AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I know those eyes.
“Is that you?”
Sparkles.More than a decade has passed since I last heard that nickname.
I stutter-step closer and squint, studying the man. Compare him to the lanky boy I knew a lifetime ago. A boy I haven’t seen or spoken to in far too long. A friend I lost touch with as Mom and I built a different life in Stone Bay.
Chin-length curls frame his sharp, stubbled jaw. Bold and blue, his mythical eyes hold me captive for a beat. I trace the bridge of his nose with my eyes and pause when I reach soft, kissable lips, licking my own before continuing my inspection. Shirt snug on his broad shoulders, his biceps stretch the cotton and flaunt years of hard work.
Swallowing hard, I blink at the man in disbelief.Is it really Ben? My Ben?
“Benji?”
His soft smile widens as he rises from his chair, wraps his arms around me, and lifts me off the floor. “Holy shit,” he whispers in my ear. Then, as if he realizes what he has done, he sets me on my feet and takes a step back. “Sorry.” He winces. “That was way too forward.”
Laughter spills from my lips as I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it.” I lay a hand on his bicep, my fingers molding around his well-defined muscles. Heat crawls up my chest and neck before spreading to my cheeks, undoubtedly painting my face red. Swallowing, I yank my hand away. “Be right back.”
Moving back to the tray, I deliver the remaining plates. Oliver takes the empty tray and tray stand, then waggles his brows. I roll my eyes and playfully slap his arm. As I step toward Ben, a clinking sound rings in the air.
“More coffee would be nice,” Travis barks, all eyes shifting in his direction as the restaurant quiets momentarily.
Honey eyes assess me from across the room, a hint of irritation in that gaze as it darts between me and Ben. It isn’tmehe is upset with, but the man who literally swept me off my feet moments ago.
I glance around the table. “Anything else you need?”
“No,” they mumble as they eat.
Looking to Ben, I say, “Check on y’all soon.”
He gives a subtle nod and unrolls his silverware.
I weave through the tables, smile at customers, and ask if they need anything as I make my way back to the grouch at the counter. Coffee pot in hand, I stand opposite him at the counter and fill his mug. More than half his breakfast remains as he scowls at the plate.
“Something wrong with your food?”
His gaze levels with mine, his honey irises darker and more intense as he cocks his head. “Friend of yours?” Bitterness laces his voice.
I set the coffee pot on the counter and cross my arms over my chest. “Not that it’s your business, but yes. Someone I haven’t seen since I was a kid.” I purse my lips and throw his attitude back at him. “You have a problem with that,officer?”
Picking up his fork, he stabs his food over and over. Bringing it to his lips, he says, “Not at all. Just keeping an eye on all the riffraff in town.” Then he shoves the food in his mouth.
Wow.
Minutes ago, I had the insatiable urge to kiss him. Now, all I want to do is slap him. Seeing as we are both in our perspective uniforms and I’m on the clock, it’s best I stick to verbal hits.
“Jealousy doesn’t become you, Travis.” I pick up the coffee pot and set it on the warmer. “Think on that before you walk in the door tomorrow.” Giving him my back, I grab a cleaning cloth and start wiping down the back counter. “Be back with your to-go coffee in a few.” Then I walk away.
I scrub the counter vigorously, taking methodical, deep breaths as I move down the line. On each inhale, I tell myself this ishisissue, not mine.I did nothing wrong. With each exhale, the rage and fire blanketing my skin cools a little more.
Travis is a townie I flirt with at work. Nothing more. I am not his. He is not mine.
The last thought sours in my gut. Churning and groaning and complaining. As if my body knows lies from truths better than my mind.
Maybe it does. Maybe I am an ignorant fool. A dull-witted woman with her head in the clouds. A dreamer with her heart on her sleeve in the form of witty words and suggestive body language.
Travis and I may only be friends, but we are equally responsible for this blow up. We may not lay claim to one another, but I don’t flirt with anyone the way I do with him. Far as I know, Travis hasn’t been in a relationship in years. He is never seen in town with anyone on his arm. Not a single member of the gossip mill brags or complains about the company he keeps.
Maybe wearing his badge is easier when he has no one at home. Or maybe there are more layers to Travis Emerson than I have been led to believe.
