Page 19 of Off Limits
‘So, I’ll leave a little early. I like a little sunshine in the morning.’
She knows I’m referring to the sight of her.
‘You did not just say that.’ She raises an eyebrow before her eyes flit to the door. More customers coming in.
‘I caught the end of your half time show,’ I tell her.
‘You did, huh?’
‘Those were some pretty high kicks. I saw you celebrating the touchdown.’
She bites her lip, shakes her head, like she wants to compliment me. ‘Would you like anything else, sir?’ she asks.
I look to her pen hovering over her notepad. ‘You could write it on my hand. That way I won’t lose it.’
‘One half-classic with four poached eggs and one fresh orange juice, coming right up. And that’s all you’ll be getting. Sir.’
Man, she’s not gonna make this easy for me. ‘Call me Jake. Please.’
She picks up the menu. ‘I’m not in the habit of calling my customers by their first name,’ she says before she’s walking away.
I have to wait another ten minutes before she’s back with my food. ‘One fresh juice,’ Serenity says, placing the glass in front of me. ‘One half-classic with four poached eggs. Can I get you anything else?’
‘How about I don’t have to ask again?’
‘Ask what again? I don’t think I caught the question.’
‘It’s really a game-changer for you? That I’m on the team?’
‘Yup,’ is her reply and my shoulders droop just a little.
‘How ’bout I quit the Mutineers?’
She laughs at that. ‘Let’s not be too hasty, now. You don’t even know me.’
‘Then let megetto know you.’
‘You know there are a lotta pretty girls in Canyon who justlovefootball. You tried all them dating apps?’
‘Why would I wanna meet a girl on a dating app when I just met a girl in real life?’
‘I have to go. Eat up, your food is getting cold.’
‘Serenity—’
She turns and looks back. Grants me another sweet smile, and man, I am gone for this chick. But I’m pretty sure that’s all I’m getting out of her today.
‘Last chance to give me your number,’ I say at the cash register on my way out.
She raises her eyes to me. ‘How was your breakfast? Taste good?’
‘Delicious. When’s your next shift?’
‘I’d need to check my schedule.’
‘So… if I came back tomorrow for more eggs… would you be here?’
I hand over my cash payment and she rings me up. I think I see her blush.
