Page 26 of Creed

“Do me,” the soon to be dead chick begs, jerking the belt off Gino’s arm.

“Sure thing.”

Once they both pass out, I wipe down the room and paraphernalia. I put my belt back on and leave the scene, sticking a do not disturb sign on the door. As I’m climbing on my bike, my cell vibrates with a call from Lottie. I look at the time. It’s three in the morning.

“Hellcat,” I greet, unable to fight my smile.

“Seth,” she cries. “I need you.” The panic in her voice gives me pause as chills spread across the back of my neck and fan down my spine.

“What’s wrong?”

“Please come as soon as you can. I think. I think I killed him.”

Chapter Nine

I didn’t think the customers would ever stop coming tonight at work. I prefer to work the breakfast crowd over the dinner rush. In the morning people are generally in a better mood and happy to be getting a coffee. In the evening, I find customers are tired from work and rude. I stuff my tips in my bag and let my hair down. As I’m running my fingers through my hair to undo the tangles, Chris hesitates at the back door with the last bag of garbage of the night.

“Are you single?”

“What?” I laugh under my breath, taken aback.

“You said that guy the other day was just a friend, and I haven’t noticed anyone else coming around.”

“Are you?” I purse my lips, trying not to hurt his feelings. “Are you asking me out?”

“That depends on the answer to my question.”

Oh no. Not only is he not my type, but now working with him is going to be even more awkward than it was already beginning to feel. “I don’t date people I work with.”

“I’ll quit then.” He has this hopeful and eager tone in his voice.

“I wouldn’t and couldn’t ask you to do that. You don’t even know if you like me, and I just had a terrible breakup. I’m not really looking to date anyone at the moment, ya know?”

“I get it.” he slinks out the door to take out the trash and I decide to leave out the front. I’m not saying he’d try something, but the guy gives off weird as hell vibes. It’s like he’s always watching me too closely. I can feel his gaze tracking me through the diner when I’m waiting on tables.

Walking to my car, I check over my shoulder to make sure he’s not following me. As I’m crossing the street, I spot a car that looks similar to my ex-boyfriend’s. My suspicion is confirmed when he pops out of the driver’s side and ambushes me.

“Can we talk?”

“Have you been sneaking into my apartment?”

“Shit. Fuck.” He wipes a hand over his sandy brown hair and cups the back of his neck. “No. Why? What happened?”

“Forget it. What do you want?”

“I really need to talk to you.”

“About?”

“Us.” He takes a step toward me, practically pressing me into the door of my car.

I laugh in his face. “There’s not been an us since you ghosted me. So no, Cade. We can’t talk about us. You’ve got some nerve.”

“Let me explain.” He stares at his feet. “I — Lottie. Please.”

“Well. Say what you came to say. Spit it out already.”

“Can we go somewhere?” He glances around like he’s looking for someone. As if he’s being watched.

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