Page 3 of Big Wild Fighter

But last night changed things.

I didn’t expect her. Grace. Sweet as hell but sharp enough to hold her own, with a laugh that sticks in your damn head. I can still see her standing there, trying to play it cool while her cheeks flushed every time I so much as smiled at her. It was...different. Real. Not like the fake-ass smiles I usually get from people who know who I am.

I lean back in my seat, running a hand over my face. I’ve been doing this long enough to know better. Pretty faces come and go, but this—this felt like more. Enough to make me park my truck and stay another day in this nowhere town. Enough to make me wonder what the hell I’m going to do when it’s time to move on.

Enough to make me wonder if I will even beableto move on when the time comes.

Before I can think too hard about what the fuck I’m doing, I grab my jacket and step out into the crisp air. Vito’s is just down the street, so I hoof it, hands stuffed into my pockets. I tell myself I’m just here for another good meal, but we all know that’s bullshit.

The bell over the door jingles as I push into the restaurant, and the smell of garlic and fresh bread hits me like a punch to the gut. I pause for a second, letting my eyes adjust to the dim lighting.

“Welcome to Vito’s!” The hostess perks up behind the podium, her smile plastered on thick. She’s young, blonde, and wearing a dress that’s trying way too hard. Her eyes widen a little as recognition kicks in. “Oh my God. You’re Marlon Henderson, aren’t you?”

I nod, used to this routine. “Yeah.”

Her smile sharpens into something predatory as she leans closer. “Well, I’m a huge fan. You’re even bigger in person. Got some time to show me some moves later?”

I smirk, but it’s automatic, empty. “Appreciate it, but I’m just here to eat.”

Her expression falters for a split second before she recovers. “Of course! Right this way, Mr. Henderson.”

I hold up a hand stopping her from walking in the opposite way of where I’m looking to go. “Actually, I’d like Grace’s section.”

The hostess’s face drops just a touch before she plasters on her smile again. “Oh, Grace? Let me check if she’s available.”

“Thanks,” I grunt, stepping aside as she disappears into the dining room.

I glance around the place, tapping my knuckles against the wood of the podium. It’s quiet for now, but I can feel the energy ramping up as the lunch crowd trickles in. A few people glance my way, some whispering behind their menus, but I ignore it.

The hostess comes back, her smile a little tighter this time. “Grace will be right with you. Let me show you to your table.”

I follow her to the same damn spot as last night, that corner table in the back. Perfect. Settling into the chair, I can’t help but wonder if she’ll be happy to see me.

And then I see her. Time stands still just like it did last night when she first approached my table. My heartbeat picks up and I want to curse myself out for acting like a lovestruck teenage boy. Butgoddamn, she’s so beautiful it hurts.

Grace glides across the floor like she’s got all the time in the world, but there’s a bounce in her step that tells me she loves what she does. Her curves can’t be hidden, even in her waitress uniform. When her dark brown eyes land on me, the world clicks back into place. She looks shocked to see me and—if I’m not just being wishful—it looks like there is a healthy dose of excitement, too.

“Hey there,” she greets as she finally reaches me. She swipes a lock of curly brown hair out of her face and I can’t help but wish it was me moving it for her.

“Hey, Grace,” I say, my voice coming out rougher than I mean it to. “Didn’t think I’d find myself back here so soon.”

“Neither did I,” she replies with a small laugh.

And just like that, I’m hooked all over again.

I glance at Grace, the corners of her mouth tugged into a smile that’s as bright as the restaurant’s dim lighting allows. She’s confident but not overbearing, her warmth natural and effortless. It’s refreshing—something I don’t see much in my world.

“So, Mr. Henderson—”

“Marlon for you,” I correct without thinking. A pretty blush climbs up her neck and I have to fight to keep the grin off my face.

“Okay,Marlon, what can I get for you for lunch today?”

“Hmm,” I muse, pretending to actually look at the menu. “I’d like your second favorite menu item for today.” I hand her the menu without ever actually looking through it.

“You’re putting a lot of trust in me,” she teases, tucking the menu under her arm, her playful tone making me chuckle.

“What can I say? Your recommendation yesterday was great,” I reply casually, picking up my glass for a sip of water. “I told you last night that I thought you had good taste. I stand by that.”

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