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Finally, the lunch rush began to slow, and Lucy found a moment to breathe. She walked over to Carver’s booth, leaning against the edge of the table. “How was everything?” she asked.
“Perfect,” he said, his eyes locked on hers. “You weren’t kidding about the coffee. It’s great.”
She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. “Glad to hear it.”
They were interrupted by Burt, who had been lingering nearby.
“Well, well, who do we have here?” he said, his tone dripping with fake friendliness. “Lucy, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”
Lucy stiffened, her previous unease returning. “Carver, this is Burt, our manager. Burt, this is Carver,” she said.
Burt gave Carver a once-over, his smile never reaching his eyes. “Nice to meet you, Carver. I hope you’re enjoying your time here,” Burt said.
Carver’s expression remained neutral, but there was a dangerous edge to his gaze. “I am. Thanks,” he answered.
Burt turned his attention back to Lucy, his demeanor shifting to his usual sleaziness. “Lucy, I need you to cover the late shift tonight.”
Lucy’s heart sank. She’d been looking forward to a quiet evening, maybe even a chance to see Carver again after dazzling him with her banana cake. “I can’t, Burt. I already have plans,” she said.
Burt’s smile turned into a sneer. “Don’t make things up, Lucy. We all know you’re not seeing anyone,” Burt said.
Lucy felt a surge of anger and humiliation. Before she could respond, Carver stood up, his presence suddenly imposing. Burt took a hesitant step back, as if sensing a predator.
“Actually, she is,” he said calmly, placing a protective hand on Lucy’s shoulder. “And those plans are with me.”
Burt’s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his surprise.
“Is that so?” he said, his tone challenging.
Carver didn’t flinch. “Yes, it is. And if you have a problem with that, I suggest you take it up with me,” Carver said softly.
The tension in the diner was hard to ignore. Burt stared at Carver for a long moment before finally backing down.
“Fine,” he muttered, turning away. “Just make sure you’re here on time tomorrow, Lucy.”
As Burt walked away, Lucy let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She looked up at Carver, her heart pounding with a mix of gratitude and something deeper.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Carver’s expression softened, his hand still on her shoulder. “Anytime, Lucy,” he said.
“So, I’ll see you later?” Lucy asked once he was done eating.
“Later then,” Carver replied, his voice a low rumble that sent a thrill through her.
Without warning, he leaned in and kissed her. It wasn’t a gentle kiss either, it was intense and possessive, his lips demanding and insistent against hers.
Lucy felt a rush of heat, surprised but exhilarated by the raw passion in his touch. She liked that he wasn’t tiptoeing around her anymore, that he was claiming what he wanted.
When he finally pulled away, Lucy was breathless, her lips tingling. She watched him leave, his broad shoulders cutting an imposing figure as he exited the diner.
Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and she barely noticed Cindy approaching until she felt a hand on her arm.
“Lucy, can I talk to you for a second?” Cindy asked, her voice trembling.
Lucy turned, surprised to see Cindy looking pale and almost scared.
“Sure, what’s up?” she asked, concerned.
