Page 24

I hear the bell to the front door going crazy as I peel my eyes away from Ryker. I look up and see an influx of people walking in. I’m almost grateful for the sudden rush. As much as I love being in Ryker’s presence, the words from Betty are still swirling around in my head. “Well, boys, I actually think you jinxedme. I would love to stay and chat, but it’s the lunch rush. So, you can keep each other company.” Without thinking, I smile at Ryker before I walk away and over to a new customer sitting at my table.
“Hello there. How are you doing today?” I give him my biggest smile. This man looks about my age in his late twenties or early thirties. He’s an attractive man, with blond hair and grey eyes. Not as handsome and sexy as Ryker, but still good looking. He doesn’t look like he’s from around here. His expensive suit and watch give him away.
“Hi there, uh, Zoey.” He says as he looks at my name tag.
“What can I get started for you today?” I tilt my head to the side and smile.
“You know what? I’ll take the club sandwich and an iced water, please. Oh, and can you please put some ranch on the side for me?” He hands me the menu and nods.
“Absolutely. It’ll be out shortly.” I walk away and put the order in for the gentleman.
Heading back to the counter, I refill some drinks and hand out a few orders before stopping to see how Ryker and the deputy are doing.
“How’s everything, boys?” I lean my hip into the counter and smile at Ryker.
“Better now.” Ryker responds. Johnson gags and then laughs. Ryker glares at him before turning his attention back to me. “We should probably get back to it. What time are you off?”
“Six.”
Ryker stands up and grabs his wallet out of his back pocket. “Ok, then I’ll see you at home.” He and the deputy pay the bill and head back to work.
Home. Ryker said home. Not, “see you at the house” or “I’ll see you when you get to my house.” Home.
Shaking my head, I wipe the counters and help a few people. About an hour later, I check on my “club sandwich” guy, making sure he doesn’t need anything. He’s sitting in his booth reading the paper.
Dropping the check off, I ask him if he needs anything else.
“Yeah, is there a place I could crash at? I’m just passing through, and this is a nice little town. Figured I might stay a couple days and check it out.” He looks up at me and offers me a genuine smile.
“Oh! This place is great. I’m new too. Just moved here. There’s a place called Dawson’s Bed and Breakfast. Rose, the owner, is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”
“Well, I doubt that. You seem pretty nice.” He drops his paper and folds his hands.
I laugh nervously. “Thanks. Okay, well, is there anything else I can get you or help you find?”
“Nope. I’ve found everything I need. Everything.” His eyes narrow, and the corner of his mouth goes up. His smile turns evil, and his eyes seem hollow. His stare’s cutting right through me.
Without warning, a chill goes through me. My stomach drops, and I slowly back away.
“Well, thanks for coming. You can just leave the money at the table or head to Joan over there if you’re paying with a credit card.” Quickly, I turn and head for the back. Placing my hand over my heart, I try and calm my breathing.
That man was not right. Red flags. Red fucking flags.
* * *
After my very strange and weird shift, I head back to the ranch. Back home, as Ryker called it. I need to not overthink it. It’s his home, so that’s probably why he called it that.
Walking through the door, I’m greeted with the most amazing smells. Spices fill the air, and the aromas of basil and peppers take over my nose.
“Hey there, Zo. Dinner’s actually almost done.” Ryker stands at the island with his hands on the countertop.
“It smells incredible. I’m drooling.” Laughing, I slip off my shoes and walk towards the kitchen.
“Nope. Go get comfortable and do whatever for the next twenty minutes. But stay out of the kitchen.” Ryker points to my room and shoos me.
“Okay, okay. I’m gonna go hop in the shower then. I smell like the diner.” Turning on my heel, I walk into my room and run the shower.
After I undress, I step under the hot water and let it cascade around me. My feet hurt, my back hurts, but I love that they do. That means I’ve been working my ass off this past week.