Page 13 of Kidnapped in Dark Waters
“If you want to talk to me about my nightly plans, then you might as well hold your breath. I’m doing what I’m doing and no matter how much you try to change my mind, that isn’t going to happen.”
Angelique’s deep sigh was audible. “Okay, then we’ll just plan lunch for another day.”
The two sisters said their goodbyes and Dominique hung up and then motioned to Sunny. “Looks like I’ll be eating alone today, so I’m ready to order.”
“Your sister couldn’t make it?” Sunny asked.
“No, she can’t get away from her store. The girl who was supposed to come in didn’t show.”
“Ah, business owner dilemmas. So, what can I get for you?”
“I’ll take a club sandwich with french fries,” Dominique said.
“You got it,” Sunny replied and then once again left the booth.
Once she was gone, Dominique looked around. As usual, the café was busy and most of the seats were filled.
She waved at Burt and Austin, who were seated alone at different tables. They were definitely her favorite regulars. They were not only kind and respectful to her but they tipped generously, too.
She also nodded with a friendly smile at Oliver LeBoeuf, the last man she’d dated, who sat with two other men she knew were fellow fishermen.
He returned her smile with one of his own. Thank goodness after she broke up with him, they had managed to maintain a fairly friendly relationship.
As she gazed toward the entrance of the café, Luke walked in. He looked around and, spying her, headed toward her table.
He looked ridiculously handsome in his jeans and a dark green polo shirt that she knew would match his green eyes. “Hi, Dominique,” he said as he reached her.
“Hi back at you,” she replied. Despite all the scents in the café, she could smell him. The woodsy cologne he wore was exceedingly attractive.
He gestured toward the empty space in front of her. “Are you expecting somebody?”
“I was, but I’m not anymore,” she replied. Why did her heartbeat always quicken when he was around? She wasn’t even sure she liked him yet.
“Mind if I join you?”
She was vaguely surprised by his request. He would be at her shanty tonight. Why would he want to spend his lunch time with her?
“Knock yourself out,” she replied.
He slid into the booth and offered her a smile. “How is your day going?”
“It’s going,” she replied. “It’s my day off and so far, I’ve been as lazy as a gator on a sunlit log.”
He laughed, the sound low and pleasant. “I’ve been a bit lazy myself today.”
Sunny appeared at the booth. “Hi, Officer Madison. Are you staying here and eating?”
He shot a quick look at Dominique and then looked back at Sunny. “I’m staying here and eating,” he replied with one of his gorgeous smiles.
“Then what can I get for you?” Sunny asked.
“I’ll take a cheeseburger and fries and an iced tea,” he replied.
“I’ll be back with both your orders.” She gave Dominique a pointed look. “And we’ll talk later.”
“Why on earth would you want to sit with me?” she asked once Sunny was gone. “Didn’t you get enough of me last night?” This close she could see that his green eyes had tiny flecks of gold in them. Definitely attractive.
“Why wouldn’t I want to sit with you? You’re beautiful and smart and I enjoyed your company last night,” he replied.
