At the front desk, Xavier checks his watch. “Well, I’m starving.”
“Okay,” I say. “Let’s meet up after lunch?”
“I have a better idea.” He leans in a little closer. If I thought he smelled amazing just out of the shower, now he smells even better with an added layer of his expensive cologne. Subtle hints of musk and cedar fill the space between us. I’m about to get drunk on it. “Let me take you to lunch.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t.”
He cocks his thick brow, crossing his arms over his chest. “Why?”
“I brought my lunch.”
“Well.” His raspy voice sends chills across my body. “You can save it for tomorrow. Today, we’re going to eat. It’s the least I can do for making you run around all morning and tell me every little aspect of your job.”
“I don’t mind, really. I love working here, and it’s kind of nice to tell someone about what I do all day.”
“Don’t you have anyone at home to talk to? A boyfriend, maybe?” I open my mouth to speak, to tell him that there’s no one and there hasn’t been anyone for a long time when it hits me that he might be flirting with me. The thought makes my cheeks burn for the second time today.
“No.” I lick my lips, feeling that same heat work its way down between my legs. “I live alone.” A quick beat of silence passes between us. Again, an image of Xavier’s gorgeous, naked body splashes before my eyes. “Where should we eat?”
“It’s my first time in Rose River Point. Any suggestions?” I could get lost in his crystal blue eyes, his high cheekbones, and strong, square jaw.
“Well, I grew up here.” I press my fingertips to my chest. “So, I’ve got a few suggestions.”
“Lay them out,” he says. “I’ll drive.”
* * *
“I can’t believe you chose this place.” We pull into the parking lot of Rosie’s Diner. “We have a fantastic steakhouse just down the road.”
“Honestly,” he puts the car in park, and flashes me a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts. “I’m seriously craving a milkshake.” Xavier wiggles his eyebrows, and I can’t help but smile back, even though I knew I probably shouldn’t have even suggested this place. It’s too late now.
Inside, the place is going through the lunch rush. For a small place, it’s always packed. Rosie spots me from behind the counter and throws her hands up. She dodges a few patrons on the end barstools and wraps me in a big hug. “Where the hell’ve you been?”
I muffle my voice, panic rising in my throat. “You know I’m working at The Inn.”
“I know.” Rosie waves her hand through the air, complete with her signature red lacquered nails. “We just miss ya’s all.” She squeezes my shoulder. “Got a booth paying right now. Hang tight a sec, okay?”
I nod as she rushes off, afraid to make eye contact with Xavier, but I’m weak. Of course, I glance in his direction, and he’s staring back at me. “You worked here?”
God, I’m an idiot for so many reasons. Not only is it crazy to think this successful man would ever truly find a housekeeper like me one of his own, but add to the mix that I was a fucking diner waitress beforehand and it’s got to be the final nail in the coffin.
“For a little bit.”
“Uh-huh.” He says, jutting out his chin while nodding. “Honestly?” He peers down at me. Every time I stand this close it’s like he towers above me by feet, not inches. “The food must be pretty damn good if you worked here and can still come back and eat.”
“It is,” I say. “Honestly, it’s some of the best I’ve ever had.”
“I worked my way through college at a late night diner. Only I had to cook. I smelled like grease all the time.” He cuts the air with his hand. “Very sexy stuff, let me tell you.”
“I’m working my way through school right now.” It slips out.
“That’s awesome. Nothing takes the place of hard work.” He shakes his head, and I notice how soft his hair looks, dark and wavy. “People who have it easy never quite understand adversity and the overwhelming feeling of overcoming it.”
I could cry on the spot. Never have I spoken to anyone about how hard it is to have a full-time job and go to school. I didn’t think anyone would care. It’s easy to carry it all on my own shoulders, but there’s something about Xavier that makes me want to open up. To tell him all the things that keep me up at night because I feel in my heart that he’s been there and come out the other side.
“Honey!” Rosie waves at us from the corner. “Booth’s ready.” She mouths and points at the empty booth.
“Shall we?” Xavier asks. I nod, biting back a smile that if released, I’m certain will never go away. “Oh, but before we do, I have to tell you something.”