Crazy Stupid Love (Crazy Love #1)(15)

“Come on.” He takes my hand once again, causing me to spin around as he leads me through the parking lot.

I don’t recognize where we are, but it’s a pretty populated place; a long strip mall of businesses and small little restaurants. It doesn’t take me long to locate the pizza place I assume we are heading towards. There’s a large window that makes up the front of the store, Pops Pizza painted brightly across the glass.

I quicken my steps to keep up with Decklan’s long strides given he’s quite a bit taller than me. I would say he’s at least six feet where as I stand just around five four.

He slows to a stop just short of the entrance to the pizza place, leaning forward to open the front door before ushering me inside, his hand falling to the small of my back as he does. The contact causes a shiver to run down my spine and while Decklan doesn’t say anything, I know without a doubt he notices.

Avoiding his gaze, I allow him to lead me through the establishment, my eyes taking in the small pizza parlor.

It’s a pretty standard size; a square dining room that has four booths along the far wall, two of which are occupied by other customers, and two square tables in the middle. There’s a long counter that runs along the front wall and is open to the kitchen where I briefly catch sight of a younger looking man rolling out dough.

Decklan doesn’t stop until we reach the booth that sits in the far corner of the room. Removing my jacket, I hang it on a wooden hook that’s attached to the post of the booth before sliding into the seat. I can’t keep my eyes off of Decklan as he removes his own jacket, the thin material of his black t-shirt clinging to his clearly muscular body in all the right ways.

I flick my eyes to Decklan’s face as he slides into the booth across from me, his slow spreading smile telling me he knows exactly what I was looking at.

“So this place is pretty good?” I ask, taking a menu that is wedged between the wall and the napkin holder, desperate for a distraction.

“The best.” He smiles, watching me intently.

“So what do you recommend?” I ask, laying my menu face up on the table in front of me.

“You can’t make a wrong choice here. But I have a weakness for the thin crust pizza with pepperoni.” He settles back into the seat, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest.

“Sounds good to me,” I say, closing the menu. “So...” I let out a small sigh of relief when we are interrupted by an older lady who immediately approaches our table.

Her black pants and matching button down shirt are covered in flour, her salt and pepper hair tied back in a frizzy bun. I can’t help but notice the way her face lights up when her eyes land on the man across from me. At first, I think maybe she just realizes how attractive he is. I mean I’m sure older women are no more immune to his charms than younger ones are, but then I realize that’s not it. The recognition in her eyes tells me she knows him.

“Decklan Taylor as I live and breathe.” She hits Decklan with a wide smile.

“Ms. Marie.” He stands, giving her a one-armed hug. “How are you? How’s Bob?” he asks, sliding back down into the booth.

“Oh, you know that old fart, still kicking.” She laughs. “He’s at home with the grandkids tonight. But he’ll sure be disappointed he missed you.” She gives him a warm smile. “What’s it been, two years?”

“Probably close to that. I don’t get down this way that often,” he explains.

“And Gavin, how is that trouble maker?”

“Same as ever.” He smiles warmly back at the older woman.

“Why does that not surprise me?” She shakes her head before seeming to finally realize that someone else is sitting at the table with Decklan.

“And who is this beautiful creature?” She gives me a toothy grin, waiting for Decklan to introduce us.

“Ms. Marie, this is Kimber, a friend of mine.”

“So nice to meet you.” I smile up at the older woman, reaching out to shake her hand when she extends it to me.

“You too, my dear. Any friend of Decklan’s is a friend of mine. Spent half my days trying to keep this heathen out of trouble I did.”

“Is that so?” I smile, flicking my eyes to Decklan who gives me a playful shrug.

“Story for another time I suppose.” Marie laughs. “Now, what can I get for you? The usual?” She turns back to Decklan.

“That sounds amazing,” he confirms.

“And to drink?”

He surprises me by saying water, and I indicate that I will take the same. In the three times I have been in this man’s presence I’ve never seen him drink anything but alcohol. It’s good to know he’s chosen water, especially considering he is my way back to campus.

“Coming right up.” Marie smiles, spinning as she makes her way behind the counter.

“Old friend of yours?” I smile, gesturing towards where the older woman was just standing.

“I grew up just a couple of blocks from here. I practically lived here every day after school. Marie and her husband Bob were like second parents to me and Gavin.”

“Gavin. He’s a friend of yours?” I question.

“More like my brother,” he confirms. “You’ve met him already,” he says, explaining when I hit him with a look of confusion. “At Deviants.”