Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,72

between. “This is perfect,” I say, as Walker pulls out a chair for me. We’re seated along the railing with a view of the setting sun.

“Here are your menus, and your server will be out shortly to take your drink order,” the hostess says, before disappearing back inside.

As I glance over the menu and try not to gasp at the prices, I can’t help but recall what he said in the Jeep. “So why don’t you date? I mean, you’re hot. Half the women here were checking you out as we walked past.”

Walker glances up, his eyes sparkling with humor. “I’m hot?”

Rolling my eyes, I look back down at the overpriced linguini options. “You know you are. Stop being coy.”

He snorts out a laugh. “That’s something I’ve never been called.” He reaches over and sets my menu down in front of me, before taking my hand in his. “I’ve dated, just not a lot, especially in the last few years. Growing a business is hard work and left me little time for anything else. And to comment on your other statement, I don’t care what half the women in here think. I only care about you.”

I feel the blush sliding up my neck and burning my cheeks. Apparently, even under the dimness of the setting sun and the hanging lights, Walker can see it too. He reaches up and caresses my cheek. “I love it when you blush.”

“I hate it.” My reply is automatic.

Our server arrives with two glasses of water and takes our drink order. He’s young and seems to struggle to keep himself organized, even with a simple task like writing down drinks. I can’t help but wonder how new he is at this job, and instantly feel empathy for him. It’s not easy, especially when you start to feel overwhelmed.

“I’ll be right back to take your orders,” he replies, scurrying off to grab our drinks.

“You know, you blush other times too.” Even though he’s looking down at his menu, I can see his smile. There’s also no doubt in my mind as to what he’s referring to.

My cheeks burn even hotter.

When my eyes lock with his, he just grins wider, which makes me squirm in my seat. My panties are soaked in a matter of seconds and I’m pretty sure my nipples are poking through my top—and it has nothing to do with the temperature outside.

Setting his menu aside, he leans in and whispers, “I have to admit, Mal. I’m looking forward to seeing that blush spread across your entire body later. While you ride my cock.”

Just like that, I melt right off my chair.

Chapter Twenty-One

Walker

“How was your day?” I ask as we walk hand in hand around the dark pathway. Fortunately, the moon is full and shining brightly in the night sky, reflecting off the pond beside us.

“Good. Something happened though.”

I tense beside her. “What?”

“Oh, nothing bad. I met some teachers from a local preschool. They invited me to come by tomorrow to discuss enrolling Lizzie.”

“Wow, that’s great. I think Lizzie would kick ass in preschool,” I say honestly.

Mallory chuckles. “Yeah, I bet she would, but I’m not sure,” she replies, shrugging uncomfortably.

“What aren’t you sure about?” I ask, stopping in the middle of the path and turning to face her.

“I’m not sure if it’s the right place for her,” she replies, glancing down at the earth at our feet. “The opening is for Tuesday and Thursday mornings from nine to eleven thirty. I’d have to see if Mrs. Fritz would be able to pick her up, and I’m not sure she’d be all that thrilled to do it. It’s right in the middle of her soap operas. She’d hate to leave.”

“I’ll do it.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, but as soon as they’re out there, I realize it doesn’t matter. I’d really do it for her.

“You? You work too,” she argues, but it falls on deaf ears.

“First off, I’m off on Tuesdays, so that doesn’t matter, but also I don’t go in until four on Thursdays. I can easily pick her up from school.” I place a hand at the back of her neck, my thumb sliding over her spine. She shivers at the contact and leans a little farther into my chest.

“I couldn’t ask you to do that,” she adds, closing her eyes as my hand gently kneads the neck muscles.

“You didn’t ask. I volunteered.”

She opens her eyes and gazes up at me. “That’s a lot to