Page 101 of The Quiet Witness

She pursed her lips. What in the world did I just do?

Before she could say sorry, he recovered. Fingers returning to drum against his thigh as he said. “Sweet.” He tilted his head and threw her a wink. “Way better for a well-deserved reward.”

Relieved, she laughed, something that slipped from her more and more often these days.

“Okay, miss, you’ve got this. Let’s try again.”

Filled with newfound hope, she put the car in first gear. Electricity coursed through her every nerve as she attempted again. Only for the car to stutter, the engine falling silent once more.

Lucien leaned back in his seat. “Yep, we’re gonna be here for a while longer.”

But Kate didn’t mind, not this time around. Maybe a part of her, nestled deep down, hoped that he would lace his fingers with hers again. Even if it complicated an already impossible situation.

She rolled her shoulders around, directing two words to that mental voice, warning her.

Carpe diem.

Chapter 41

Feels Like Home

The bell jingled its welcome as Lucien opened the door from the roadside restaurant, gesturing for Kate to go first.

“Why thank you, gentleman.”

“Always, my lady.” He winked at her with a sly smile.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head as she stepped into the diner.

How he could still be in a good mood after getting rocked around the car for an hour straight was beyond her. She’d finally gotten the Volvo rolling for a good five times without stalling. At which point, Lucien decided it was time to go and grab food.

Inside the diner, it was hamburgers, pizzas, and French fries, with red couches flanking the walls, forming small booths. It didn´t get more classic than this. They passed by the counter, where a red-skirted waitress poured coffee. Kate nearly followed her nose to the pot.

A shoulder hit hers. “Don’t go drooling over the floor, sweetheart.”

She pushed him right back, getting him to move at least two inches. Great. “Who said it again, oh, wait it was you! If you don’t want to face my known irritated side… friend. Speak your next words wisely.”

Lucien made a show of closing his mouth, pretending to turn a key and throw it behind him.

“Wise move.”

They shuffled into a booth, thanking the waitress for the menus. But the woman stayed in her spot next to their table, eyes trailing over Lucien for a good couple of seconds. She lingered on the biceps rolling beneath his dark blue sweater, giving him a brilliant smile. Hand going up to brush back her brown hair over an ear.

Lucien cut it short with a friendly smile. “Thank you! That was all.”

Finally, she moved away, but not without throwing another eager glance over her shoulder.

Kate hid a laugh behind her hand. “It should almost be considered groping.”

“She was merely friendly.”

“Sure, sure. I’m surprised she got her feet moving away from you.”

Lucien shot her a burning glare. Kate ignored it, choosing to flip through the menu with a whistle. The choice was overwhelming. After all the quinoa, oat pasta, veggies, olive oil and spices Lucien had all but shoved through her throat.

The waitress came prancing back, having given them a good two minutes to decide on their meal. She shot Lucien a doe-eyed look and followed up sweetly. “What will you be having today, sir?”

All addicts for a show of muscles. Pssst