Page 3 of Orc Charming (Love At First Orc #6)

Chapter 3

Cat

“ O rder’s up,” Wilfred called out, dropping a full plate onto the sill between the kitchen and bar.

Deegar was escorting Marge and her best friend, Harriet, to a booth. Harriet walked a few steps behind them, her head tilted to gape at Deegar’s ass. I couldn’t blame her. It was cute and slightly rounded. He gestured for them to sit at the booth and handed them menus.

Marge introduced him to Harriet, and her cheeks brightened. She patted her purple-hued gray hair she had styled twice a week and grinned, revealing her pearly dentures.

He took her hand and bowed over it.

“Go on, now,” Harriet said, tugging her hand away. “You’d think I was a princess or something.”

“All women are princesses,” he declared.

With a grin, I grabbed the order and hurried it over to Dr. Yang. “Here you go. Let me top off your coffee.” He’d drained the cup.

He craned his neck to look around. “I thought Deegar was my server today.” This morning, Deegar had taken more than one booth.

“He’s busy with Marge and Harriet.”

Dr. Yang huffed but smiled my way. “He’s got a certain way about him, doesn’t he? He’s quite the orc prince charming.”

“That, he is.” I loved how he interacted with the customers. His playful banter and quick wit had everyone eating out of his muscular hands. Even the regulars, who usually stuck to their same seat at the counter, were eager to be seated in Deegar's section.

He moved gracefully when he strode through a room, almost like a dancer—or someone who was highly skilled in battle, as he’d admitted. Why the need to train so much other than for interest? I’d read the orcs hadn’t warred in many generations. We’d asked during the initial treaty negotiations. If they planned to bring their battles to the surface, our governments would’ve laid down some heavy ground rules.

I found myself stealing glances at him whenever I could, enjoying everything about him. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, or how his voice rumbled like thunder when he laughed—all of it made my heart do somersaults in my chest.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was falling for him.

But no, I couldn't let myself do something like that. He was a friend, someone to help and make my evenings a little less lonely.

After the breakfast crowd left and before we prepped for lunch, he and I sat on the tiny back deck in the shade eating grilled cheese sandwiches, washing it down with iced tea.

“Excellent meal,” he said, sitting back and patting his belly.

“You’re sure I can’t make you another?” He’d consumed four sandwiches and was on his third glass of tea.

Wilfred had taken a break and would be back in an hour.

“I could probably eat more.” He grinned my way. “But I’m full enough for now.”

I’d have to think up something amazing for dinner. I didn't often cook for myself since Mom died. Having someone around to appreciate my efforts was fun.

“You’ve got . . .” Frowning, he leaned his face close to mine and brushed crumbs off my chin.

“Thanks.”

He kept his head near mine while he studied my face. “You’re very pretty, Cat. Have I told you that yet?”

“Um, I don’t think so.” My cheeks heated. “Thanks again.”

“I want to kiss you. Would you ever consider kissing an orc?”

Only one—him. “Are you asking for permission?”

His face scrunched. “I never have, but I don’t want to ruin this.”

“I’m not sure asking before kissing someone could be considered a mistake.” What would his tusks feel like against my lips? My breathing growing tight. I wanted to find out.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He cupped my face gently, something I wouldn’t think possible for a big guy like him. His mouth claimed mine, and his tusks were surprisingly soft, brushing my lips. His hands held me firmly but tenderly, as if he was afraid of breaking me.

The kiss deepened as our tongues touched, sending a jolt of electricity through me that made me gasp in pleasure. His taste was sweet, and I found myself wanting more of him with every passing second.

The kiss ended too soon, leaving me breathless and dazed by the intensity of it. We opened our eyes, and I stared at him in amazement that appeared to be mirrored in his golden gaze.

“That was nice,” I said softly.

He grinned, his tusks jutting up from his lower jawline in a way that made him even more attractive than before our kiss. “I think it was more than nice.”

“It was short.”

“Are you complaining?” His hands slid to my shoulders, holding me in place. “I’d be more than happy to keep kissing you until it’s time to get back to work.”

“No complaints.” My core throbbed from a simple kiss, and I wasn’t sure what to make of that.

Was I ready to start a relationship with someone new?

Something banged in the kitchen, telling me Wilfred had returned. The last thing I wanted was for him to find me making out on the back deck with my new server. There was nothing wrong with me dating Deegar, assuming one kiss and a shared meal—plus him sleeping on my sofa—could be considered dating. But was I ready to announce to the world that I liked him?

I’d think about it during the next shift.

“Back to work,” I said in a voice much too breathless. You’d think I’d run around the block or something.

“Yes, work.” We rose, and he frowned down at me with an intensity that made my body grow hotter.

“What?” I asked, fanning my face.

“I . . .” He shook his head and gave me a smile. “Nothing.”