Page 51 of Loving the Sinner
As I’m putting the key in to lock the door, Wes steps up behind me and whispers in my ear, “I like the thought of you being mine, Elliana.”
My breath hitches, and when I turn around there’s a heat in his eyes that makes me want to squirm.
“Let’s get this show on the road, baby. I have big plans for us today and we need to fuel up.” He grabs my hand and leads me to his car. He opens the door for me, but before I get in he grabs me by the waist and plants a dizzying kiss on my lips.
“I was going to wait to do that until after but I’ve been thinking about your lips non-stop for three days. I needed a fix.” He says with a wink before helping me into the car, buckling my seat belt for me, and closing the door.
Once again, I’m speechless.How does he keep doing that?
Wes has the radio playing on a low volume as we drive through San Marcos, his hand on my thigh the whole time. We make casual conversation during the ten minute drive, and when we stop, I see we’re parked in front of a quaint little diner type restaurant called Ernie’s.
“This place looks so cute and cozy!” I say as Wes opens the car door for me.
He places a hand on the small of my back as he guides me to the front door, “This is a hidden gem in San Marcos. It’s housed many late night study sessions for me and Robs, and it’s the best place to have breakfast after a long night out.”
Wes opens the door for me and motions for me to go ahead of him, and I gasp as I take in the retro-eclectic atmosphere of the place.
The diner’s walls are painted a light pink, the turquoise booth seats look worn and well used, but extremely comfortable, and the checkered floor is scuffed from so many feet on it, but it’s clean and well kept. All along the walls are a hodgepodge of different celebrities. Major league baseball players, football stars, singers, actors, and actresses. I notice a photo of a familiar dark haired man with a guitar, standing in themiddle of two older people. Wes sees it catch my eye and he blushes.
“That’s from my first paid gig. Claudia wanted to make sure she had a signed picture for when I got famous.” He explains. He motions to an empty booth, “Let’s have some breakfast, yeah?”
I nod, following his lead. I take one side of the booth, and instead of him taking the other side like I thought, he joins me on one side. I glance over the menu, and am about to ask what I should order when the woman from the photograph comes over with a carafe of coffee.
“Well, look who it is! This isn’t your usual breakfast date. Where’s Red?” Claudia asks.
“Claudia, this is Elli. Elli, this is Claudia. Ernie’s wife, and the maker of the best coffee on this side of Texas.” Wes stands to give Claudia a hug, and I offer her a hand.
“Nice to meet you Claudia. I’ve heard excellent things about this place. Everything looks so good on the menu I can’t decide what I want to order.”
Claudia’s hands are wrinkly and calloused as she grips mine in both of hers. Damn, she’s strong for an older lady. “Well, Elli. It’s nice to meet you. Wes doesn’t bring very many people around here, so you must be one special lady.”
Wes tosses an arm behind me and looks at me with a smile so bright it rivals the sun. “She’s the most special.”
Wes and Claudia catch up on what Wes has been up to, and he tells her about his newfound inspiration, the new songs he’s written, and she makes him promise to send her the audio files when they’re done so she can “give her stamp of approval.”
“Alright kids. Wes, I’m assuming you want the usual?” She asks, and Wes nods. “What about you Miss Elli?”
Wes leans in, “Can I order for you?”
“I trust you.” I say, handing over my menu.
Wes gives me a devastating smile, then turns back to whisper something to Claudia. Claudia hums in approval, and then leaves to go put our order in.
“She’s super sweet, Wes. I can see why you like coming here.” I say once Claudia is behind the counter and out of earshot.
“She’s the best. My grandma used to bring me here every Sunday morning, since her and Claudia were such good friends. When I needed a babysitter, Claudia would step up when Jess couldn’t watch me. She put me to work wrapping silverware when I was about ten and when I was thirteen, she promoted me to busboy. I worked here every weekend I could to save up for a guitar. It’s because of them I was able to afford one and start writing my own songs.” Wes says as he doctors up our coffees.
“That’s amazing, Wes. I’m glad you had someone like that in your life.” I say, laying my hand on his forearm.
“Me too. Probably would have turned into a big troublemaker if I didn’t have Claudia and Ernie threatening my behind on a weekly basis.” He says with a chuckle. “I don’t know if I added enough sugar. Sorry there’s no white chocolate here.” He slides a white mug my way.
I take a sip of the steaming liquid. It’s a bit bitter, so I grab another sugar packet and stir it in. I take another sip, “Ah. That’s better. Not bad. I’ll have to work on expanding my tastebuds.”
He takes a large gulp of his and I watch his Adam’s apple bob with the swallow.
Wow, I didn't know swallowing could be sexy.
Oblivious to my blooming arousal, Wes says “Claudia’s is good. It’s some of the only kind I can drink black. They import their beans from Guatemala.”
