Page 24

24

CONNOR

I pull into the parking lot of a tiny diner, staring at the run-down building.

The sign is half-lit, the paint’s chipped, and I’m pretty sure the menu hasn’t been updated since 1983.

Allie’s stomach was growling an hour ago, but she refused anything but coffee for breakfast.

So here we are.

Hopefully, we don’t get food poisoning.

I glance over at her.

She actually looks... relieved. Like this place is a safe zone. Like she’s finally getting a break from me.

I smirk as I push open the door.

Not happening, sweetheart.

* * *

Inside, a tired-looking waitress greets us. "Booth okay?"

Before Allie can answer, I nod.

I place a hand on her waist and follow the waitress.

She slides into the booth. I slide in right beside her.

She goes rigid like I dumped ice water down her shirt.

Clearly, she expected me to sit across from her.

Too bad.

I stretch my legs out, letting my thigh press against hers.

She scoots away.

I scoot closer.

She scowls at me.

I ignore it.

“This place has a lot of options, wife," I murmur, flipping open a menu. "What are you in the mood for?"

She lets out the cutest growl I’ve ever heard.

“I’m in the mood for you to leave me the hell alone and stop calling me wife."

I chuckle.

“Cute. But not gonna happen."

She grabs a napkin, balls it up, and throws it at me.

I catch it without breaking eye contact, grinning at her.

She drops her gaze and pretends the menu is fascinating.

Inwardly, I’m gloating.

The waitress returns and we order.

When she leaves, Allie turns toward the window, her expression a mask of misery.

With a sigh, she grabs her phone from her purse.

I sip my Coke and glance down, laughing when I spot all the missed calls and unread texts from Harper.

She scowls and angles the phone away from me like that’ll stop me.

She has no idea I already know everything on it. Stryker mirrored her phone when she was in the shower.

I’ve seen every text. Every missed call.

Including the ones from Harper begging her to explain where the hell she is.

* * *

The food arrives, and I spot an opportunity.

I grab a fry from my plate, blow on it, and hold it up to her lips.

“Here, baby," I murmur. "Open up."

Her eyes snap to mine.

“What? No."

I smirk. "C’mon, sweetheart. Just one bite."

She glares as I drag the fry across her lips.

A strangled noise escapes her throat. "Connor."

I raise a brow. "You really gonna let my food go to waste?"

Her nostrils flare.

Then she grabs my wrist, locks eyes with me, and bites the fry hard like she’s imagining it’s my dick.

I chuckle. "That’s my girl."

She grabs a fry from her plate and throws it in my face.

I laugh harder.

Fucking adorable.