Page 2 of Lovestruck
At this point in the interview, Hollie Berry removed her microphone. So while we can’t know exactly what she said to Mr. Tucker as a parting shot, the middle finger salute she gave him as she stormed off stage was pretty clear.
Chapter 1
Kat
“Kat, can you take this salad to table three, please?”
“You betcha.” I plaster a smile on my face that probably does nothing to hide my exhaustion from staying up way too late studying last night. Picking up the white ceramic bowl piled with organic greens and vegetables, I make my way over to the table, weaving through a packed Camille’s Café. I set the food down in front of the customer who ordered it, stifling a yawn.
I definitely should not have picked up these extra shifts, not during exam time for my master’s degree in nursing.
“Hey, Kitty Kat!”
My hand fumbles the water glass I’m carrying back to the counter to be washed, and it drops to the floor, thankfully only breaking into a few large pieces.
“Shit,” I mumble, blushing furiously. There’s only one person who can get away with calling me that, and I was really hoping not to see him today with my unwashed hair and bags under my eyes.
“Whoa Kat, careful, don’t cut yourself.” Warm hands cover mine and I force myself to meet what I know are beautiful blue eyes, full of life and enthusiasm, as always.
As soon as I see his smile, the skin where we’re connected starts to tingle. It all happens in a matter of seconds, but I snatch my hand away.
“I’m fine. Sorry. Just clumsy, you know?” I ramble, standing up quickly. But of course, Hunter’s standing at the same time, and my head collides with his chin.
“Easy there, Kitty Kat,” he laughs, but I’m too busy feeling mortified, and trying not to focus on how incredible it feels to have his hands steadying me. “Y’know, if you keep trying to hurt yourself when I come around, I’m gonna get a complex.” His voice is teasing, happy-go-lucky, like always.
You know those people who seem toalwaysbe happy, no matter what? That’s Hunter. My cousin Leo works with him at the police department. One time, over drinks with my brothers and me, he said Hunter reminds him of a golden retriever. I can see that, but not in a bad way. Hunter is just naturally happy, friendly, easygoing, and…cute. Very cute.
But also, oblivious. As in, totally clueless I might want to be more than just his waitress. This one-sided crush has been going on for close to two years. You’d think I’d be over it by now, but no.
“Sorry.” I dump the broken glass in the garbage, and reach for the dust pan and brush to finish the cleanup. “Are you staying in to eat today?”
“Nah, I gotta pick up for a few others today.” Hunter smiles widely at me, a lock of his unruly hair falling over his forehead. Just like every other time, I clench my fists to stop myself from pushing it back for him.
“Oh, okay. Did someone phone in the order?” I ask over my shoulder as I make quick work of finishing the cleanup. Hunter sinks onto one of the stools and watches me as I make my way back behind the long counter he normally sits at. His elbows land on the counter, propping his head up. God, he really is adorable.
“Leo did. So, are you ready for Christmas?”
“Nope. But I will be once I get through exams,” I gripe as I start getting the bag that will contain all of the food he’s taking back to the station ready.
Hunter winces. “How many do you have?”
“Just three. But one is in pharmacological interventions, and I amnotlooking forward to it.”
“Dr. Donnelly is on her way,” he teases and I shake my head.
“Not doctor. My brother can be the doctor in the family, I’m happy with Nurse Practitioner Donnelly. And I’m a long way from that,” I correct.
He lifts his shoulders and gives me a grin. “Same same but different? You’re seriously smart Kat, I’m sure you’ll do great on your exams.”
I hand him the full bag of sandwiches and soups for the cops on shift, hoping my blush isn’t too noticeable. “Thanks, Hunter.”
I wish I could say more, but I’m tongue-tied, just like every time he compliments me.
“See ya around, Kitty Kat.” With a wave, Hunter walks out of the café, my eyes trailing after him, watching his perfect butt move in those uniform pants.
“Wipe your chin, Kat, you’re drooling.”
My head whips around to face my friend Lily, just as my hand comes to my face, in case she isn’t joking. “Shush. Don’t say that so loud.”
