Page 2 of Orc Charming (Love At First Orc #6)

Chapter 2

Deegar

I was stunned by Cat’s offer.

She stood on the other side of the bar wearing a confident smile, her dark blue eyes studying me.

I almost blurted out the truth. I didn't need her help. I had more money than I could spend in three lifetimes. Although I couldn’t access it at this time, not without revealing my location.

Something about her intrigued me. She was pretty as far as humans went, extra curvy, the way I like females. Her eyes had caught my attention right away. Orcs only had varying shades of gold. Seeing green, blue, and even brown surprised me when I first arrived in the human world.

The air between us crackled. The low lights overhead cast a warm glow on her face, highlighting strands of pink in her long, dark hair. My orc senses tingled with interest. I’d like to get to know her better, and it was refreshing that she didn’t realize who I was.

“That’s generous of you,” I said.

She shrugged. “No problem.” She glanced at the clock hanging above the center of the bar. “The lunch crowd will begin arriving soon. If you want to come back here around three, I’ll be done closing, and I’ll take you to my house. We can walk there from here.”

I stood. Her gaze scanned my frame, and I wondered what she thought of me. Some humans found orcs attractive. Others . . . well, we didn’t need to mate with them all to maintain our species.

“I’ll be back at three, then. Unless,” I frowned, “would you like help? You appear short-staffed.”

“Until Mom died, there were three of us. Wilfred cooks, and Mom and I waitressed. We’re not open 24/7, just for breakfast and lunch, thankfully, but it’s a lot for one person to handle.”

“I could pitch in if you’d like.”

“Do you have server experience?”

Not a bit. “I can figure it out.” My grin came easy. I felt like doing it all the time while near Cat. “You fed me. You’re offering me your couch. It’s the least I can do to pay you back.”

“It’s an old couch, though it’s still comfy.”

“I appreciate your willingness to help me.”

“You seem to need a boost, and I’ve got one available.”

“So do I.”

I could see her wavering. She came across as someone who didn’t like to ask for help even if she was in need. It made me admire her. She was refreshing, exciting. “We’ll have to fill out some paperwork. I guess we have time.”

“I’d be happy to do so.” I wasn’t sure how long I could remain hidden in this little coastal Maine town, but I’d aim for a week before I let anyone know where I was.

It was past time for Deegar to escape the confines of his tight world and live.

“I appreciate it.” She nudged her chin toward the back, where we sat and filled out forms.

Wilfred had already left for a break.

“Time to load and run the dishwasher,” she said after we’d finished the paperwork. We stacked all the dirty dishes inside and started the device.

Next, I helped her top off the salt and pepper shakers and sanitize all the tables, booths, chairs, and door handles.

Not long after we finished emptying the dishwasher, customers started to arrive. Soon, the diner was full of people waiting outside to be seated.

“Just tell me what to do,” I said as Wilfred got the grill going.

She handed me a pad of paper and a pen. “Take one table at a time. I’ll handle the rest. I’m glad you’re eager to work, but I don’t want to overwhelm you.”

“I appreciate that.”

“No worries.” She patted my arm. “We all start somewhere.”

The diner remained busy until after two. Serving tables was tough work. Customers were picky, and some were impatient. Didn’t they realize food was better when the cook had time to prepare it carefully? That was something I’d found common in humans—a need to rush around as if whatever they had to do next would disappear if they didn’t get to it in time.

After the last guest left and Cat locked the door, turning the sign to closed, she leaned against the back and blew her breath upward. Her dark bangs shot through with pink lifted before dropping back down onto her forehead. “Done. You did a great job for your first time. The customers love you.”

“Damn straight,” Wilfred called out from the kitchen. “Awesome to have you here, Deegar.”

“Thank you.” I scratched the back of my neck and looked back and forth between them. “You think I did alright?”

“You didn’t see how Bernice gushed or how her husband scowled?” Cat said.

“You didn’t drop a dish, and that’s a win in my book,” Wilfred said with humor shining in his voice. The older man came over to stand in the opening between the kitchen and the main section of the diner. “I’m out of here. I got the dishwasher going again.”

“Thanks.” Cat gave him a quick hug.

“Always welcome, little one,” he said gruffly. With a wave to me, he left through the back.

“Some people find his scowl intimidating,” she said lightly, watching me.

“He’s a great guy.” Anyone who helped Cat had my full regard.

“We can head to my place now. Do you have a bag?” She peered around me as if she expected luggage to materialize.

“I don’t.”

“We’ll take care of that also.” She strode into the kitchen. “This way. We’ll use the back exit. I’ll see if Mom left any of Dad’s old clothing. He was a big guy, though not as tall as you. You could wear those until we pick up a few things.”

I winced. “You don’t need to buy me clothing.” Why hadn’t I thought to grab a few outfits—and cash—before I fled?

Because I was tired of the life I’d led, and I’d needed a clean break. And I wasn’t used to doing much for myself.

Damn, was I soft.

“When I pay you, you can buy your own things, but payday is on Thursday and it’s only Tuesday. I’ll float you some cash. I know a great thrift place, though they’re closed today. We’ll go tomorrow.”

I owed her so much already, for being kind and generous, and for giving me employment.

Maybe I hadn’t thought this through enough. I saw my chance to leave and did, not knowing where I’d end up. I boarded a bus, spending all the cash I had for my ticket, and got off at the last stop—here.

We left the empty diner, stepping out into the late afternoon sunshine. Fall had arrived with trees changing colors and a crispness in the air that hinted at winter.

“What’s it like in the orc kingdom?” she asked as we walked down a street. A few humans gawked at me while others ignored us. We didn’t encounter other orcs, but I assumed some must live in town.

Hopefully they wouldn’t recognize me.

I pondered her question for a moment, trying to find the right words. I decided to give her some truth without revealing my identity yet. “As you know, it's hidden deep within a long mountain range. We have big cities in enormous underground valleys. We live a lot like humans, strangely enough.”

“What did you do while you lived there?”

“I was . . . part of the administration.”

“I see.” She urged me to turn right at an intersection, taking a street leading away from the sea. “I read a new delegation had arrived to add to the treaty. Are you with them?” Her rueful laugh rang out. “Wait. Of course you’re not. If you were, you wouldn’t be here in Settler’s Cove. You’d be with the others, sitting in a conference room and not,” she spread her arms and spun around laughing, “not enjoying the smell of the sea and everything this cute little town has to offer.”

“You like it here.”

“I love it.” Her eyes gleamed. “I was born a few towns over, and I’ve lived here since I could crawl. After my dad died when I was eight, Mom sold the bigger house they’d lived in and bought a cottage. She left it and the diner to me.”

“A job and a home.”

“Right? It’s more than most have.” Her face fell. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you feel bad about your situation.”

I tried not to cringe. It felt wrong to be dishonest with her, but it was freeing not to have an entourage with me wherever I went. Even more, it was freeing to talk with a woman without her gushing about my role in the kingdom. “I do well, and, hey, I worked today and my paycheck’s coming.”

“You made tips, too.”

“Yes, it felt strange to have people give me money.”

“Servers don’t make much. Mom paid me well, and I kept my tips, so you’ll see the same.” Her cheeks pinkened. “I mean, if you want to work with me another day.”

Before I could shout yes, she turned toward a small cottage painted light blue with white trim. A white picket fence with chipped paint surrounded the patch of grass in front. It was pretty, with flowers blooming in boxes beneath the windows as well as along the stone path marching toward the front door nestled in the middle of a front porch.

She creaked the gate open, and we stepped inside. After closing it, she led me up to her house, unlocking the front door and urging me inside.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” she said with a happy smile. “It was sad to be here right after Mom died but now the memory of her working at the kitchen counter or sitting on the porch makes me smile. I’m trying to focus on the good because life’s too short to wallow in the bad. Having her in my life for twenty-eight years was a gift I’m grateful to have.”

“I’ve painted,” I said.

“Oh, really?” She shut the door behind us and turned toward the open living area with a couch, a TV, a recliner chair, and long wall shelf overloaded with books. “Do you paint landscapes or . . .”

“I could paint your fence to thank you for your generosity.”

“That’s sweet of you.” She huffed. “It’s one more in a long list of tasks I need to do. The diner keeps me busy five days a week, and frankly, when I’m off, I like to putter in the garden or walk on the beach.”

“I’ve dabbled in various mediums, experimenting to find my true passion.” With my father running everything, I had to keep busy. Music and art were encouraged. “Who knows? Maybe someday I'll create something that moves people. Anyway, I’ll paint your fence, freeing you to do the things you enjoy.”

“It sounds like you plan to be in town for a while.”

Her voice came out neutral, but I realized I was making assumptions. “I meant if I stayed here long.”

“That’s up to you. My couch is yours for as long as you need it.”

Fortunately, it was an oversized couch. At least my feet wouldn’t hang off the end.

“The house has a kitchen-dining room combo on the left.” She gestured. “And truly only one bedroom. The room I slept in before I moved into an apartment is tiny, and Mom made it into an office after I was gone. When I moved back in, I put all my boxes there.” She placed her purse on the kitchen counter and turned, leaning against it. “I want so much.”

“What do you mean?”

“The diner has done well. I’d love to open another a few towns over.”

“Then do it.”

“It takes money, and I’m tapped out at the moment. Hospitals don’t provide care for free, and when she died, I had to pay the lawyers to settle her estate. But I’ll get ahead again and then watch out world because I’m coming! Like you, I want to create something that moves people, only on a smaller scale. I’ll settle for yummy meals in people’s bellies.”

“It’s a worthy goal.” What would she say if I offered her enough money to fulfill her dream?

I suspected it would change things between us.

“I believe in you, Cat,” I said. “And if there's anything I can do to help, count me in.”

She smiled, and her blue eyes shone like the stars I’d admired the first time I arrived in the human world. “I will, Deegar. Thanks.” She looked over at me with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Now that I’ve shared my hopes and dreams, tell me what you want out of life.”

I pondered her question for a moment. It was rare for someone to ask me about my own desires separate from the expectations that came with my role in the kingdom, one that was mapped out before the day I was born.

“I want to be completely happy,” I said softly. “To find something that fulfills me, regardless of what others think.”

“Any ideas how to bring that about?”

“I’ve started already.” Running was the first step.

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Stick with me, and you'll discover a whole new world, starting with my secret muffin recipe and my skill with thrift store finds.” She nudged her head toward the fridge. “It’s four thirty. Are you hungry? I could whip something up.”

“Why don’t I help?”

We made a simple meal of long white strings boiled in water Cat told me were made of eggs and flour, and we topped the strands with a red sauce crafted from ground meat, more tomatoes than I’d seen in one place, and spices.

“This tastes amazing,” I said, scooping up another full bite and shoving it into my mouth as we sat on stools at the kitchen counter.

“They say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” she said with a laugh.

They might be right. I liked Cat a lot already.

“We made plenty of pasta, so dish up a second plate if you’d like.”

After washing the dishes, another new thing for me, we went into the living room and sat on the couch. She was right; it was very comfortable. She lifted a long black box and pointed it toward the TV. I’d only seen televisions playing as I passed through rooms, and they intrigued me. So many moving pictures and sounds.

“What would you like to watch?” she asked.

I shrugged. “Honestly, I’ve never watched TV.”

Her eyes widened. “Never?”

“Never.”

“I’ll introduce you to the land of make believe.” She frowned as she flicked through screens listing options.

It was almost overwhelming. “How does one choose?”

“Whatever appeals. What are your thoughts about a romcom?” Her lips twitched and her eyes sparkled as she awaited my answer.

“I don’t know what they are.”

She gasped, but I could tell it was a tease. “You’re a romcom virgin.”

“You’ve discovered my secret.”

Her sunny smile made mine lift as well. “I’ll introduce you to romcoms with my favorite one, Mate For A Minute.”

As the movie played, I stole glances at Cat, paying more attention to her than the show. Her enthusiasm for the film was infectious, and her laughter filled the room. While I tried to focus on the story and punchlines, my senses were entirely preoccupied with studying the way her lips formed a smile and how her laughter trilled out, making her face glow.

She was infinitely appealing, and I already couldn’t imagine not having her in my life.

Finally, the movie ended, and she shut off the TV, sighing with joy. “I love a happy ever after, don’t you?”

I never thought there’d be one in my future, but being with Cat suggested it might be possible.

“Tell me about your childhood,” Cat said, settling deeper into the couch cushions, facing me. She tucked her leg beneath her body. “Are you an only child like me, or do you have siblings?”

“Like you, I’m the only one.” There was no one to share the burden of my looming responsibilities. Except . . . “My cousin grew up with me, however. She’s a few years younger.”

“What was it like growing up in the orc kingdom?”

Long days of studies to prepare me for my future role. Working with various weapons until I’d mastered them all. Training late into the night sometimes, too. “The kingdom is amazing.”

“Maybe someday, I’ll visit.”

“I bet you’d enjoy it.” I imagined what I could show her. “The Caves of Shafaar. The falls between the main city’s valley and the next. We could swim in the light lavender pools and climb all the way to the top of the distant mountains to touch the snow.” All things I’d wanted to do but was told they’d interfere with my duties. My time was never my own. “In many ways, I grew up in a world where everything seems perfect—no real struggles or true hardships.”

Cat tilted her head. “It sounds like a fairytale.”

“It is.” For me, anyway. “But with all that perfection comes responsibility.” I held the future of the kingdom in my hands.

“Kind of like the way I grew up. I started working at the diner at sixteen, and I stayed on after I finished school. Mom needed the help, you know? And I wanted to be here for her. I’m grateful I didn’t move to the city. If I had, I would’ve missed out on these past years working beside her. We were like sisters. She had my same long brown hair, and her smile could warm even the coldest heart.” Her lips trembled. “I miss her a lot.”

I tugged her into my side and put my arm around her. “I’m sorry.”

She leaned into me. “Life’s amazing, but sometimes, it sucks.”

“It sure does.”

Her laugh snorted out. “Thank you for hanging out with me. I’m lonely here.”

“I’ve enjoyed being with you. I get lonely too.”

“In your fairytale orc kingdom? How’s that possible?”

“Because duty awaits me each morning, and it keeps me in its clutches long after I’ve retired at the end of the day.”

Cat’s eyes softened as she looked up at me. “It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone, to seek something more. Look at you, leaving the fairytale behind and moving to the human world. I admire you. That’s courageous.”

Her words made my heart flip over. “I’m just an orc trying to find his place in this complex human world.”

“Don't undermine yourself, Deegar. I can already tell there's more to you than meets the eye.”

I held my breath. “What could I be hiding?”

“That’s just it. I feel like you are, but you can’t be. You’re open. I can see that already. I like it.”

Despite our different backgrounds, there was an undeniable connection between us—a shared understanding of what it meant to have dreams and aspirations.

We sat in silence, welcome after the bustle of the day. I liked lounging on her couch with her warmth by my side. Our feet were propped on her low table, something that would never be permitted back home.

When her yawns started multiplying, I sadly released her.

“I guess I should get to bed,” she said, rising. “You must be tired too. I’ve got some extra things in my bathroom you can use. Oh! I mentioned seeing if Dad has anything that might fit you.”

She hurried from the room, taking stairs down to another level, returning within a few moments. “Mom must’ve gotten rid of them. The boxes are gone. I’m sorry. I don’t believe anything of mine will fit.”

“I agree.” The top of her head only came to my mid-chest.

I looked down at the silly outfit I’d traded for the elaborate costume I wore when I fled. “I can wear this.” Frankly, this entire situation was humbling. I was used to telling my butler what I wanted to wear, and he’d make it appear. Now the only clothing I possessed was what I wore on my back.

Cat didn’t seem to mind that I had nothing.

“You’ll want to change eventually,” she said. “And shower in the morning.”

“I have an undergarment on. Will it do for sleep?”

Her face cleared. “I suppose you can wear that. Toss your clothing into the hall.” She nudged her head in that direction. “I’ll run them through the washer and the dryer when I get up in the morning. At least they’ll be clean for you to wear tomorrow. We can go to the thrift store after work.”

Standing, I stripped off the shirt and nudged the pants down around my ankles.

“Wait, wait,” she said weakly. She gulped as her gaze slid down my frame like a caress. “Do you, um, work out a lot?”

I peered down at my body. “I practice various battle techniques.”

“With what kind of weapon?”

“A long sword. Mace. Everything, actually. I need to be well versed in them all.”

“Why?” She couldn’t seem to direct her attention to my face, and truly, I didn’t mind. My cock liked her stare and started shifting behind the thin cotton of my undergarment.

“In case I need to use one of them to defend myself.”

“Who’d bother to attack you?”

Everyone. There were many who’d be happy to eliminate me if they thought they could elevate themselves or one of their select family members to my place in line for the throne. “It’s good to know how to defend myself.”

“I guess you could be robbed.” She shook her head and held out her hand for the clothing.

“Yes, that’s it.”

“I’ll get the washer going. Goodnight.” Without another word, she spun and ran from the room.