Page 79 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade

“My bag,” I said. “It’s behind the counter.”

He let go of my hand and went behind the counter. He bent and came up with my backpack. It was worn and had seen a lot of years but served me well. Years ago, I’d sewn purple stars over the worn portions as a nod to my name and the color of the gemstone on the ring I wore around my neck. I could have replaced the bag, but it had grown on me.

Peggy saw the bag and shook her head, mumbling something about hippies.

Marvin glanced at me and winked.

I smiled.

Stratton came for me and put his hand out and I took it. “Let’s go grab some dinner and see where the night takes us.”

Peggy grunted. “Grab takeout and then have the night take the two of you straight to your bed.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a bad-boy grin.

Stratton practically dragged me past Peggy and Marvin as I stared at the older couple, still mortified to have been caught in the act of making out in their granddaughter’s café. He put my backpack over his other shoulder and laughed all the way out the door.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

Astria

As we stepped outside,I bent my head. “I amsoembarrassed.”

Stratton had the nerve to laugh again as he walked me toward a huge silver pickup truck. The same one I’d seen racing down the street when I’d been at Gobbs with Torid. “It’s fine.”

“No,” I said quickly, looking at him. “It’s really not. I need this job.”

“Yolanda won’t fire you,” he stated calmly. “Trust me.”

That was easy for him to say. He’d obviously lived a life that didn’t involve worrying about where his next meal would come from or if he’d have to sleep in his car again. He’d even offered to buy me a vehicle. We had vastly different views on money.

He drew me closer so that we were standing face-to-face. “Astria, I promise that everything will be fine.”

It was then I realized his shirt was still unbuttoned and untucked. It was a reminder of my moment of weakness. My cheeks heated again. “Um, do you want to get done up again?”

“I’m fine,” he returned, a sly smile covering his handsome face. “Besides, makes it easier for you when we get back to the good stuff. You should probably know I’ll be looking for the first available table we see.”

I licked my lower lip, trying not to laugh. “I cannot believe Peggy suggested tearing off anyone’s shirt and that you should have done me on a table.”

“I’m not. She’s kind of a hellcat,” he said with another grin that screamed sex. “Marvin landed himself a wild one.”

I snorted.

He just stood there, staring at me with a weird look on his face.

“Um?”

He cleared his throat. “Sorry. I was admiring the view.”

“You’re a very odd man,” I stated.

“And then some. Are you hungry?” he asked with a chuckle.

I was. For him. Clearing my throat, I nodded. “I could eat.”

He stared at my lips, and I had to wonder if he was thinking the same thing I was. When he made a move to kiss me, I got my answer.

“You forgot these,” said Marvin, walking out of the café carrying the flowers Stratton had brought and my knit cap.

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