Page 16 of His Valentine Claim

“Roman ensures my salary is fair to stick to you–”

“Like silly putty,” I finish for him, and he grins while giving me a clipped nod. “You’ll come inside for lunch then.” It’s not a question. I’ll make him. Somehow.

“Whatever you like, Miss Joy.”

“Valentine!” I reiterate as I walk away and hear his chuckle as I enter the restaurant.

It’s almost ten, so the breakfast rush is over, but there are some brunchers inside, and as I head to the employee lounge, I hear a group of men coming in, a little rowdy. Turning a bit, I notice the hostess take them to my section and roll my eyes. Great start to the morning. Hopefully, they’re good tippers.

“Morning.” I smile at the kitchen staff as I pass. I get a few waves and greetings in response, but they’re busy. After putting my stuff away, I wrap the apron around my waist and head out to greet the men just seated.

Grabbing a coffee pot from the coffee station, I plaster on a friendly smile as I approach the group of four. “Good morning, gentlemen. My name is Val, and I’ll be your server this morning. Can I offer anyone a fresh coffee?” I get nods all around as they remain looking down at their phones.

Collecting the creamer from a nearby fridge, I place the pitcher on their table and step back. “I’ll be back in a minute to check on you.” Nobody lifts their heads, so I assume they haven’t even glanced at the menus yet.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, but because I’m already on the floor, I’m forced to ignore it as I wander around, topping up coffees as I go. By the time I get back around to their table, I have six more in my section.

“Did you get a chance to look at the menu?” They all glance up at me now, and there’s a look in their eyes I can’t decipher. Choosing to ignore it, I take their orders and punch them into the sales machine.

As I walk around the restaurant, doing my job like I do every day, Callie comes bursting through the front door as I’m setting plates down in front of my table of four and about to go back to the kitchen to grab someone else’s order.

I sense dozens of eyes on me and begin to feel uncomfortable when Callie grips my arm and drags me to the back. “Do you not know how to answer your phone?” She’s seething.

“You know I don’t do that when I’m at work. What’s wrong?” I’ve never seen her so upset before.

Shoving her phone into my hand, the article on the screen stops my breath cold. “This is plastered across every tabloid online and in at least one paper.”

Heart Construction CEO found his new flavor of the month, and it was a wild one,the headline reads, and I feel sick.

“How did this happen?” I whisper in horror. Below the caption is an image of Roman and me from last night when he took my virginity. His head is buried in my neck, and one arm is wrapped tightly around my waist while the other holds a fistful of hair, yanking my head back. My breasts are on full display, as well; only my nipples have been blurred in the image.

“I don’t know, but it’s circulating quickly, and I can’t get ahold of Roman either.” She’s so angry.

“I’m so sorry.” A tear escapes, and I angrily push it away.

“What the hell for?” Her hand holds my chin up, forcing me to look her in the eye. “You have nothing to be sorry about. This never should have happened.” I can only nod my head because I have nothing to say.

“Order’s up, Val!” one of the cooks calls out.

Wiping my face, I clear my expression and force myself to act normally. “I need to take these out.” Rushing away before Callie can stop me, I pick up the plates and head out to the main room. Dropping the dishes off at the guys’ table, I grab the coffee pot again, and as I’m making the rounds, I hear the whispers.

That’s her.

She’s hotter in person.

I wonder what she charges a night.

I feel so dirty. Disgusting.

“What would I have to do to have a turn?” one of the men asks as I’m pouring their coffee.

“Maybe a four-in-one deal?” another says.

A third shakes his head at their crassness, but I recognize the desire in his eyes.

Feeling a hand tickling the back of my knee, I attempt to step back, but the guy holds steady and lifts it all the way up until he grabs my ass cheek. Shoving him away, I drop the pot and run out the front door.

Chance is there, ready to take action as he pushes off the side of the car. “What’s wrong?”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com