Page 52 of I Should Hate You-but I Don't

"I'll have that but skip the salad." He planted his elbows on the table and steepled his hand. "River will have a large order of fries with chicken strips and an extra helping of ranch sauce."

"Anything to drink?"

"I'll have a diet Pepsi," said River.

"Rum and Coke."

"I'll get your drinks, and hopefully, you can cool off before you eat." Rebecca took the unused menus off the table. "Is it still hot outside? It was so bad during my lunch break."

"It's pretty hot." River leaned back in the booth. "You'll probably have a crowd tonight as the campers make their way over here trying to cool off."

Rebecca smiled. "They do tip well."

River laughed, apparently knowing how well they tip. He hadn't thought of the extra money River would make at thecampground, but Phil informed him that he hadn't seen so much money land in the tip jar since River started working there. She had a personality that clicked with the campers, and since she knew where everything was located and the hours the bar was open, she always jumped to help.

Rebecca left and returned with their drinks. He took the first sip and let the alcohol seep into his chest. He'd need more than one drink to relax him.

She eyed his drink. "In September, I'm going to try that drink."

If any other twenty-year-old told him they hadn't gotten drunk at least once, he'd say they were lying. But not River.

She'd been with him since she was seventeen, and while she probably witnessed many activities in Gem Haven, she hadn't participated in the parties or been allowed to hang out at the bar.

He'd provided a sheltered life, except when she was with him.

"You might want to start with something a little weaker." He failed to hide his amusement. "Something colorful."

She grinned, pointing at his glass. "I want that one. I've watched you enjoy the same drink for a long time. I've grown to like the smell." She paused. "The taste."

His cock pulse, knowing the only time she'd tasted it was on his tongue. He raised his brow. "Mind yourself, sweetheart."

"Promise to come and spend the night in the house, and I'll be on my best behavior." Her gaze flickered from his mouth to his eyes.

Damned if she wasn't flirting with him. She'd picked the one place where he couldn't do anything, and now he sat in the booth, tortured and horny, unable to stop the way his body responded to her.

"All I want to do is eat."

Her eyes rounded, and her lips tightened in amusement. He read her mind.

"Food." He glared.

Dirty girl, always thinking. He wasn't going to spend the night with her.

He'd take her to the house and then hit up the clubhouse. But he wouldn't think about that now, or it'd ruin his meal. He hated the disappointment written all over her face whenever he distanced himself.

If he had his way, he'd be in her bed every night and wake up with her every morning. But her dad had sealed their fate.

When their food arrived, he lost himself watching River pick the crispiest fries and set them on the side of her plate before she started eating everything else. She always saved those for last, claiming they tasted the best.

She caught him watching her. "Is something wrong?"

He shook his head and stirred the butter around in his mashed potatoes with his fork and forced himself to concentrate on his plate. It was hard to eat when sitting in the booth was physically uncomfortable. If he let himself, he'd have a full hard-on simply by looking at River.

His phone vibrated. He took the cell out of his vest pocket and looked at the screen. Kingsley.

He connected the call. "Yeah?"

"I need you to bring River to me. I'm off Exit 62 on I-90."Kingsley grunted in pain."Damnit, will you hold still for one fucking minute?"

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