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Burt’s laughter filled the diner, loud and mocking. “Seeing someone else? Don’t make up things, Lucy. We both know you don’t have time to find a boyfriend,” he said.
Lucy flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. Before she could think of a retort, Cindy stepped in.
“She’s telling the truth, Burt,” Cindy said, her tone sharp. “Now, leave her alone. You’ve got better things to do, don’t you?”
Burt’s expression darkened for a moment, but he quickly masked it with another sleazy smile. “All right, all right. No need to get all worked up. Just thought I’d ask,” Burt grumbled.
As Burt walked away, Lucy let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. She looked at Cindy, grateful for her friend’s intervention.
“Thanks, Cindy,” she said, her voice shaking slightly.
“Anytime,” Cindy replied, giving her a reassuring smile. “That guy’s a creep. Don’t let him get to you.”
Before Lucy could respond, the little bell above the front door chimed, signaling the arrival of a new customer. Lucy turned, her heart skipping a beat when she saw who it was.
Carver. Of all people, she never expected to see him here. She’d mentioned her workplace once or twice during their short elevator conversations, but she never thought he’d show up.
Her heart raced as he walked in, every inch of him exuding confidence and quiet strength. Dressed in a plain black shirt that clung to his muscular frame, he looked effortlessly good.
His broad shoulders and defined arms were impossible to ignore, and the way his jeans fit made her pulse quicken. She felt a flush creep up her neck as he scanned the diner and then locked eyes with her.
As he approached, Lucy’s body reacted in a way she couldn’t control. Her stomach fluttered, and her palms grew slightly clammy.
She didn’t understand why she always felt this intense pull toward him, this mix of excitement and nervousness. When he smiled at her, a slow, genuine smile that reached his dark green eyes, she practically melted.
“Hey, Lucy,” he said, his voice warm and steady.
“Carver,” she managed to reply, her voice catching slightly. “What brings you here?”
“Thought I’d stop by for some breakfast,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “You did say this place has the best coffee in town.”
Lucy felt her cheeks warm at the compliment. “Well, I hope we live up to the reputation,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Can I sit anywhere?” he asked, glancing around the mostly empty diner.
“Of course,” she said, gesturing to a booth by the window. “I’ll be right over with a menu.”
As Carver walked to the booth, Lucy quickly grabbed a menu and a coffeepot. Cindy shot her a knowing look but didn’t say anything. Lucy took a deep breath, trying to calm the racing of her heart, and walked over to where Carver had settled.
“Here’s the menu,” she said, placing it in front of him and pouring a cup of coffee. “Anything specific you’re in the mood for?”
Carver took the menu, his fingers brushing hers for a moment, sending a shiver down her spine.
“Surprise me,” he said.
Lucy nodded, unable to hide her smile. “All right, I’ll see what I can do,” she said.
As she walked back to the counter to place his order, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves. She wasn’t sure why Carver being here affected her so much, but she couldn’t deny the thrill his presence brought. She focused on preparing his breakfast, trying to push aside the lingering tension from her earlier encounter with Burt.
When the order was ready, she carried the plate over to Carver, placing it in front of him with a smile.
“Here you go. Hope you like it,” she said.
Carver looked up at her, his gaze intense. “I’m sure I will. Thanks, Lucy,” he said.
She nodded, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and anticipation. She wanted to stay and talk to him, to savor this unexpected moment, but the diner was starting to fill up with the early lunch crowd, and she had to get back to work.
As she moved around the diner, taking orders and serving customers, she couldn’t help but steal glances at Carver. He seemed at ease, sipping his coffee, and occasionally looking her way. Each time their eyes met, she felt a jolt of electricity, a connection that both excited and unnerved her.
