Page 16 of Diesel

I was just as eager, though I forced my face not to show my enthusiasm.

“Could think of a few things.” His mouth curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile but was significantly more dangerous. “Most of them involve getting you to stop thinking so hard.”

My brain stuttered to a halt then rebooted with a series of images that were absolutely not appropriate for a family diner and didn’t care. My cock was doing a happy dance in my jeans, making me thankful the table was blocking anyone from noticing. “You are so not helping.”

Diesel ran his tongue over his lower lip and I caught my whimper before it rushed out. “Not trying to help. Trying to distract you.”

“It’s working.”

“Good.” He picked up his menu, breaking eye contact and giving me a moment to remind my body we were in public. It ignored me. “What are you thinking? Burger? Sandwich?”

That wasn’t what I’d been thinking about.

“Burger sounds good.” It was a miracle my voice came out steady instead of breathy. “With fries. And possibly everything else on the menu because I forgot to eat today.”

“Nervous?”

And very aroused.

“Terrified.” The admission slipped out easily, surprising both of us. Thankfully that was the only admission that escaped. “In a good way. Mostly. I think.”

Please shut up before you admit that your dry spell is more like a desert and you want to climb onto this table to offer your body to him.

“First date in a while?” Diesel’s eyes softened.

“First date ever with someone who looks like you.” I took a sip of coffee and immediately regretted it. The bitter liquid burned aggressively its way down my throat. I coughed, setting the mug down before it could do permanent damage. “Jesus. This coffee is lethal.”

Diesel looked seconds away from slapping my back. “Millie makes it strong. Builds character.”

“I have enough character already. It’s my esophagus I’m worried about.”

Diesel curled his lips in, but his shoulders shook from the laughter he was fighting against. I fought against my own laughter, realizing how ridiculous I sounded. Maybe this could work. Maybe I could get through dinner without completely embarrassing myself. The odds weren’t great, but they were improving. I hoped.

Millie reappeared with her order pad. “What’ll it be, boys?”

“Burger, medium rare, everything on it,” Diesel said. “Fries.”

“Same,” I added. “Except medium. I’m not brave enough for rare.”

“Smart choice.” Millie scribbled on her pad. “Be up in fifteen.”

She vanished again, and I was left alone with Diesel, trying to remember how to have a less dramatic conversation. The silence lasted roughly three seconds before my mouth decided to take matters into its own hands.

I was hopeless.

“So the seniors I drive are placing bets on whether you’re single,” I said. Jesus. If he wasn’t, would you be on a date with him? Maybe he was a player. I prayed he wasn’t. I liked Diesel, and it would be disappointing to find out he was cheating jerk.

Diesel’s eyebrow lifted. “Are they?”

“Greta called dibs. Irene thinks you’re too young for her but appreciates the view. Edith hasn’t weighed in yet, but I’m sure she’ll find a way to blame technology.” The words tumbled out like I’d opened a dam and forgotten how to close it. “Walter’s mostly concerned about his dentures, and Artie probably thinks you’re competition.”

“Competition for what?” Diesel asked, looking amused.

“The deli counter woman, who’s definitely not interested in him but he’s convinced is playing hard to get.” I reached for my coffee but pulled my hand away, my throat threatening mutiny if I took another sip.

“Sounds like an interesting group.” He was fully focused on me, ignoring everything around us. He didn’t even turn his head when someone dropped a dish, the shattering sound loud enough to draw everyone else’s attention toward the counter. Not mine. I was just as focused on Diesel as he was on me.

“They’re the best.” My hands smoothed over the laminated menu. Talking about work felt safer than trying to navigate date conversation. “Exhausting, but the best. Irene tried to sneak wine into her cart again yesterday. I caught her in the act.”