The Long Way Home (Corps Security #6)(5)

Today, it feels different.

I peek out of the corner of my eye, using the veiled curtain of my hair, and see he isn’t alone. The order may change occasionally, but it isn’t uncommon for him to have someone else with him. Three men seem to cycle out periodically, but today, it’s Evan. Well, damn. Ella must not have seen him at first. Ella has affectionately nicknamed him the Latin lover. My never-shy friend, she can’t hold her tongue around him either. It helps calm my nerves to watch her around him and to keep from focusing so much on the giant at his side, that’s for sure.

I finish the coffee, putting the lid in place, and turn to the counter where they’re both standing side by side with Ella. My eyes connect to his dark-green orbs instantly. I’m used to his silence, and I stopped expecting anything, but today, it looks like a storm brews behind them. My hand shakes as I hold out his drink, the one he hasn’t had to order in over six months. There’s another reason I’m never late, and it has everything to do with the blond Viking in front of me.

He gives his usual nod but doesn’t speak. More normal behavior, but still those eyes rage their silent storm. His fingertips brush mine, and I feel a zap of electricity snake down my spine.

“You want anything, hunk?” Ella asks Evan.

“Don’t I always, princesa.”

“You want anything other than a drink and a muffin?” She leans over the counter, and I feel my lip twitch.

“Ella,” I warn.

“What?” she responds firmly but still playful.

“What did I tell you about offering yourself as part of the menu?” I question, moving my gaze to Evan as he has his own issues holding back his laughter.

“That it’s illegal if I accept money for sexual services.”

“Or that maybe it isn’t appropriate?”

“Oh, yes. That one.” I look at her, knowing what’s coming because it’s the same every time—almost daily. “I quit.” She smiles, and her eyes are back on Evan. “Wanna go upstairs, hunk?”

His wide, toothy smile comes out, and bright white teeth bite into his thick bottom lip. I hear Ella make a sound and I elbow her before she can continue.

“Would you like anything, Evan?” I ask.

“Just a black coffee, darlin’, and one of those blueberry muffins.”

“You got it.” I look at Ella. “You wouldn’t quit because you love me too much. Now, go get Evan’s order ready.”

“Anything else for you guys?”

“We’re good. Do you mind if we use one of the rooms today?”

It takes me a second to realize he means one of the two private rooms we have here. Well, private isn’t the best term since the double doors and much of the room’s wall—carved perfectly into the brick surrounding the room—are made of glass. You can see in to the main floor, but they’re perfect for larger groups that need a quiet space for conversation. They’re typically booked during the day by study groups, but luckily for them, they’re both empty today.

“Of course. I’ll fill up a carafe for you. Anything else?”

“The other guys will be here soon. They’ll let you know. Thank you, darlin’.”

“No problem, Evan.”

I look back up at the silent Viking—Drew—I’ve heard him called. His hair is up today, which is shocking since I’m so used to seeing his shoulder-length dark-blond hair and not the shaved parts on each side of his scalp. You would never know he had such beautiful straw-colored hair if he didn’t keep the top long. His normal wardrobe of all black is in place, his thick muscles carved under his skin making him look not just giant but carved from stone as well. The intricate black tattoos decorate every bit of skin that isn’t covered from the neck down.

My eyes land on his full pink lips between the blond beard and mustache hairs, willing him to speak. When he doesn’t, I look over at Evan.

“Let us know if you need anything. With the iPad next to the door, you can send us a text with anything you want to order. We’ll bring it in, or you can have someone come out to get it. Just make sure to settle your bill before you leave. You can pay for these drinks later if you have friends coming. That way, they can just add theirs to the room. Easy as pie.”

“Thank you, darlin’. We’ll do that if we need anything. Send the boys in when they come?”

“Just the two of them, or is anyone else joining you?”

“Just Hunt and Saint.”

“Sounds good. I’ll send them in. Don’t forget the button next to the painting, center wall, if you want the shades to go down on the windows.”

“No offense, but they’re kind of pointless with the glass door, darlin’.” His eyes dance, and I have to admit, I get Ella’s obsession with him.

“I’ll find a suitable solution to install just for you guys next time,” I sarcastically drawl.

With a deep grunted laugh, he turns and walks to the left of the room, where our two private rooms are tucked next to the bathroom space. I look back over at Drew, who is still looking at me with his silent storm.

“You need anything else?” I ask, proud of myself for sounding calmer than he makes me feel.

He’s silent, as usual, and I’m about to turn and clean up the machines before I’m stopped dead in my tracks.