Pushing Limits (Fighting Love #1) - kali cross Page 0,22
the new table, pulling out a chair for me to sit in. I thank him and take a seat. He waits as Sally and Tracy take their seats before sitting down.
The waitress hurries over. “What can I get for y’all?” She says y’all, but she stares at Tommy, her eyes never leaving his face.
Sally turns to Tracy. “Juice or coffee, Darlin’?”
“Cappuccino, please.” Her shy smile contrasts with her model looks.
“Two cappuccinos, please.” Sally orders, forcing the waitress to notice her. Her brows raised in a questioning stare. One that read - would you please back off, Chica. I recognize that look. Angela used it often when she felt someone was disrespecting her, or me.
“Make that three,” I say, “and, an order of Huevos Rancheros, please.”
“A woman after my own heart.” Tommy grins at me, turning to the waitress. “I’ll take the same.”
“I’ll have the coffees out to you right away, hon,” she says, twirling her hair.
“So, what are you ladies up to, today?” He asks Sally and Tracy.
“Not much…I thought we would head over to the Pavilion…haven’t decided. It’s such a nice day, the sun is out, and it’s not too cold. I have to be outside.” Sally chats about the possible destinations she has in mind.
The waitress hurries over with the cappuccinos. Huge brightly colored mugs, filled to the brim with a chocolate swizzle stick emerging from the fluffy cloud of whipped cream and sprinkles. I pounce on my coffee, pulling the chocolate stick from its cloud and sliding it down my puckered lips for the right dip of sweetness. Grazing my finger into the frothy whipped cream, I pop my finger into my mouth, sucking off the glorious confection, my eyes rolling to the heavens. I sip the addictive creamy liquid and whisper, “Sweet nectar of the Gods” as the liquid explodes in my mouth, zinging caffeine into my blood.
My eyes rise to notice the others staring at me with heated looks.
“Damn, Girl.” Sally whispers.
Tommy grins at me wickedly. “I’m glad you …uh, like it.”
Tracy’s mouth is gaping, and she closes it saying, “Wow. That was hot.”
“What? I like my coffee.” I shrug.
Shaking her head from her trance, Sally asks, “So, Tommy, where have you been playing lately?”
Thankful for a subject change, I watch him answer Sally and talk about his latest gig. With his attention on Sally, I steal a look at his face, noticing he hasn’t shaved. His dark beard is past that rough stubble phase. It looks soft, but I keep my hands to myself, willing myself not to reach out and stroke his cheek. He smells like soap, woodchips, and citrus. His hunter green shirt makes his eyes even bluer, at least from what I remember. His dimples come out to play often. I like that.
As if he felt me looking, he glances my way, his lips curving into an easy smile. I blush and study my coffee.
Before I can feel like a bigger dork, the waitress brings over our food. As if on cue, Sally looks to Tracy saying, “We should head out. We have to meet my aunt in about a half hour at the Pavilion. Y’all have fun.” She gives us a wave as she and Tracy walk out of the restaurant.
The aroma of beans, eggs, and enchilada sauce marry and drift to my nose. I gaze at my plate lovingly. I am so fucking hungry. I cut into the eggs and they seep over the beans and sauce, a heady mix of yellow, red, and brown. The cheese is melted to a nice gooey consistency.
Cutting the first bite is crucial. All elements must be on the fork to ensure the perfect bite. I load egg, tortilla, refried beans, and cheese onto my fork, drag it through the enchilada sauce, and place my lips around the morsel. Sliding the fork out leisurely, the flavors assault my taste buds.
A soft gasp comes from beside me, forcing my eyes open. Shit! His eyes are bemused, but his mouth is twisted into a wolfish grin.
“What? I like food. Give me a break, I’m hungover.”
Tommy chuckles and says, “Apparently on an orgasmic level, it seems. Please, don’t let me stop you. Eat more. It’s…umm…enticing.” He nudges me, leering at me, and laughing. He says, “Wow, is it hot in here?” Flapping the neck of his shirt open and closed repeatedly.
I smile and study my food, grumbling, “For your information, a plate of huevos rancheros is the perfect hangover remedy.”