Free DOM (Brothers In Ink Romances Series Book 1) by Linda Cooper Page B

had no clue what he was doing, and here he was … all cleaned up and making reservations for a dinner for us. “Let’s go.” I forced a smile in hopes he wouldn’t see how surprised I was.
    He grinned as he nodded and led the way towards the waterfront.
    We walked in silence for a while. It wasn’t an awkward silence really, but I still felt the need to try and fill it. “So, did you grow up around here?”
    “No. I needed a fresh start a year or so ago, and this seemed like a good place to try and make one.”
    “I see,” I said reflecting. I knew all about needing a fresh start. When my mom and dad split up … well, it had been the reason we moved here.
    “What about you?”
    “Needed a fresh start too.” It was all I said, and he didn’t ask me any more about it. For that, I was thankful. As we made our way closer to the waterfront, we made small chat about our days. He told me about what it was like to be a mechanic, what he did in his spare time, and he even mentioned a couple friends. “But anyways,” he turned to me, his eyes suddenly intense, “why don’t you tell me about yourself?”
    “There isn’t much to say. I keep books for my sister’s furniture shop and am saving up to go to school to become a psychologist. I don’t really have a social life outside of one friend, but I’m okay with that. My dad and I are still really close. We get together at least once a month or so and just … sit around mostly.” I laughed softly as we came to a stop in front of a grey building.
    There was a sign in the window indicating it was open, as well as a bolder one that I assumed was the name of the place. The Digs.
    I scowled as he pulled the door open, and the scent of grease hit me. Wrinkling my nose, I looked around, there were lots of empty tables, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there were a reason for that. Or about his remark on getting us a reservation. I didn’t say anything as we made our way to a table in the front of the building. Reaching for a menu, I asked, “Is this a regular hangout of yours?“
    He nodded. “Yes. A friend of mine works here, and if I do say so myself, the food is actually a lot better than you would expect to see from a place like this.”
    “Gee, thanks.”
    I turned my attention to the speaker. He grinned as he eyed Dom. Dom grinned back.
    “Hey Luke, what’s up?”
    “Workin’, workin’, workin’. Now, what do you want to drink?” His voice was silky, but the way he spoke to Dom sounded rough.
    “I’ll take a lemonade.” The guy nodded and jotted something down in a small notebook before turning his attention to me. “Can I get you something to drink as well?” He sounded much softer as he looked me in the eyes.
    “Just water please.”
    “Of course, I’ll be right back with your drinks.” He nodded and left us alone.
    “I take it that is a friend of yours?”
    “Yea.” Dom was still grinning. Before either of us could say anything else, his phone beeped from somewhere in his pocket. He pulled it out as if it were on fire and stared down at it, his eyes widening a little, and for a couple minutes I was sure he’d completely forgotten about me.
    I cleared my throat before taking a sip of water as he stared down at the phone. It didn’t seem to do me any good. My eyes narrowed, and I was about to say something until someone cleared their throat to my left. I turned to see our waiter standing there. He smiled. “Did you two decide what you want to get?”
    Dom looked up, his eyes wide and his face pale. “I … I’ll take the usual.” He forced a smile over his lips as he glanced at me for a millisecond. The two men shared a look without saying a word, but the look they gave each other seemed to be enough to turn the waiter a shade paler, as well. He turned his attention to me. “And you?” he asked, his voice quieter than it had been a couple seconds ago.  
    “I’d like a club sandwich please,” I said. I’d had a while to think