Page 46 of My Sweetest Temptation

The waitress came back with the burger and fries for Winter. After she left, Winter stared at the food like it pissed her off.

“Eat your food, Winter,” I told her.

She glanced up at me and furrowed her brow. “Don’t tell me what to do,” she hissed.

I leaned down and rested my hands on the table until I was literally in her face again. My eyes dropped to her plump lips and then back to her eyes. “Eat your fucking food, or I’ll shove it down your throat.”

She grabbed the burger with attitude and took a bite and chewed while staring at me. “Happy?” she sneered.

My lips curled up in the corners. “Yes. See? That wasn’t so hard.”

She rolled her eyes.

I straightened up and pulled down my suit jacket. “I’ll let you enjoy your meal,” I said, reaching for my wallet and dropping a one-hundred-dollar bill on the table.

Her eyes widened again, looking at me and then the money a few more times until she spoke. “No.” She shook her head. “We are not taking your money,” she said matter-of-factly.

“Tough shit,” I replied. “Take it and drop the fucking attitude.”

Not waiting for her to respond, I walked out the door with a huge stupid smile on my face.

After Nico randomly showed up at the burger joint, insisting on apologizing for being a jerk, and trying to shove the food down my throat, I was left with more questions than answers. How did he even know where to find me? I wondered if he’d show up here at the coffee shop too.

My phone went off while I waited in my regular booth at the diner for Liam.

Tabi

OMG! Look what’s out to rent!!!

She sent me a link to The Crow. She was obsessed with stories about lovers avenging their soulmates.

Before I had the chance to reply, she sent another message.

Tabi

MOVIE NIGHT!!!

I laughed and typed a message.

Me

My place or yours?

Just as I was about to reply, the bell jingled above the door. I looked up to see Liam sauntering toward me, a broad grin on his face and his dark hair tousled. “What’s up, buddy?” he said, sliding into the booth across from me, his grin infectious. “Have you ordered yet?”

“Yes, I did.” I pushed the steaming cup of coffee toward him. Knowing his usual order, I took the liberty of placing it with the waitress before he arrived.

“You’re the best,” he said with a wink, taking a generous sip. “So, how’s Sam doing with the lessons?”

“She’s pretty amazing,” I replied as I beamed with pride.

In so many ways, Sam reminded me of myself at her age. Eager, hungry to learn, and determined to exceed every expectation.

“That’s awesome. She was freaking excited that she could play a whole song without making those scratchy sounds.”

I couldn’t help but giggle.

“She’s going to play ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ for her grandparents when she visits them in Colorado for Thanksgiving. Oh, which reminds me. What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Got any big plans?”

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