Free Rocked by Clara Bayard Page B

seen. His mouth was almost femininely full and red, but that wide smile was slightly crooked in a way that made my insides turn to molten lava. There was a smudge of what looked like eyeliner or mascara under his left eye and it took all my self-control to keep from reaching out to wipe it away.
    "So, can I see that or do I have to guess what's in it?"
    "Huh?" I looked down at my hand and realized I was gripping the menu like a security blanket. So uncool. "Oh yeah. Sorry." I handed it over and when his fingertips brushed mine a shock went through us both.
    "Oops." He laughed and dropped the menu, unopened. "You okay?"
    "Uh huh," was all I could manage.
    "Sorry about the shock. Happens a lot after shows."
    "Oh, were you at the concert?"
    He narrowed his eyes as if he thought I was making fun of him or something. "Yeah…"
    "That explains the makeup under your eye."
    "Oh shit. I am not a normal guyliner wearer, I promise. Just lost a bet." He swiped at his face a couple of times, managing to miss the little smudge completely. "Did I get it?"
    I laughed. "Not even close. You can use the bathroom to check if you want."
    "Thanks," he replied. "But I'm starved. I'll order something first."
    "Okay. I'll give you a minute with the menu." I went to leave but he reached out a hand and touched my arm. His fingers were long and thin, but strong. Three had silver rings with mysterious symbols on them. I thought one might be a bird of some kind.
    "Wait. Forget the menu. Tell me what's the best thing for a late night hunger."
    I stared at him for a moment and thought the best thing for my late night hunger would be a long session involving the two of us on a bed in a dark room. But aloud I recommended the french toast and bacon.
    "Yeah? How come?"
    "Sweet and salty. Perfect for this late hour. Plus we make the bread here. Very yummy."
    "Works for me. And a big glass of water, please."
    I scribbled the order down and then shoved it at Darrell, who'd been uncharacteristically quiet so far. He arched an eyebrow at me and then turned to the griddle, still not saying anything.
    I shrugged, poured the water and delivered it to the new guest star in all of my future sexual fantasies. "Anything else?"
    "Nope. I'm good-uh, what's your name?"
    "Liss."
    "Nice to meet you, Liss," he said, sticking out his hand to shake. "I'm Joe."
    I took his hand and he shocked me again. This time it actually kind of hurt.
    "Shit, sorry. Again." He pulled back his hand and placed it on the counter. "Which way's the bathroom?"
    I pointed and he smiled as he stood. "I guess our chemistry is electric, Liss."
    If Darrell hadn't laughed at me I would have stood there the whole time Joe was gone with my mouth hanging open in surprise. Was he flirting? With me? Nah, impossible. He was a sexy, too cool for school type with incredible eyes and stunning good looks. I was a chubby waitress with messy hair and mustard on my apron. Definitely not flirting. Right?
    By the time Joe at back down I'd thoroughly convinced myself it was ridiculous to even consider that he might be interested in me and settled back into my night-long funk. When I brought over his food he smiled and dug in. Not wanting to hover, I stood over by the register and looked at my watch every five seconds to keep from staring at him.
    However, he did notice and looked kind of hurt. "Um, I am I keeping you guys open?"
    "No." I laughed weakly. "We're twenty-four seven here. I was just, um, trying to figure out how long I've been up."
    Joe grinned, mouth full of food, with a drop of syrup caught in the corner of his mouth. On anyone else it would be gross, but he made it work. The drop of syrup sliding down his chin helped. I wanted, with all of my heart, to lick if off for him. Oh my god, I felt terrible. Practically drooling on myself like I'd never seen a man before. But the truth was I suddenly felt like I hadn't. At least not one that mattered. Joe was art in human form and close enough to touch.
    "…know