“I don’t remember it. I took a few days off around that time. I had some personal stuff going on. I usually get my granddaughter to stand in for me,” she says.
“That’s what Shelby told me,” I say with an appreciative smile. “I was hoping to see her again.” I can’t help it as my eyes scan the kitchen behind the counter, hoping she’s back there somewhere and I just missed her.
Her sweet ass pops into my head. Those damn curves I can’t stop thinking about. Them pretty lips I want to taste.
I’m caught off guard when I get swatted on the head with a menu. Standing up, I tower over the lady, but somehow, I feel chastised like I just got caught with my hand in the cookie jar.
“You get that thought of my Shelbers out of your head,” Billie says, shaking her own.
“What thought?” I ask, frowning over the nickname she used.Shelbers?
“My granddaughter is off limits. She’s had enough trouble in her life,” Billie snaps. Any friendliness I’ve earned from the woman since I’ve been coming here is instantly gone. She’s pointing her finger at me, and I watch her as her words sink in.
“What if it isn’t trouble, I want to offer her?” I grouse, not appreciating her reprimand one damn bit. I’m a grown ass man.
She shoots me a dirty look. Her eyes narrow on me as beady as those of a crow. I’ve never got one of those mean looks from her, so I’m thinking it’s not a good thing. The woman is intimidating for damn sure, and there has never been anyone in my life that could intimidate me. Billie is a different kind of monster though.
“You have trouble written all over you, son.”
“I—”
“And your kind of trouble isn’t what my Shelber’s needs. She’s not for you.”
“Shelbers?” I ask, trying not to take offense to what she’s saying. I’m used to people finding me lacking. At this point in my life, I let it roll off me like water on a duck’s back. I’m going to do whatever the fuck I want regardless.
“That’s my name for her,” Billie explains. “The point is you need to stay away.”
“Why is that? Do you have a problem with me?” I rumble, wondering if I read Billie wrong. Some people take one look at me and make judgments because of my MC cut. Others look at the color of my skin and decide I’m bad news. That I’m not worth the trouble I bring with me.
“Don’t get your knickers twisted. My Shelbers has had it rough, and she doesn’t need any man, but especially one who has heartache written all over him.”
“Does that mean you’re banning me from the diner? Good customers are hard to find, Billie. I’ll take the special.”
“They aren’t that hard to find here, but I won’t do that unless you screw up,” she huffs, dismissing me and walking away to put in my order. I shake my head as I watch her go.
I like Billie. I even like that she’s protective over her granddaughter. Shelby actually reminds me of her—although our interaction has been limited. I’m wondering if she has as much fire as her grandmother and fuck, if I’m not hoping she does.
Knowing Shelby has had a rough go at some point makes me wonder if that’s why she seemed closed off when we talked. I should do as Billie asks, but the truth is that I have no intention of staying away, even if the old woman is demanding it. Shelby is like an itch I can’t scratch. She’s under my skin enough to drive me crazy—and she has no idea.
I have to have her.
Chapter5
Shelby
Checking the clock, I realize it’s almost midnight. I was supposed to be off at ten, but with paperwork and closing out, it has taken longer than usual. My feet are aching, my bones hurt, and I’m dog tired. I’m ready to get home. I need a hot shower, so I don’t smell like antiseptic wipes anymore. There’s only so much of that smell I can take. I worked a double shift when one of the other nurses had a family emergency. Even loving my job, I’m ready to get out of here.
Walking into the lobby, I’m just about to head to the elevators when I notice a man standing there. The same man I’ve been thinking about for weeks—even though I know I shouldn’t. King pushes his tall frame out of the chair fluidly, sauntering over.
He prowls straight toward me. Sweet Jesus, there’s no way one man should be that hot. His white T-shirt is stretched tight over his muscular body, contrasting to his dark skin. I bite my lip to keep from whimpering when my eyes track the way his hips move as he’s walking. I force myself to move my attention back to his face, his beautiful, ebony eyes look like liquid and are trained on me, making me want to squirm under his attention. There’s no denying I find the man attractive.
I can only manage to take shallow breaths. I shove my hands in the pockets of my scrub shirt, feeling too exposed. He grins and I can feel my nipples harden. I realize that I’ve caused my chest to push out and draw his attention. I quickly bring my hands up to cross them over my chest. He smiles wider and I find myself unable to look away from him.
“Your friend isn’t in the hospital any longer,” I call out, hoping my words will somehow magically make him turn around and leave.
“I know,” he says, still smiling. “I’m here to see you.”
Shit.