I exhale my frustration as I pin my friend with a no-nonsense stare. “I know what you asked me not to do, but I’m not staying away from Zoe.” I don’t match his temper because I don’t need to. This is non-negotiable for me.
There’s just something about the voluptuous red head that calls to me. I need to be around her. Her telling me that she would go out with me did nothing but make me feel more convinced she’s the one. I’ve been working on autopilot while thoughts of her have taken over every part of my life.
“She’s Emilia’s best friend,” Niko growls. “This will cause problems when you break the girl’s heart.”
“That’s not going to be an issue,” I tell him dismissively.
“I’m fairly certain it will be.”
“I owe you everything. You know this, Niko. I’d do anything for you. I’d lay my life down for you.”
“Then stop—”
“But I can’t give up Zoe, Niko. I can’t turn my back on the pull I feel for her. There’s nothing to worry about,” I tell him calmly.
“Spoken like a lawyer,” he mutters.
“I’m damn good at it, too. I’m meeting Zoe Saturday. After I spend time with her and get to know her, we can revisit this subject.”
There’s a lull in the conversation as he grudgingly nods his head in agreement.
“Any word from Emilia and the contract?” I ask, changing the subject.
“No. First, she said she needed to take her time reading through it, and after a few days of putting it off, she flat out refused to talk about it at all.” Niko growls, opening and closing his fists.
Ah. So, there it is. He’s not that upset about me seeing Zoe. He’s upset that he’s not getting his way when it comes to Emilia. Zoe possibly being a hiccup in his plan is only secondary to the problems he’s facing.
“But I got inventive, and she will sign it tonight. I won’t give her much of a choice in the matter,” Niko says.
“I think you need to go easier on Emilia,” I advise him, trying to hide the smile playing on my lips. Niko is so self-assured and cold when it comes to everything but Emilia. I’m not sure he understands what that means—but I do. Niko, however, refuses to acknowledge Emilia’s power over him. “If you push her too much, you’re liable to drive her away.”
“This coming from a man who is spending a fortune on roses just to get laid,” Niko rolls his eyes.
I get that in the past I’ve been more of a lady’s man, a player, but I don’t like that being said even as a remote possibility when it comes to Zoe. I’m not looking to get laid here. Although, I can’t wait to have Zoe on my bed beneath me. I want to keep her, though—not hurt her. There’s a connection with her that I’ve never felt before. I can’t explain it, but with one look, I knew Zoe Cooper was the one.
Now, I just have to convince her.
Chapter11
Zoe
It should beno surprise that I’m working late again. It’s eleven thirty, and I have thirty minutes to go. It wasn’t a surprise the other waitress couldn’t be bothered to show up. The owner was fit to be tied and fired her by leaving a message on her answering machine.
That means I’ve worked my shift and all of hers. I’m past the point of caffeine giving me a boost. I’m exhausted and my feet are aching. It’s not just my body that’s tired, however. My brain is mostly mush at this point. No one should have to work in this diner from seven in the morning till midnight.
If there’s one saving grace, it’s that we don’t get much business this time of night. The owner likes to keep us open until midnight to serve the paramedics when they get off work from their shift change. Tonight, they’ve all come and gone—leaving the diner empty. Well, except for me and Joe—one of the line cooks. After being here for over twelve hours, the lull has only made me more aware of how achy my feet are.
I’ve spent most of the night looking forward to going home and being alone—with all my roses. My dad went out of town on a fishing trip with friends. It’s rare for him to do anything but work. I have thought of Callan all night. I’m looking so forward to seeing him again. I shouldn’t be, but I really am.
I don’t know why I’m even allowing myself to get close to him. The more I think about it, the more I know we don’t fit into each other’s world. I’m miserable in the circles he moves in. I have a hard enough time trying for Emilia. I need to remind myself that this can’t go anywhere. It’s just one date for lunch. That’s it and even if I wanted more, it just can’t happen.
I look up when the door opens. Callan walks into the diner as if he knows I was thinking about him. His crooked smile has my heart racing. I try my best to hide the fact I’ve been thinking about him again.
“Are you stalking me?” I ask, pretty sure that we’ve had this discussion before.
“Believe it or not, this time, I will definitely say yes,” he says. His deep voice sends shivers down my back.
“Should I be worried?” I ask, quirking my eyebrow.