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“Good morning, beautiful.” I open my eyes and see Ryker near his dresser tucking in his shirt. Taking in a deep breath, I smell the rainforest. I smell Ryker and all his deliciousness.
“Mm.” I scoot over to his side of the bed, wrapping myself up in the warmth of his scent.
“Gotta get moving, darlin’. You’ve got a shift at the diner, and I need to visit a certain waitress to get the best damn cup of coffee in town.” Ryker walks over and presses his lips to mine. He pulls back and adds, “I don’t think I wore you out that much last night, did I?”
I groan. “I’m Jell-O and have no bones.”
Ryker lets out a deep laugh, and I smile. “That means I did my job.”
“Let’s not forget about three times this morning.” I roll over onto my back and pull the covers up over my head.
Ryker pulls back the blankets and hovers over me. “It would be four times if it wasn’t for the fact that I need to get to the station.” He reaches for my face, and his lips meet mine. I moan upon contact, relishing in his touch. “Get up, woman.” Ryker slaps my ass and gives me a soft smile. He turns and heads back into the bathroom to finish up getting ready.
Eventually, I pull myself out of bed and say goodbye to the hunk of a man that completely flips my world upside down. He came out of nowhere and completely took me by surprise. I run my hands through my hair and try to remember what it is that I’m supposed to be doing.
Work. I need to get to work.
By the time I get to the diner, I’ve regained the ability to walk. When I go inside, Joan, the diner’s owner, greets me. She leans against the counter, giving me a grin from ear to ear. My face flushes.
“Well, hello there, Zoey! How are things goin’ for ya?”
She really is a sweet woman, always looking out for the people of this town. I found out not too long ago that this diner was once owned by her father, Jack Harris. He named the place after his one and only daughter, Joan. The diner’s a staple in this town. For the locals, it’s practically a second home. She runs this restaurant with all the love she has for it and those who walk through its doors.
“Hi, Joan. It’s going.” Nodding, I slowly saunter past her. I look away so she can’t notice the redness in my cheeks.
“Oh? And how’s our sheriff doing?” And there it is. Joan winks at me and chuckles. “I mean, since you do live with him and all.”
Completely embarrassed, I turn to her. “He’s fine. You know, you can ask him yourself when he stops in for his morning coffee.” I do love this town, but damn, they know everything about everyone here. It’s like living in a town full of paparazzi. I shake my head and head into the back room to put my stuff away and get ready for my shift.
About an hour into work, while I’m wiping down a table, I hear the bell of the door and turn to see Deputy Johnson and Ryker come in. My heart immediately warms at the sight of him.
“Hello, Darlin’.” Ryker leans in and kisses me on my cheek. My skin sizzles at his touch.
Blushing, I drop my head. “Hi.”
Ryker places a finger under my chin and lifts it so that my eyes meet his. He tilts his head towards the counter. “We’re just gonna go sit up there.” He leans in and brushes his lips against mine.
My mouth wants more, but I rein in my need for him. “Okay. I’ll be up there in a second,” I say, my voice hoarse.
Once I finish with the table I’m working on, I head over to the counter and to the coffee pot. I fill two cups and bring Ryker and Johnson their usual coffees to-go.
I lean against the counter. “So, how are you boys doing?”
Johnson holds up his cup of coffee with a grin. “Better now, thanks to you.” He throws in a couple of creamers and a packet of sugar, stirring it before taking a sip.
I curtsy. “Glad I could help.” My gaze falls to Ryker. “You been busy today?”
Ryker takes a sip of his black coffee. “No. Been pretty slow today. I was able to get some paperwork done this morning, which is probably a good thing, I’m a little tired this morning.” He winks at me, and I hear Deputy Johnson chuckle beside him.
Right about now, I’m probably as red as a tomato. I can feel the heat go from my cheeks all the way to my ears. It probably doesn’t help that what he says brings me back to last night and this morning. His body on top of mine, his hands caressing me. His tongue thrusting against mine. My entire body is humming with the thought of him inside me.
Ryker and I sit there and stare at each other, our minds both obviously thinking the same dirty thoughts, until Johnson clears his throat. “We should get back, boss.”
Ryker blinks. “Yeah, let’s do that.” Turning to me, he leans over the counter. “I’ll see you tonight at home, sweetheart.” His lips meet mine for a passionate kiss. I can feel the eyes of everyone in the diner on us.
“Bye,” I croak out.