Page 13 of Up in Flames

“Thanks. I’m already behind because of yesterday, so I gotta get in as much time as possible.”

I walk past and pat her shoulder, then move to my bedroom to get dressed in my finest of crappy clothing. Once dressed, I grab my purse to head out of the apartment and straight for the elevator. Usually, I wouldn’t go in my sweats, but I am only heading out to fetch creamer. My shoes scuffing along the floor is the only sound down the long, narrow hall. The elevator call button is cold as I press it once and patiently wait. The doors open, and I walk in without paying attention. My body smacks straight into a strong ball of muscle, and I gasp, look up, and jolt back in shock.

“Whoa… you okay?” His voice is like deep, silky honey as he steadies me.

Something sparks through my arms where he’s holding me, and I glance up to see Cain’s bright blue eyes bearing down on mine. The undeniable look of lust surging from his eyes sets off a sexual chemistry that blasts through the elevator as the doors close behind me.

He smiles with a slight chuckle. “Nice to see you again, Makaylie.” Cain drops his hands from my arms, and instantly, I feel the loss of contact between us. I can’t help it as I continue to stare into his eyes, mesmerized by their brilliance.

This man truly takes my breath away.

“Hello,” he says with his brow raised as he tilts his head in question.

Instantly, I break out of my trance and inhale abruptly. “Hi. Hey. Hi… oh my God,” I murmur as I look down at the floor, feeling like a bumbling fool.

He moves closer, places his hand under my chin, and lifts my head. My eyes meet his again as that surge passes between us once more. “Well, I usually go by Cain, but yeah… you can call me god if you like,” he teases, and I wince at my own stupidity. “Are you always this awkward?” Cain releases my chin, and once again, I feel bereft at the loss of contact.

“Not normally. No.”

He chuckles. “So, it’s just me then?”

Oh God, he’s so freaking hot!

“Makaylie?”

I snap out of my headspace. “Yes. Just with you,” I reply honestly.

“Hmm…” is all he murmurs.

The elevator chimes, and the doors open to the parking garage. Cain takes my hand in his, completely surprising me and pulling me out of the elevator. Cain starts to walk briskly with me in tow. I have to almost run to keep up with his large steps as he drags me along with him.

“Wh… what are we doing?” I ask, breathless, as he walks us out onto the street. The sunlight hits my face, starkly contrasting with the harsh storm of the night before. His hand holds mine firm as he tugs me along the street, not saying a word, toward the corner to cross the road. The light flashes, and he sets off, walking us across the pedestrian crossing, leading me to Hayden’s Diner. I have to rush to keep up with him as his long, toned legs stride toward our destination.

I really want to ask what the hell we’re doing, but he seems so focused right now, and I’m not sure if I should be saying anything or just doing as Joey says and letting this play out.

So, I go with option two, with an echo of Joey’s words in my head,“… let it play out.”

He stops at the diner's door and opens it for me with a beaming smile, finally letting go of his tight grip on my hand. Smiling back at him, I enter the cute little diner through the door. The theme of the place reminds me of something you’d see in a scene fromHappy Days, with vintage car posters on the wall and booth seats that look like the backs of cars. There are stools at the bar and tables for two placed all through the diner.

I love the atmosphere and come here often to get away from the apartment when I am trying to write. They always play sixties rock 'n' roll on the funky-looking jukebox in the corner. I wouldn’t be surprised if, one day, the waitresses start wearing roller skates. I giggle to myself as he leads me over to a table for two and pulls out my chair for me like the perfect gentleman.

Giggling like a freaking idiot schoolgirl, I take a seat and then sit in silence as he walks around to his seat. Cain’s chair scrapes along the floor, making a loud squeal, and I wince when his hand flies up in the air, and he clicks his fingers together obnoxiously, obviously calling for service. I didn’t know people still did that—it’s rude.

A waitress strides over with a not-so-amused appearance when she looks down at Cain. Then, her frown morphs into a sly smirk as she takes in the incredibly attractive man before her. “What can I get ya?” She pulls out a notepad from her white half-waist apron wrapped around her short yellow dress and grabs a pen from her loose top bun.

“Two coffees, please. Creamer, two sugars in each,” he orders, not even looking at me.

He must be thirsty ordering two coffees because I know he didnotjust order for me.

“I’ll have a—”

“That will be all, thank you,” he interrupts.

My jaw drops as the waitress smiles, then leaves.

“Did you just order for me?”

“Yes,” he says matter-of-factly.

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