Page 26 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

“Thanks.” He smiles shyly. “Figured I’d get a little more sun then head in around one.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“Cool.”

We settle into peaceful silence, soaking in the soft afternoon sun gracing our backyard. I slept well, things are comfortable with Wren, and all is fine. I feel good. Really good. I could get used to this.

What the actual fuck?

Stepping into Moby’s feels like getting slapped with a wave you didn’t see coming. It’s balls to the walls busy. Every table is full and Salem and Indy are running around trying to drop off food.

“Shit,” Wren mutters, hightailing it to the kitchen.

I feel so guilty now. We were just having a chill morning, not knowing the chaos the guys were dealing with. I hurry over to Indy, who’s typing in an order on the computer.

“Where do you need me to jump in?”

He glances up, but a huge smile spreads on his face. “Just take anything new. We’ve got it under control for now. Kit’s been mostly running food, and the kitchen is keeping up.”

“Why didn’t you call any of us?”

“Because it’s fine. It’s exciting.” He claps my shoulder. “And if this is an indication of dinner service, second shift is gonna need their energy.”

“Good point.”

“Lowen texted and he’s on his way back. Oakley will be in around dinner service if we need any help. Stewart usually helps at the host stand for a few hours too. We’re fine.” Indy smacks my ass. “I’d checked if Florian could use some help.”

“Sounds good.”

I swing behind the bar and jump in, filling water glasses and helping make an order of mocktails for some college gals sitting on the patio. The next time I look up, the sunlight is fading, and the lull before the dinner rush is setting in.

“Holy shit,” Salem huffs, leaning on the bar. “That was intense.”

“Seriously.” I shake my head. “Totally unexpected too.”

“I was thinking about what’s causing it. The social campaign leading up to next week might be getting people to come out early before the crowds,” Salem explains.

“Oh, okay, that makes sense.”

I grab a wet cloth and start wiping tables while Kit sweeps. We have a few lingering customers on the patio who closed their tab and are starting to wrap up. They spent a lot with us today, so we’ve been chill about getting them out, but we do need to clean and restock before we get slammed again in two hours.

I take a tray of plates to the kitchen, glancing at Wren as I pass on my way to the dishwasher. He’s leaning over the counter talking to Carlos, but he lifts his head and smiles at me before returning to his task.

Now that I have a minute to think, my mind instantly drifts to imagining Wren choking me with his cock later. I stumble, nearly dropping the dishes as my cock jerks with interest.

Down, boy.

Maybe he’ll be up for more tonight. He sort of said he would be. I set the tray down and glance at my watch. Only ten hours until we close. But who’s counting?

TEN

WREN

I can’t rememberthe last time I was this horny. It’s almost shocking. Guess I didn’t realize how much of myself I was repressing towards the end of my relationship with Trent, but now that I’ve given myself permission to mess around with Ridley, it’s like being a teenager again.

Every free moment I had between managing the kitchen tonight was spent focused on him and what we might do later. The way he looks at me doesn’t hurt either. Did he always look at me like that and I never noticed it like everyone around me seemed to? I suppose it doesn’t matter. I know now.

I finish wiping down the stove, then do a brief check of the kitchen to make sure every station is done. Carlos lingers behind me, practically swaying as he leans on the counter. He has deep bags under his eyes too.

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