out my order pad with shaking fingers. I don’t know what was about to happen, but it feels like I just took a bone from a Rottweiler.
Ares, however, isn’t as easily detoured. His large hand goes to the back of my neck, his fingers are gentle as he touches his mouth to my ear. Charlie watches the exchange, his eyes wide as they volley back and forth between us. “I’m not very patient.” I swallow when I feel the heat of his breath caress my ear. He stalks away, but only a few feet. He leaves one empty both between him and Charlie.
“I’m going to assume you can’t have a break now, since you have… other customers.”
My eyes dart over to Ares, he’s looking over the plastic menu from the table, pretending he’s not listening to Charlie’s hushed words.
Rolling my lips in I shake my head in denial. “Can I get you anything?”
“I mostly just stopped by to say hello,” Charlie answers while sliding out of the booth. He quickly glances over at Ares, then back to me. “I’ll catch you at school tomorrow.” He walks out the door without another word.
My shoulders slump, now it’s just Mr. Impatient and me. I pivot on my toes, narrowing my eyes on Ares. He looks completely at ease. The menu is left forgotten on the table with his hands folded neatly on top. I stalk over to him. “Why did you go all dark ‘n’ creepy?”
A snort betrays his calm features. “Dark and creepy?” Ares’s lips lift in an infinitesimal smile before he smothers it away like it was never there. “Your friend didn’t stick around?”
I roll my eyes, like that’s a surprise. “Are you ordering?” Glancing at the neon clock behind the counter I see the kitchen closes in about twenty minutes. Ares ignores my dry tone and eye roll, opting to pick up the menu again, studying what I’m sure he already knows by heart.
“What would you suggest?” He’s playing it cool. I watch as his eyes scan the menu from top to bottom and side-to-side, when I don’t answer he drops it back on the table. “Have you eaten?”
“Not yet. We’ve been busy.”
Ares’s head tilts as he examines me. I wipe the front of my shirt, making sure it’s straight before adjusting my apron. “We have a roast at home,” he says softly. I feel a pang in my stomach and now that we’re discussing food I’m hungry. I refuse to admit his presence has anything to do with the sudden appearance of my appetite.
I bite my lip, I haven’t had a decent roast in ages. Sometimes I buy the Dinty Moore canned stuff from the grocery store, but that can’t compete with a real roast, smothered in gravy with sweet carrots and starchy potatoes. My mouth waters at the visual I’m creating.
I feel a gentle tug on my fingers where Ares wraps his pinky over mine. “You’re hungry.” His voice is barely a whisper. I don’t even really think he was talking to me, more just an acknowledgement to himself. “Maggie!” His loud voice now carries through the diner.
I drop his hand, stepping back. My eyes now glued to the swinging door that separates the kitchen. She’s been back there for a while now and I’m surprised she hasn’t been out to check on me. The diner was empty when I went to inspect the bathrooms before Charlie showed up anyhow. The door pops open a few seconds later, and Maggie gazes at Ares. I expect an easy smile, but instead she her eyes dart around the room, confirming we’re alone before she pushes the rest of the way through the door.
“What are you hollering for? You know where to find me.”
“Laura hasn’t eaten.” Ares’s voice is just as accusatory as Maggie’s, but he adds a raised brow to the challenge.
“Last I looked she seemed damn capable of taking care of herself.” Maggie’s tone cuts through the air. I’ve never heard her sound so irritated.
Ares stays seated, but stares up at the older woman. “Her bonds are forming.” That’s the only explanation he gives.
Maggie clicks her tongue, her eyes soften when they land on me. “Why don’t I have Gus box you up a big slice of that lasagna you love so much?” I flush under her insistence. I haven’t had anyone worrying over me in a long time, if ever.
“Sounds wonderful,” I tell her, even though the roast that Ares offered sounded even better, but I can’t