Page 30 of Damien
“Honey, you know I do.” He nods in reassurance, but then his tone turns mischievous once more. “But I’m serious—I know a guy. I grew up in the South and know which bushes to bury someone under—and you’ll never hear from them again.”
As I fight to hold my laughter in, I assure him again, “I don’t think that will be necessary. Besides, we don’t have any plants like that around here, so I think Damien’s safe.”
“Damien’s safe from what?” I hear from the sexiest voice imaginable.
Oh. My. God.
How did I not see him come in?
Crap, what did he hear?
Jack laughs aloud as he motions for Damien to take a seat beside him. “Have a seat, son.”
As Damien sits, Jack pats him on the shoulder. “Vanessa and I were just talking about the fact that if anyone ever hurts her, I know a guy who can make things happen.”
“If anyone hurts her, they’ll have to stand in line,” Damien says.
“That include you?” The words fly out of my mouth before I can stop myself.
“Most certainly.” Damien nods without hesitation.
Jack slaps Damien on the back as he grins wide. “Well… now that that’s settled… When will the two of you be going out again?”
“Jack,” I gasp and admonish simultaneously. What the hell is he doing? Our first date was just last night, and he’s already pushing for another?
“As soon as she’s able,” Damien says, and my focus stays on him.
Staring in disbelief that he’d be so bold, I’m at a loss for what to say.
I know he wants to go out again, but I didn’t think he’d make that proclamation to Jack—after only one date. Maybe I’m not the only one feeling our connection.
But what is it with Jack and his sudden need to play matchmaker? What if Damien hadn’t wanted to go out again? That would’ve made things awkward.
Damien’s soft tone somehow grounds me and keeps my emotions at bay when he looks me in the eye and adds, “I know Vanessa’s busy and has other obligations. But anytime she’s willing to make time for me, I’m happy to go along for the ride.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” I tease. “My life is a circus sometimes. You may live to regret that.”
Damien’s deep smile makes my stomach flip and my heart melt. “I think I’m willing to take that risk.” His tone is just as playful, but the meaning packs a punch. I feel his words in my bones, and I’m not sure what to make of it.
Needing to keep things casual, I ask, “Want your usual before you’re off to conquer the world?”
“That and some coffee would be great,” he says as he clasps his hands and leans on the counter in front of him. The sleeves of his dark-blue button up are rolled to just below his elbows and when his hands clasp, I find myself staring at his corded forearms.
When I realize I’m staring, I quickly turn and grab the carafe, fill a mug, and place it in front of him.
I don’t get the chance to say anything because a group of ten college students come in and sit in my section, causing us all to watch their silly antics.
“I’ll get this order in and be back when I can.”
“Take your time. I know you’re busy.” I hear as I bustle off to take care of the start of the morning rush.
Though I’m aware of nearly his every move, I hardly get to talk much with Damien. I’m not sure what’s in the water, but everyone is out and about, and the rush never lets up until I’m nearly off shift. Damien manages to say goodbye and mentions texting me later, but I’m too busy to do more than deliver his food and take care of his check.
By the time I’m off shift, I’m exhausted. But knowing I have a full day of classes and Julia tonight, I push through—what choice do I have? Just as I get to campus, my phone buzzes with an incoming text, so I pull if from my jeans pocket and read as I walk to class.
Damien: Hope the rest of your day goes well.
Knowing that he’s thinking of me brings a smile to my face.
