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Wonder if he knows Kirsten and I had dinner the other night. It may wipe the smile off his smug face.
Luke kicks my shin under the table and I hiss. My eyes flash to his as I jerk my leg away from him.
“What the hell, man?”
Expression deadpan, he shakes his head. “Quit staring like a perv.” His gaze shifts to Dylan and softens a beat. Then his eyes are back on me as he shoves a menu in my direction. “It makes us uncomfortable.”
I tilt my head and hold his stare. “What are you talking about?” I snatch the menu, but don’t look at it. “She’s a friend. Someone I haven’t seen since I was ten.” My eyes drop to the menu, the words blur as his accusation sinks in. “I’m not a pervert,” I mumble.
“Sure thing,” he says, tone thick with sarcasm. “A friend you went on a date with.”
“It’s too early for this shit,” John mutters from the other side of Luke. “Save the jibes for later.” He flips over the mug on his placemat. “When I can’t hear them.”
Can’t fault John for speaking the truth. It is too early for snide comments. But once we step foot on site, Luke will regret poking fun.
“Morning, everyone.” Kirsten sidles up to the table, her hip inches from my shoulder. “Coffee?”
“A gallon, please,” John says with a laugh before rattling off his breakfast order.
One by one, everyone orders drinks and food. After Kirsten jots down Luke’s order, I toss a mocking smile his way as I rise from my chair. His eyes narrow before he shakes his head and mutters, “Perv.”
“Morning, sparkles.”
I lean in, wrap my arms around her middle, and lift her from the floor. Her arms snake around my neck as soft laughter spills from her lips. I close my eyes for a beat, nuzzle the crook of her neck, and inhale her sweet floral scent. Absorb her warmth and home in on every curve of her body flush with mine.
Damn, she fits my body perfectly.
When my eyes open, they land onhim. Across the restaurant, his fiery gaze holds mine, the muscles in his jaw stiff and unforgiving. Fingers curled into tight fists, his nostrils flare. He doesn’t blink as his head cocks to the side.
Against every instinct, against every kindness in my bones, I smirk at him as I secure my hold on her. Eyes locked on his, I nestle the curve of her neck again and press my lips against her soft skin. She shivers in my arms and playfully slaps my back.
“Put me down, Benji.”
Setting her on her feet, I keep my hands on her waist. “Not sorry.” I give her hips a quick squeeze, release them, and return to my seat. “Happy to see you.”
Luke groans. “Will you order something already. Your sappy bullshit is making me nauseous.”
I slap him with my menu. “Shut. Up.” Turning my attention back to Kirsten, I order coffee, juice, and a breakfast platter.
“Be back with your drinks.” Kirsten darts from the table to the service counter.
More people file into the restaurant, light chatter floating in the air as they take their seats. Morning greetings mixed with halfhearted smiles. Whispered words about the recent murder in town.
Tuning out my crew members, I eavesdrop on other conversations. Listen to the townspeople’s concerns over a crazed killer in Stone Bay. Note the slight tremble in their voices as they pray for the woman who died. Hear their rising panic as they question if it’s safe to leave their homes. Zero in on one voice that says he saw a picture of the young woman.
“The woman,” he says quietly, leaning closer to his tablemate and shaking his head. “Was a pretty one.” He peeks over his shoulder briefly, then drops his voice further. “Our waitress would easily pass as her sister.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention.What?
My eyes drift to Kirsten as she mills about behind the service counter. At the end of the counter, she chats with an elderly man with a bright, toothy smile. She rests a hand on his and he says something that makes her blush. After a quick squeeze of his hand, she moves to the coffee maker.
I study the slight plumpness in her cheeks as she works. The softness of her shoulders and ease of her movements. Relaxed and happy as she fills a carafe with coffee, I doubt she’s aware of her resemblance to the victim. She’s too carefree, too at ease.
Begrudgingly, my gaze shifts tohim. Leaning back in my chair, I cross my arms over my chest and watch him watch her. For a moment, I cast aside my feelings and watch them with fresh eyes.
A mug of coffee clasped in his hands, he follows her every move. Makes note of who she speaks with and smiles at as she works. I study the lines of his face as his eyes trail her throughout the restaurant. The faint twitch of his lips when she says or does something he likes. The slight lean of his posture in her direction, no matter where she is in the room. The smile he gifts her every time their eyes meet.
Anyone paying attention would see his attraction for Kirsten.
