Page 63 of Dangerous Attraction

Although the lack of conversation between us hurts, I can understand he needs some space and time. It's exactly why I finish cleaning the table, then walk to the stairs.

But before I can leave, his quiet, husky voice stops me in my tracks.

"Are you okay?"

Glancing over my shoulder, I find his eyes locked on mine.

Rolling my lips together, I nod as I turn to face him.

Crinkles form between his brows and his scrutinizing gaze runs over my body before his eyes jump back up to meet mine.

"You haven't been going home."

My lips part, words on the tip of my tongue, ready to defend myself, but he shakes his head.

"There's no point in lying," he states. "I know you've been at the diner for the past two nights."

"What—"

He leans forward, arms resting on his thighs. "I go to the diner most mornings for breakfast. I saw you leaving, and then when I sat down, Mabel mentioned your lengthy visits. She's worried, and now, so am I."

"There's nothing to be worried about," I protest, as my heart pounds in my chest. "Yes, I fell asleep at the diner, but it was an accident. I was waiting for a friend, and I was still drained from the weekend's activities, so I was resting my eyes. The next thing I know, Mabel was waking me up."

He watches me through narrowed eyes, the silence between us stretching.

Sliding my hands into my pockets, I shrug.

"I appreciate the concern, Mouse, but everything's fine. It was just an accident, and it won't happen again."

Before he can respond, I spin around and march down the stairs, my pulse thumping and sweat beading along my skin.

Shit.

I knew I wouldn't be able to keep going back to the diner for much longer, but now, after learning of Mabel's connection to Honey, and also knowing that Mouse is suspicious about my time spent there, I definitely can't go back again.

I'll have to find somewhere else to stay tonight.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Trix

Honey passes behind me, making her way into the kitchen to heat up some food for the prospects, while I pop the caps off three chilled bottles of beer and hand them over before moving to where Luxe is sitting.

"What would you like?" I ask, as I tap my nails against the wooden bar.

"Well, I was going to ask for a rum and Coke, but I'd also now like to request a smile alongside that."

Rolling my eyes, I spin around, grabbing a clean glass and a bottle of white rum.

"Come on," he whines. "One of the best parts of my day is seeing your cheeks bunch up because of something I've said. But lately I haven't been graced with that sight, and I'm starting to get concerned."

Tipping the clear alcohol into his glass, I top it off with some Coke, then slide it over to him.

Dragging my eyes up to his, I force a smile before letting my lips drop back down.

"Better?"

"It'll do for now." He huffs, takes his glass and spins around on his stool.