Page 15 of Creed

A burst of laughter from one table yanks me back to my existence outside of my thoughts. It’s a group of college guys who are probably nursing their morning hangovers with black coffee and toast. I force a smile and head over to check on them.

“Can I get anyone a refill?”

One of them gets a bit ballsy and asks for my number. It’s nothing I can’t handle. I’m used to the forwardness of some of the flirtier truckers we get. I let him down gently and refill their coffees, hoping they will still leave a tip.

My mind drifts back to the bullet I found under my pillow and now every customer and every sound seems suspect and out of place. I’m jumpy and making avoidable mistakes like writing order downs wrong. Spilling drinks.

As soon as I get the chance, I slip into the kitchen for a breather. I lean against the cool stainless-steel counter, closing my eyes as I try to steady my racing thoughts. How did that bullet end up at my place? Was it a warning from Cade? Or was a stranger trying to send some sortof message? Did they get the wrong apartment? But why would someone want my neighbor dead? George is the sweetest man who always gives out full size candy to trick or treaters. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.

The swinging kitchen doors creak open, and I sigh a breath of relief. It’s only Chris, our server’s assistant in training.

“Some dude is asking for you,” he tells me.

A new intense surge of anxiety grips me, rooting me in place. The last thing I need is another surprise. I start to ask Chris what the guy looks like, but he’s already back to work. I shake off the nerves and strut into the dining area like I don’t have a care in the world. I’m taken aback when I see him.

What’s he doing here and how did he know I’d be here?

Seth Creed’’s in my section, kicking back in the booth, appearing totally relaxed like he does this all the time. His gorgeous green eyes that never fail to take my breath away are focused on me. A strange sense of calm washes over me as our gazes meet. Then he smiles that dimpled smile of his, and my heart skips a beat.

Slowly, I close the distance separating us, trying not to let his presence get to me. As I approach the table, he smiles wider.

“Hey, hellcat.”

Chapter Six

“Was that who I thought it was last night?” Rogue questions me as he lines up his stick for his next shot.

“If you’re talking about Lottie, then yup.”

“Damn. She’s changed. Where has she been all these years?”

I cup the back of my neck. “Couldn’t tell you. I haven’t kept tabs.”

He glances at me with lifted brows and wearing a smirk that says, ‘yeah right’ while taking his shot and sinking the eight ball to win the game.

“Seriously. Lost track of her when she was in college. Always figured she’d marry up and settle down with a couple of kids with some preppy fucker. Someone who could offer her more.”

“More than you?”

“It’s not like that.”

“Bullshit. Always been the way of things between you. She was always chasing after you with hearts in her eyes,doing anything and everything to get your attention. Now it looks like the tables have turned.”

I never told anyone about Lottie and me hooking up, but I guess we weren’t as secretive as I thought back then.

“If I got that wrong, then maybe I’ll hit her up. Take her out to dinner. Buy her a steak or some shit.”

“The fuck you will.” I snarl, and he bursts out laughing, doubling over, holding his stomach.

“You should see your face.” He holds both palms up in surrender.

“Fuck you. Asshole.”

He flips me off and picks up his empty bottle, motioning to Asphalt for another, since it’s about the only drink he can be trusted to serve. Dumbass makes the weakest drinks on the planet. If he’s behind the bar, no one is catching a buzz.

I fire up a joint to mellow myself out after Rogue’s antics.

Truth is, I’ve been tempted to track her ass down many times through the years that’s separated us, but I figured I was the last person she’d want to see. Last night, however, changes shit. That magnetic pull that always tethered us together is as strong as it ever was. If not, more so.

---