Page 60 of The Moment Promised

Chloe laughs. “Nope.”

“Then I will have ribs,” Finn says, handing her back the menu.

“I’ll do the same,” I say.

“Good lookingandsimple, you guys are the easiest customers I’ve had all day!”

I reflect her smile, instantly feeling a sensation of warmth. It’s rare you meet someone as kind spirited as her, I feel like I already know her, and we just met five minutes ago.

“I’ll go put your order in with Charlie, he always gets excited when he gets new customers in here.” She walks away gracefully, taking her sunshine with her.

Finn’s hand lightly rests on my knee and all my attention goes to the small spot. I let my eyes fall shut; going to bed late last night is finally catching up to me.

“Two orders of ribs coming up!” I open my eyes. A man who seems to be in his early forties holds two plates and walks toward us.

“These smell great,” Finn says to the owner, I presume.

I gasp when I meet his eyes. I can’t place it, but he looks…familiar. Do I know him from somewhere?

“Thanks.” I smile as he sets my plate in front of me. “That was really fast.”

“Welcome to Authensville, Chloe tells me you’re from Florida.”

“Yeah, we’re on a road trip and ended up here,” Finn says.

I’m starving, my stomach twists in a not so nice way.

Finn introduces us to Charlie, and I politely shake his hand. It doesn’t go unnoticed the way his eyes hover over my face for a beat longer than they should, like he’s trying to place me too.

Charlie clears his throat. “Adeline, what a unique name.”

“Dad, let them eat their food.” Chloe comes up behind him.

Dad?

“I’m just getting to know the new kids on the block,” he says innocently.

“Well, the new kids on the block are hungry, and you wouldn’t want them to try your ribs for the first timecold, would you?” she teases.

He slowly backs away toward the kitchen. “Enjoy your meal,” he says.

“I don’t think I can finish all of these ribs on my own.” I admit. “Finn, we should’ve ordered one meal,” I complain. I hate wasting food.

“Speak for yourself,” he says, digging in. “I’ll finish yours if you can’t.”

We finished our food about two hours ago but have been in no rush to leave. We’ve been talking to Chloe this entire time, and I already feel like we’re best friends.

I learned she doesn’t know who her mom is, her only parent being Charlie. We bonded over that, even though our situation isn’t the same, it’s similar. My mom was physically present, but emotionally and mentally, she was checked out of my life.

Finn’s hand started on my knee but has teasingly moved up over the course of two hours. Each time his fingers gradually walk their way up my thigh, something builds between my legs.

Now, his hand is mid-thigh. His index finger gently rubs the cloth leggings covering my skin. I try to focus on what’s happening around me, but it’s nearly impossible.

My mind pictures things I’ve never imagined before. I’m afraid the people around me can read my mind, and I turn bright red.

“Time to pack it up, kids,” Charlie says, dangling a set of keys.

“Where are you guys staying?” Chloe asks, sliding out of the booth. She stretches her long legs, and dramatically limps like she’s been sitting for ages.

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