“We usually get another big rush after the bars close,” said Susan. “Just be thankful you’re not working those customers. When they’re not trying to pick you up, they’re puking in the corner. It’s really disgusting.”
I grimaced. “I bet.”
“Funny thing is, they usually tip better,” she said, “because they’re drunk and feeling extra generous. But, to me, it isn’t really worth it.”
Thinking about my mom last night and practically having to babysit her, I agreed. I then took out my tips and started counting it when Susan swore.
“What?” I said, looking up.
It was Ethan, followed by his clan. His eyes met mine and he smiled.
“Hey,” whispered Susan, noticing the exchange. “Do you know him?”
“Um, not really,” I said.
“Looks like they’re in your section tonight, Nikki,” said Rosie, “they usually only order coffee, though, so it should be a piece of cake.”
I took a deep breath and walked up to their table.
“Hello,” I said, handing out menus. “Can I start anyone out with something to drink?”
Ethan put his elbows on the table, clasped his fingers, and rested his chin on there. “Coffee for all of us, please, Nikki.”
Remembering the effect he had on me, I averted my eyes. “And will you want food, or should I take away the menus?”
“Well,” chuckled Ethan. “What I want probably isn’t on the menu.”
Oh, my God.
Our eyes met and I swear I could feel a charge of static electricity between us. It was eerie.
“You look beautiful tonight. As usual,” he said softly.
The carnal promises he held in his smoldering eyes were raw and made my heart race. I took a step backwards, trying to catch my breath.
“Everything okay here?” interrupted Rosie, coming towards us.
Ethan looked away and I grabbed the back of an empty chair to steady myself.
“Yeah, Rosie,” smiled Ethan. “Just being friendly with the new waitress.”
She smiled. “Now don’t be giving young Nikki here a hard time. It’s only her second day.”
For some reason, Rosie wasn’t affected by Ethan’s magnetic stare.
“Oh, don’t worry about Nikki, Rosie. She’s in good hands with me.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she chuckled. “So, Nikki, why don’t you go pour some coffee for these boys.”
I cleared my throat. “Okay,”
I grabbed six coffee cups and glanced towards Ethan’s minions. I watched, curiously, as Rosie continued talking to Ethan while the rest of the guys seemed content just listening to the exchange, never actually joining in on the conversation. All were tall, pale, and rivaled any of the male models I’d seen in magazines. None of them compared to Ethan, however. His animal magnetism was enough to make me forget everything else.
“It’s getting late,” said Rosie, coming up to the counter. “Why don’t you let me finish waiting on these guys and you can take off?”
I nodded, not quite trusting myself to talk.
Without another glance towards Ethan, I hurried to the break room, removed my apron, and grabbed my purse. When I turned around, I was staring into Ethan’s eyes.
“Oh,” I gasped.
“Leaving so soon?” he asked me, stepping closer. I moved backwards until my back hit the wall.
“I really have to go,” I squeaked.
He touched my face and his eyes searched mine. “I’ve been searching for so long. I can’t believe that I’ve finally found you.”
My eyes widened. “Excuse me? I don’t understand what you mean.”
“You will.” He closed his eyes and inhaled. “You smell so sweet.”
I was so confused; my head was spinning and my stomach whirled. “I… what’s happening?”
Ethan opened his eyes again and smiled. “You’ll understand… in time.”
Suddenly his mouth was on mine again, and as before, I couldn’t resist his kisses. Our lips moved hungrily together and I moaned in pleasure, wanting him closer. I ran my hands up his back and into his hair, pulling his mouth harder against mine. But then he stopped abruptly and pulled away.
“I… I have to go and take care of something,” he said thickly.
“Your eyes…” I whispered. They were still blue but glowed brightly with something that reminded me of fire.
He backed away from me, breathing heavily. “Leave your balcony door open tonight.”
Then in a flash he was gone and I was left feeling frustrated.
Chapter Seventeen
“Nikki,” said Rosie, stepping into the break room. “Someone named Duncan is waiting for you in the diner.”