Jake sighs, shaking his head at his friend. “Look, Logan, she’s out on a date. She’s had a horrible day and needs a night off.”
Feeling like he just got sucker-punched in the gut, Cole sees red. “Where is she, Jake?”
Jake rubs his face then decides to make the right choice.
“Bruno’s Cheesecake. Please let her enjoy her evening. She’s in rough shape.” Cole doesn’t respond as he charges back outside.
Watching her through the cafe window, Cole sees she’s in a tight pair of skinny jeans and a black lace tank top, wearing red cowboy boots. Her hair is in big curls tumbling down her back, and silver earrings sparkle as she shakes her head, smiling at the man across the table from her, who looks very interested inhisSavannah.
He lets out a heavy puff of air and leans back so she doesn’t see him. He takes out his phone and allows his thumb to rub over the screen. His hand twitches with the need to call her. A movement draws his attention back to her. Her date is standing, says something, then walks off, probably to order a drink. Turning her face toward the window, he sees her expression fall like she is about to cry. She pulls out her cell phone, checks the screen, and looks disappointed.Maybe?
A tap on his back makes him jump and almost drop his phone. “What the hell!” Mark is standing behind him with a huge grin on his face.
“Whatcha doin’?”
Cole can’t help but grin back; they are both spying on her. “How’s her night going?”
Mark leans to peek in the window. “She started out at Chaps, but she didn’t hang in there for long. She wasn’t diggin’ it. On the walk back, buddy tried to hold her hand, but she wouldn’t let him. They’ve been here for about an hour. He’s interested but respectful, so we’ll see how the rest of the night goes.” Cole glances over at her and sees her smile, but it’s not touching her eyes. “She seems sad tonight. I heard the lawyer did a number on her.” Mark clears his throat. “I think it would be good if she saw you tonight, Cole. Seriously, she’s hurting.”
“I don’t know.” Cole sighs, not knowing what to do.
“Fine, I’ll make the decision for you. I could be out here freezing my ass off, or I could be in bed with Mel.” He shrugs. “So, goodnight!” With that, he jogs away, laughing.
Fuck.
After climbing back into his SUV, he turns the heat up and hunkers down for a long night. Twenty-five minutes later, they’re up and leaving Bruno’s and heading down toward her apartment. He starts the engine and creeps down the street, parking a few spots away. She stops at the door and says goodbye, and the guy smiles and reaches for her hips, pulling her into him. She shakes her head as he goes in for a kiss, but he’s too quick and misses her signals, planting a kiss on her lips. Fire burns through Cole’s veins and his hand flies to the door handle, but he quickly stops himself as he takes in her reaction. She raises her hands and pushes him away, saying no. The guy steps back immediately, obviously apologizing, and hands her something that looks like a card. She takes it, waving him goodbye, then waits for him to walk away before she disappears inside, leaving Cole more than a little relieved, but also feeling pretty shitty for spying.
Chapter Four
Savannah
I work my shift like a robot, not speaking any more than I have to. Jake is the polar opposite and is chatting on and on, excited about Graham, the new member of the waitstaff. Graham resembles Taylor Lautner, no joke. I keep waiting for him to bust into a werewolf. My mind is spinning with thoughts of going to the safe house tomorrow. I truly hope no one wants to talk about what happened in Washington. Frank called this morning and informed me I’m being ordered back to testify against Lynn. It’s out of his control, and he felt terrible for what happened with Denton’s lawyer.
Jake suddenly grabs my hands and shakes me. “Why are you so distant? I need my wingman!”
I push all my crap aside and try to be a better friend. “How do you even know he’s gay?”
“That’s what I need you for.” I raise an eyebrow, not sure I’m going to like this plan. “When he comes over here next time, lean across the bar to grab his order slip, then pretend to drop it and give him an ass view.”
Oh, Lord.
“What if he doesn’t look, gets distracted or something?”
He gives me a don’t-be-stupid look. “If he’s straight, he won’t be looking anywhere else.”
Seeing someone snag a seat, I turn to focus on him, and realizing who it is, I smile and bend down to take his order.
Davie leans over so I can hear him over the crowd. “I heard you were working here. We have the night off, and I thought we should stop in and say hello.”
“Well, thanks. What can I get you and…?”
“Two Fat Tires, and it’s Dell. The rest of the guys are at some place down the street.”
I pour his drinks, take a few more orders, and wait for the dinner rush to slow down a little. We normally have a slow dip at seven. Dell joins Davie, drinking a few beers. I try to engage them as best as I can, but Don, the woman repeller, is back. Apparently, it’s his last night before he returns to wherever the hell the devil spat him out from.
“Savi!” Jake whispers, nodding toward Graham, who is heading our way. “You’re up!”
I roll my eyes and do as I was asked. I smile, lean in, grab the slip, drop it, and bend over. I make his order and fill my tray.