Page 26 of Pinkie Promise

“We’re just picking up the takeout and then we’re leaving,” Tanner instructs, even though I want to spend the next two hours sitting in a diner booth so that I can watch Fallon waiting tables. But Tanner is crazy successful when it comes to chicks so I’m going to do what he’s suggested and try to not lay it on too thick.

With my mom in the back office, Fallon is the only staff member now out on the floor, and she’s pouring a coffee as we make our way over to the counter.

I look her right in the eyes as she glances up at us, trying to gauge her reaction to seeing me in here. I’m playing with fire even stopping by, seeing as half of the diners in here already know me as the owner’s kid, but I’m giving them majordo not fucking talk to mevibes as I head straight towards Fallon.

She looks a whole lot surprised to see Tanner and I in here but as soon as we’re right in front of her she can barely contain her smile.

She lets out a nervous laugh and says, “Surprise! I got a job.”

I bite hard into my bottom lip to stop my own grin from spreading.

“Knew you’d find one,” I tell her, my voice sandpaper rough. A satisfied feeling spreads in my chest at the knowledge that I’m secretly responsible for this – this new financial safety net for her, the happy sparkle in her pretty eyes. It seems like a weight has been taken off her shoulders, her movements lighter and her demeanour more soft. And the look that she’s giving me... it’sa green light. Like the storm is over now and she’s ready to be open to me.

Then she says with a cute little nose-scrunch, “It’s all because of Connell really. He’s the one who told me about it.”

Tanner chokes beside me.

“Connell’s a great guy,” I grit out.

“Anyway, what can I get for you guys?” she asks as she lifts up the counter door, coffees on a tray as she takes it over to a table behind us. I turn to watch her and my eyes fall to her behind as she bends over to set down the drinks. My jaw goes slack as I let my mind wander, picturing her in nothing but that apron as I take her from b–

Tanner shoves me in the shoulder and I quickly turn back to the counter.

My cheeks are damn near on fire.

“Hunter,” he hisses. “Calm that shit, now. You don’t even know if she wants you like that yet.”

I run a palm down my face and nod once, curt. I’m getting way ahead of myself but damn if it doesn’t feel good. Finding a chick that I can’t get out of my head and finally being in a secure enough position to actually do something about it.

When Fallon slides back to the other side of the counter Tanner nods his head towards the boxes in the heater and says, “We ordered takeout.”

Fallon’s expression falls slightly, her eyes flicking over to mine. “Oh. You aren’t eating in?”

“No,” Tanner says, while I practically growl, “Yes.”

He shoots me a look and glances back down at Fallon. “We’ve got plans tonight. Maybe another time.”

“Okay,” she says, avoiding my eyes now as she heads to get the takeout boxes. Like she’s upset. I shoulder Tanner hard in the back and, if anything, the prick looks smug.

Fallon brings over two takeout boxes and this timeI’mthe one looking smug.

“Uh, Fallon,” I say, tilting my chin back over to the heater.

She looks back at it confused and then lifts her eyes to mine. “Yeah?”

I give her a smile. She raises her eyebrows.

“They’re all for you guys?” she asks, shooting a startled glance over at the other five boxes in the heater. “Are you serious?”

“We’re serious,” Tanner says.

She retrieves our other boxes and begins piling them into paper bags as I take my card out of my pocket and wait for her to key the order on the reader.

“Give me a minute, I’m new at this,” she mumbles after handing Tanner the bags and looking nervously down at the cash screen.

“Take your time,” I murmur.

She gives me a small grateful smile. Tanner makes a subtle retching sound.

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