Free Chosen by V. Vaughn, Mating Season Collection Page A

to teach you the ways of the world.” A plate scrapes across metal as he pushes it toward me. “Here, lunch.”
    I glance at the scoop of tuna salad on top of salad greens and surrounded by tomato wedges. “Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome. But I meant it. You’re hot enough the way you are.”
    “And you’re sweet.” I set my meal down at the counter. While it’s only ten in the morning, I need to eat before the lunch crowd arrives. Diet soda gurgles out of the pop machine, and I toss a scoop of crushed ice in as my cup fills. When I turn to walk over to my seat on the other side of the counter, the two women at Parker’s table slide out of the booth and make their way to the restroom.
    Darla says, “The last table’s all set, and I’m going out for a smoke.”
    I nod at her as I swallow a bite of tomato. I doubt anyone will come in, but I can stop eating to deal with them if they do. Ekton was right. I am hungry, and I put an oversized forkful of tuna in my mouth. I begin to chew when I sense someone behind me and am surprised when heat radiates toward me. I catch my breath at the way it assaults my senses and begin to choke when food goes down the wrong way.
    Tuna spits out of my mouth, and I grab a napkin just as something thumps my back hard. Oh God. Food flies out of my throat and lands on the counter with a plop. I close my eyes in horror that I just spit the contents of my mouth onto the counter.
    “Are you all right?” The deep tone reverberates throughout my body, and my nerve endings are suddenly on fire with lust.
    Strong hands grab my shoulders, and Parker turns me to face him. “Breathe. C’mon.” There’s a note of panic in his voice, and my eyes snap open as I inhale.
    He lets out a sigh. “Thank God, you’re okay.”
    He’s still holding onto my shoulders, and he stares at me with eyes so green I imagine they’re emeralds. His brow crinkles in confusion as he moves his palms slowly down my arms. I know it’s impossible, but I swear static electricity zings in the wake of his touch. Now I really can’t breathe, and Parker pulls his hands away to stare at his fingers. He returns his gaze to me and whispers, “It’s you.”
    My mouth opens, but I can’t speak.
    My trance is broken by a girl’s singsong voice. “Parker, we’re ready.”
    He blinks and backs away from me before he turns to walk out. I watch the two women take his arms. They both have model-like hair with curls that bounce. When they get to the door, Parker stops and lifts the tree-trunk-sized appendages up to shake them off. “Wait. I forgot something. I’ll meet you outside.”
    They appear puzzled but walk out anyway, and Parker stalks over to where I’m sitting. He practically growls when he asks, “Can I get a coffee to go? Black, please.”
    I nod quickly and scramble up like he’s given his lowly subject an order. My hand shakes as I pour coffee into a Styrofoam cup. I turn to the counter and am struggling with a cover when Darla pushes through the kitchen door.
    She huffs at me and grabs the plastic lid from me. “Trixie, hon, I’ve got it.”
    I glance at Parker to find he’s smiling in amusement. He reaches for the cup but doesn’t take his eyes off me as he says, “Trixie. I like it.” His gaze scans my body as if he can see through my clothes, and I have a sudden urge to cover my breasts with my arms. The last word rumbles as he says it. “Sexy.” He winks and turns to walk out.
    The moment he’s gone, Darla slaps my arm. “Holy shit. He would have done you on the spot.”
    I watch Parker move across the parking lot with a swagger while his groupies vie for his attention as if he’s a prized show dog. My heart pounds, and my mouth goes dry. I think I would have let him.

2
    W inter Valley is a sleepy town , and our lunch rush is never too much for two waitresses and one cook to handle. Whenever I have a free moment, my mind returns to my strange encounter with Parker.
    I recall how large his