I broke the cardinal rule of our friendship.
I fucked Carolina.
And I have no regrets.
My heart feels closer to hers, our connection stronger, and I’m pissed I didn’t take this step forever ago. It’d sure have saved us from a lot of troubles.
Fear creeps in as I doubt that we can stay this way.
There’s no way in hell I’d ever hurt her, so I hope to God she doesn’t stomp on my heart.
The only days I’m a morning person is when I wake up early to visit Carolina at work—less people to steal her attention away from me.
Today, I’m visiting her during the lunch shift.
I want to see my girl.
As usual, the diner is packed when I walk in. Shirley’s is known for its kick-ass lunch specials. Her sandwiches are to die for.
I spot Kyle and Gage seated at Kyle’s regular booth, wearing their blue uniforms. They’re partners on the police force and often stop by for a quick bite while on duty. I walk down the aisle and head straight to my usual booth. I texted Carolina, asking her to keep it open for me. My plan was to surprise her, but I didn’t want to lose my chance to sit in her section.
“Shirley!” I greet, stepping up to the bar. “Mind if my girl takes a lunch break?”
Shirley pinches my cheeks. “As much as I love this cute face of yours, no. We’re slammed. She’ll have a break in an hour after the rush dies down.”
“Have lunch with us,” Kyle calls out, waving me over. “She’s our waitress, so you’ll still be able to make googly eyes at her.”
“I’m going to need that table anyway, sweetie,” Shirley says. “Carolina can make some extra cash, too.”
I smile, failing to mention that I’d give her a tip far larger than anyone who’ll sit in that booth, and walk over to Kyle’s booth. He slides over to make room for me to sit next to him. Carolina grins when she spots me and slides the guys’ plates on the table in front of them.
Her attention swings to me as she wipes her forehead with the back of her arm. “Hey. I didn’t think we’d be so packed today. Sorry for Shirley giving your table away, but you know it’s hard to say no to her. I planned to text you when I got a sec.”
“It’s cool, babe.” I don’t bother picking up a menu and glance at the guys’ plates.
Gage has the buffalo chicken.
Kyle has the grilled tenderloin.
I nod toward Gage’s plate. “I’ll have that. Shoestring fries. Water.”
“Got it.” She tucks her pen behind her ear and scurries off to the kitchen.
“You two are cute,” Kyle says, grabbing the bottle of ketchup.
“Mmhmm,” Gage adds, thrusting a hand through his dark hair.
Gage isn’t much for conversation. He’s the quiet one, and his fiancée, Lauren, is loud enough for the both of them.
We chat for a while.
Gage says he and Lauren are trying for another baby.
Kyle tells me the sale on Chloe’s house fell through.
“Is it still available?” I ask, perking up in my seat. “No backup offers?”
“Still available,” Kyle replies. “Know anyone who’d be interested?”
“Me.”
“You want to buy her house?” Kyle draws out.
I shrug. “Why not? My lease ends in a few months. I have money saved up for a down payment.”
“Look into it,” Kyle says. “I’ll talk to Chloe and see if there’s anything we can do to help.”
It’d be cool as hell to live next door to them. I wasn’t close with Kyle growing up, since he was so much older, but as he’s settled down, our relationship has grown stronger.
Our conversation stops when a voice comes through their police radio, telling them there’s a family of raccoons stuck in a dumpster.
“Serious business,” I comment as they take their last bites and wipe their mouths.
“I’d rather have that than the other,” Kyle states. A wave of sadness spreads along his face as he digs his wallet from his pocket. There will never be a day Kyle doesn’t remember the scene he walked into that changed his life and how he had to break the news to Chloe of her loss.
I stop him. “I got it. Go help those little critters.”
Kyle nods. “Thanks, brother.”
Gage slides out of the booth. “I got you next time I see you at Down Home then.”
They say good-bye, and I stack their plates up before sliding them to the other side of the table. Crumpling up the napkins, I pile them on top of the plates, wanting to clean up the table as much as I can so Carolina will have less work to do.
Pulling up a book on my phone, I kick back in the booth and read until Carolina arrives with my food, setting it in front of me.
“You need anything else?” she asks.
I slide my napkin toward her. “Your number, hot waitress.”
She laughs, shaking her head. “Sorry, I’m spoken for by my wonderful boyfriend.”
“Lucky man.” I wink.
“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, though.”
“Oh, really?” I raise a brow.
She snags her pen from behind her ear, snatches the napkin, and writes something on it. Folding it up, she slides it to me. I can’t stop myself from doubling over laughing when she waggles her eyebrows and then skips away in that cute little uniform of hers.
My cock stirs as I read her note.
I can’t wait to get you naked tonight.
Xoxo
I shake my head and tuck the note into my pocket.