Page 2 of Into the Shadows

“Hi there.” I pull out my widest smile. “Welcome to Jones’s Diner. I’m Lottie. What can I get you to drink?”

I almost gasp when his midnight blue eyes meet mine. I’ve never seen a color like that before.

“Coffee. And I’ll take a cheeseburger with sweet potato fries.”

“Sure,” I whisper. All the confidence I’d had walking over here is gone. I’m no match for the intensity this man is putting off. I’m just an inexperienced little girl standing next to a man I’d never have a chance with.

He nods, sending a very clear signal that it’s time for me to move on. I try not to let the disappointment get to me. I have no business going after a guy like that.

But every time I look at him, I catch him staring right back at me. At first, I’d drop my gaze, embarrassed at being caught checking him out. After the third time it happened, though, I found myself holding his stare a little longer each time.

A boldness I didn’t know I possessed made me write my number on his receipt along with a note.

My shift ends in an hour. Message me if you want to do something.

“What did you have in mind?”

I screech, my entire body jolting with fear. Mister Broody is leaning against the back wall of the diner, a cigarette dangling from his fingers.

“You scared the crap out of me.”

He smirks.

Exhaling, I try to gather my bearings. When I didn’t see a text from him at the end of my shift, I figured he’d moved on. I was disappointed but not surprised. I wasn’t expecting him to be lurking around the corner, waiting for me.

“You could’ve warned me,” I huff.

“But this was more fun.”

I roll myeyes. “For you.”

“So?”

“So, what?”

“What did you have in mind? I’ve got time to kill and nothing to do.”

“I should probably shower.” I look down at my jeans and cropped tee. “I smell like a french fry.”

He shrugs. “I don’t mind.”

I study him for a minute. Why would he want to hang out with me? It’s not like I give off easy vibes. I don’t scream sex when you look at me. In fact, I’ve been told I’m as locked down as a safe. They’re not wrong. I have no experience besides a bit of kissing.

“Don’t get your panties all twisted up—I’m not about to throw you on the ground and fuck you. I’m just bored and don’t know anyone else in town.”

Rejection should not be the first emotion I feel after his statement. I should be relieved he doesn’t have any nefarious plans. Although… How much can you trust a complete stranger? As naïve and stupid as it may sound, this man makes me feel safer than any of the guys I hung out with in school. Don’t ask me why. I have no clue.

An idea hits me. “You got a ride? I know a place we can go.”

“It’s not like…fucking bowling or something, right?”

I roll my eyes again. “No. It’s not bowling.”

He nods before stubbing out his cigarette and putting it in the trash can. The crunch of his motorcycle boots on the gravel leads us to a shiny black motorbike.

I immediately shake my head. “Nuh-uh. Not happening.”

“It’s either this or we’re walking. Unless you have a car.”

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