Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
The last few tables smiled and nodded, going back to their meals. The bell rang from the kitchen, and I was grateful the final order was ready. An unexpected, large group had shown up half an hour before closing, so we were going to be late. Still, it was good for business.
I went to the kitchen, grabbing the first tray, once again wishing I had help. Tammy had the day off, my other waitress, Jan, had called in sick, and I couldn’t get hold of Chloe. So I was alone for the day. Then Kevin, the other staff member, called in sick as well. Normally, I could manage, but with the lingering heat, it seemed no one wanted to cook, and we had been extraordinarily busy all day. I heard the door open out front, and I rolled my eyes before going through the kitchen door. I had a feeling the day wouldn’t be ending soon.
But as I went out front, I was greeted by John’s confused smile as he sat at the counter. He rose to his feet, immediately reaching for the large tray. For a moment, I almost said no, and then I allowed him to take it. He followed me to the table and held it as I handed out plates.
“Right back with the rest,” I promised.
“Can we get more water and coffee?” one customer asked.
“Of course.”
I returned to the kitchen, loading the tray, hurrying back, and stopping in amazement. John was at the table, coffeepot and water pitcher in hand. He was pouring liquid, chatting with the customers, being charming. Friendly.
I had to blink and make sure I wasn’t hallucinating.
“Ah, there she is,” he said, meeting my gaze.
I crossed to the table, and once again, he held the tray as I gave out the rest of the plates.
“Anything else I can get you?”
“No,” was the chorus I was pleased to hear. “John here got us ketchup and everything else while you were getting the food. We’re good,” one woman assured me. “I know we’re late, so we’ll eat up so you can close.”
“Please take your time. It’s not a problem,” I lied.
They all began to eat, and I recalled I needed to clean up the glass. Except when I turned, I saw John by the booth, broom in hand. I approached him. “I’ll finish that.”
“Almost done.” He looked around. “Where’s your staff?”
I moved closer, dropping my voice. “Tammy has the day off. Jan called in sick, then about an hour later, the busboy, Kevin, did the same thing. I have a feeling they were being ‘sick’ together. I couldn’t get hold of Chloe. And we’ve been crazy. Clint and I have been run off our feet.”
“Tammy wouldn’t have minded you calling her.”
“She’s at her in-laws for a birthday party. I didn’t want to take her from that. It’s almost done. But I’m not going to get out of here on time.”
He frowned.
I took in a deep breath. “Could you pick Abby up for me? Take her to the farm. I don’t know what you can do when—”
He cut me off by laying a finger on my lips. “Yeah, I’ll pick up Pumpkin and take her to the farm.” He grinned widely. “She can come with me to finish the day. Check out the crops, ride on the tractor. She’ll love it. We’ll take her to the slumber party when you’re done.”
I worried my lip.
“Unless.” He paused with a concerned tone. “Do you think she’s okay for that?” he asked. “I was worried about that all morning. Wondering if being at the farm is enough of a change.”
“She’s slept at Mandy’s before. She knows the other girls—and Bethy will be there. She’s looking forward to it.”
“Then we’ll do that, and I’ll take you to supper. If anything changes, we’ll swing by and pick her up. No worries.”
“Thank you,” I breathed out.
Suddenly, he yanked me into his arms and, ignoring the fact that we had an audience, kissed me.
“Good girl,” he whispered into my ear. “Asking me for help. I know how hard that is for you.”
I couldn’t help the flutter in my chest at his whispered praise.
I turned my head and pressed my mouth to his ear. “I like it when you call me good girl.”
He stiffened, then chuckled low and satisfied in his chest. “Glad you do. I plan on calling you that tonight while your lips are wrapped around my cock. Then again when I take you hard and listen to you scream my name.” His voice was like melted butter flowing over me, warm and sweet, the tone deep and sensuous. “We’ll be alone tonight, darlin’. No holds barred.”
I shivered, stared at him a moment, then I gripped his shirt and yanked him down to my level, kissing him as hard as he had done earlier, sliding my tongue over his.