AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He opened his mouth to say something, but the pretty waitress sauntered up to the table. His smile fell slightly as he looked up at the woman. Abbie turned her attention to the picture and began coloring.
“What can I get you?” she purred.
Okay, she hadn’t actually purred or sounded all that suggestive. But Abbie was feeling a bit raw, and feeling like she had to compete with the absolute bombshell waitress just wasn’t great for her confidence.
“I’ll take a burger, side of fries. She’ll have a grilled cheese with extra pickles. Tea for us both?—”
“I don’t drink caffeine,” she blurted, and they both turned their attention to her. She rubbed her chest, smiling weakly. “Anxiety.” The woman scanned her. Not unkindly, but not kindly either.
“What would you like instead?” Jett asked gently.
“Sprite, please.” He nodded, and turned toward the woman, who was already writing it down.
“It’ll be out in a moment.” She tapped the table, her eyes lingering too long on Jett. Abbie dropped her gaze back to the picture. She didn’t really feel like coloring, though.
“Alright, where were we?” he grumbled. She didn’t look at him. “Hey, what’s wrong?” She shrugged. She felt stupid feeling like this. She didn’t have any claim over him. She couldn’t. Not when they’d agreed to just fun. God, she hated that word. Fun. “Abbie.”
“I’m fine.” She forced herself to smile brightly, finally looking up at him. His eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw tensing under his thick beard.
“I think we need to talk,” he said softly, her smile disappearing.
“I was already bad, wasn’t I? I’m so sorry. You can talk to her. You can look at her—at any woman. It’s fine. I know we’re?—”
“Hold on.” He held his meaty hand up. “What are you talking about?”
“The waitress,” she mumbled, shrugging. “She’s really pretty. And she keeps looking at you, and you’re?—”
“I only have eyes for you, baby.”
Her insides tightened. Baby. How often had she dreamed of someone, of a man, calling her that?
“You don’t think she’s pretty?” she asked pathetically, and he shook his head.
“Not even a little bit. Not nearly as pretty as you are.” She didn’t know if she fully believed him, but it was kind. “And you weren’t being bad. You never could be.”
“You don’t know me,” she blurted. “I could be bad all the time.”
“A bit naughty, maybe. But never bad.” His eyes searched hers, his fingers twitching. She wanted to touch him, but was scared to ask. She didn’t want to come off too needy. “Are you okay? Need anything? We can change tables or ask for a new server. Or go somewhere else.” She shook her head firmly.
“It’s okay. Sometimes my brain thinks something and then I spiral.” She gave him a weak smile, and he nodded sympathetically.
“You tell me when that happens, alright? I’ll stop you from spiraling. And if you’re already doing it, I’ll pull you out. I’m here to help you, pretty girl.”
Those words should not make her feel choked up, but they did. Panic immediately filled his face.
“What?” he asked frantically. “Shit. What did I say?”
“Nothing,” she laughed, batting her cheeks with her fingertips. “It was just really nice.” His eyes searched hers.
“I don’t do great with emotion,” he admitted. “But I’ll try.”
“If you want me to stop crying, you need to talk about something else!” she cried, rubbing her eyes with her fist.
“Twilight,” he said desperately. “It’s your favorite movie.” She grinned as he shook his head.
“Have you seen it?”
“Can’t say I have.”
