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Fear creeps in as I doubt that we can stay this way.
There’s no way in hell I’d ever hurt her, so I hope to God she doesn’t stomp on my heart.
* * *
The only daysI’m a morning person is when I wake up early to visit Carolina at work—less people to steal her attention away from me.
Today, I’m visiting her during the lunch shift.
I want to see my girl.
As usual, the diner is packed when I walk in. Shirley’s is known for its kick-ass lunch specials. Her sandwiches are to die for.
I spot Kyle and Gage seated at Kyle’s regular booth, wearing their blue uniforms. They’re partners on the police force and often stop by for a quick bite while on duty. I walk down the aisle and head straight to my usual booth. I texted Carolina, asking her to keep it open for me. My plan was to surprise her, but I didn’t want to lose my chance to sit in her section.
“Shirley!” I greet, stepping up to the bar. “Mind if my girl takes a lunch break?”
Shirley pinches my cheeks. “As much as I love this cute face of yours, no. We’re slammed. She’ll have a break in an hour after the rush dies down.”
“Have lunch with us,” Kyle calls out, waving me over. “She’s our waitress, so you’ll still be able to make googly eyes at her.”
“I’m going to need that table anyway, sweetie,” Shirley says. “Carolina can make some extra cash, too.”
I smile, failing to mention that I’d give her a tip far larger than anyone who’ll sit in that booth, and walk over to Kyle’s booth. He slides over to make room for me to sit next to him. Carolina grins when she spots me and slides the guys’ plates on the table in front of them.
Her attention swings to me as she wipes her forehead with the back of her arm. “Hey. I didn’t think we’d be so packed today. Sorry for Shirley giving your table away, but you know it’s hard to say no to her. I planned to text you when I got a sec.”
“It’s cool, babe.” I don’t bother picking up a menu and glance at the guys’ plates.
Gage has the buffalo chicken.
Kyle has the grilled tenderloin.
I nod toward Gage’s plate. “I’ll have that. Shoestring fries. Water.”
“Got it.” She tucks her pen behind her ear and scurries off to the kitchen.
“You two are cute,” Kyle says, grabbing the bottle of ketchup.
“Mmhmm,” Gage adds, thrusting a hand through his dark hair.
Gage isn’t much for conversation. He’s the quiet one, and his fiancée, Lauren, is loud enough for the both of them.
We chat for a while.
Gage says he and Lauren are trying for another baby.
Kyle tells me the sale on Chloe’s house fell through.
“Is it still available?” I ask, perking up in my seat. “No backup offers?”
“Still available,” Kyle replies. “Know anyone who’d be interested?”
“Me.”
“You want to buy her house?” Kyle draws out.
I shrug. “Why not? My lease ends in a few months. I have money saved up for a down payment.”
