn’t really have answers. Sarabeth was just being casual, not reading too much into us with that “take care of him.” Right?

As we neared the booth, I gestured for Styx to take the seat against the wall—so he could see the diner. And so my back was to the crowd. Right…like that’ll give you privacy. Maybe if no one spotted me, then I wouldn’t have to introduce Styx and come up with explanations.

Styx removed his jacket, shoved it against the wall, and slid into the booth beside it. He snagged a menu and gazed at the first page.

With a bit less speed, I slipped off my coat, folded it, tucked it beside me, sat in the booth, and picked up the menu. I knew it by heart, though. Still, I read the first page. “Okay, that is close to fifty flavors of milkshake.”

He shook his head. “Nope. Exactly fifty.”

Since I wasn’t going to either verify or argue, I merely nodded. “Tell you what—how about we get a couple to go when we leave? Then you can sip it in the afternoon.”

His stunning blue eyes lit with obvious pleasure and his mouth curved into a wide smile. “Really?”

I nodded.

“Yeah, that would be amazing. Unicorn flavor?”

“You can even have black licorice.” Again…blech.

“I’ll consider it.” He laid the menu on the table. “You come here often, eh? Sarabeth seems friendly.”