Page 14 of Rescued by a SEAL

Chapter 4

Taylor eyed the clock on the back wall of Anchors hours later.

12:45 a.m.

She’d been rushing around all night bringing drinks to tables, filling food orders, and collecting tips. Fortunately, the kitchen closed at midnight and last call had been fifteen minutes ago. She swiped a hand across her forehead, tucking her phone into the back pocket of her jeans.

Mason had texted that he was on his way, and she was rethinking letting him give her a lift.

They’d been casually flirting with each other for months, but now that he was giving her a ride, she was positive that he’d ask her out. For real this time—not just teasing her about it in front of the guys. And she wouldn’t have been opposed to that aside from Eric.

Ugh.

There was no way he’d be happy about her dating another man. Not that she and Mason were “dating.” But one date could lead to another, and she could never invite Mason over. Ever. Not when there was a chance of Eric showing up drunk again.

She shuddered.

Mason could certainly handle himself and wouldn’t likely have a problem telling Eric to leave, but what about when he wasn’t around?

Eric would be lurking in the shadows, furious. Livid that she’d moved on.

Insisting that she let him in so they could talk. Get back together.

“You okay?” one of the other waitresses, Amy, asked, raising her eyebrows as she watched Taylor.

“Yep. Just tired. It’s been a long night.”

Amy eyed her, clearly not believing a word. “Thanks, have a good night!” she called out, waving goodbye to a group of regulars. Taylor watched the group of guys leaving, one of them helping their buddy who’d clearly had a few too many.

“Give me your keys, man,” his friend ordered. “There’s no way in hell you’re driving like this.”

The guy slumped over, and his friend hauled him to his feet, easily pocketing his keys. The door opened just as they were about to head out, and Taylor was surprised to see Mason coming in. He nodded at her but leaned against the wall by the door, clearly intending to wait until she finished her shift and was ready to go.

The question was, should she head over to Bailey’s apartment like they’d discussed?

Or dare try her own?

Eric might still be passed out drunk on her sofa, but what if he’d woken up after a few hours? She wanted him out of there, not crashing at her place. She bit her lip, still undecided. He probably would’ve texted her to complain if he woke up and she was gone.

To her best friend’s house it was.

“That your ride?” Amy asked, nodding toward Mason. “He was in here earlier with his friends, right?”

“Yeah, that’s Mason. He’s stationed over at Little Creek, so he and his friends are in here a lot. You’ll start to recognize them, I’m sure. We always have a bunch of regulars that hang out here—men and women alike.”

“Are you guys dating?” Amy asked, clearing the empty plates and glasses from the table beside her. She pocketed the tip, looking relieved.

Taylor could relate. Most of the regular customers tipped well, but every once in a while, they’d be working the same table for hours and barely have anything to show for it.

“No, we’re not dating, but he offered to drive me home when he found out that I still don’t have my car. He’s asked me out—sort of. I’m just…taking my time….”

Her voice trailed off, and Mason waved as the two women looked over at him. Taylor blushed furiously, knowing that he’d realize they were talking about him.

Good grief.

She was a grown, twenty-seven-year-old woman. Why was she acting like a school girl with a crush on the captain of the football team?

He’d offered her a ride. He had her cell number. It wasn’t exactly a secret that she was interested in him. Or vice versa.

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