Wicked Love - Michelle Dare Page 0,128

If anything, it made him even sexier.

“Hey, long-time-no-see,” I said.

He stopped next to me. “No doubt. How’s it going?”

“Good. Yourself?”

He scratched at the shadow on his chin. “I’m fine. A little beat. Had to do some repairs at the restaurant early this morning, so I’ve been up since the crack of dawn.”

“Oh, no. Everything fixed?”

“Almost. Had to order some parts. Anyway, how’d things go with Brian?”

I could tell by glint in his eyes that he already knew. “Oh, it was wonderful. The guy is definitely quite a catch,” I replied dryly.

Mitch chuckled. “Just think of it this way, you probably saw what he was like on his best behavior. Once he became comfortable with you, it would have really been a nightmare.”

I smiled in amusement. “That’s one way to look at it.”

“So, you took my advice and bolted out the back?”

“I almost did but… decided to be direct and just tell him how I felt. I also didn’t want him sticking around and harassing any more of your employees.”

“Thanks for that.”

“No problem.” I looked at the frozen pizzas. “So, you’re not a fan of pizza, huh?”

He laughed. “What can I say? They’re fast and I’m always on the run. Looks like you’re in the same boat?” He nodded toward my cart and the pile of frozen meals. “Not a lot of time for fancy dinners?”

“More like, not very good at making them.”

“Do you like to cook?”

“Honestly?” I shook my head. “Not really. I’ve found that food always tastes better when someone else prepares it, so why even bother?”

“I should have you over some time when I’m not working. I love to cook but usually don’t bust out the pots and pans when it’s just me at the table.”

So, he was single.

I laughed. “Yeah, I might just take you up on that. Maybe you can share some of your cooking tips.”

“For sure. Let’s exchange numbers.”

“Okay.”

Admittedly, I was so giddy that my hand shook as I typed in his number. I honestly felt like a school girl, he was making me so flustered.

“So, I imagine you put in a lot of hours at the restaurant?” I asked him.

“More than I should. Probably not as much as you do, though.”

“I bet we’re close.” I was currently putting in over fifty hours. I had no life outside of work, however. So, I took extra shifts when I could. I told him that.

“Hopefully, that will change when you meet Mr. Right.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, maybe.”

We chatted for a few more minutes and then his cell phone went off. He checked the screen and frowned. “Shoot, I gotta fly. It was nice seeing you again.”

“You as well.”

He snapped his fingers and pointed at me. “Oh, and by the way… good luck with your next online date.”

I laughed nervously. “Oh, I’m through with that. No more.”

“After the guy last night, I can’t say that I blame you.” He began pushing his cart away. “Have a good night.”

“Thanks, you, too.”

I watched him walk away, admiring his broad shoulders and the way his jeans hugged his butt. The guy was definitely a major hunk. I still doubted he was really into me. Or, if he was, it was just for a one-night stand and nothing beyond that. But… a girl could always dream.

Fanning myself, I grabbed what I needed and headed to the checkout lanes. As I was unloading my cart, I noticed Mitch still in the store, this time talking to a petite, beautiful redhead who made me feel like an ogre. She was very touchy-feely and he appeared to be loving every minute of it.

Sighing, I paid for my things and headed out to my SUV. As I was putting groceries into the trunk, a silver BMW sedan stopped behind my vehicle. I turned to look and saw Brian at the wheel. Alarmed, I instinctively clutched the pepper spray on my keychain and tossed the rest of my groceries into the back.

He rolled down his window. “Hey, I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I feel like a douchebag.”

Was he talking about the date or the nasty picture?

I quickly shut my trunk and headed toward my car door. “No problem.”

He got out of his Beemer and started moving in my direction. Trying not to panic, I got into my vehicle and locked the door.

Brian knocked on the window.

“What do you want?” I asked angrily.

He gestured for me to roll down the window.

I felt so trapped at that moment. And scared. What did I really know about this guy?