“Why areyouhiding out here in the dark?”
“It’s my fifteen minute break.”
“Ah.”
I tilt my head, examining her up close. Carly was right about her age — she’s definitely young. No matter how much eyeliner she’s caked on to convince the world otherwise, I’d bet my left nut she’s no more than nineteen. She’s also prettier than I’d originally judged. Distractingly so, with those huge, expressive eyes, a pert nose, and a plush little mouth made for kissing. When I finally locate my voice, it’s got a bit more rasp than usual.
“Isn’t that what the break room is for?”
She shrugs, a slight lift of slender shoulders. “I needed some fresh air. It’s a bit… overwhelming in there.”
“I’ve never seen you here before. You must be new.”
“First shift,” she confirms. A faint blush stains her cheekbones, even in the semi-dark. Her hair has fallen mostly out of its braid, as if the thick strands have a will of their own.
Fuck, she’s beautiful. I feel my cock twitch to life inside my jeans.
“I meant new to Nashville,” I say softly, taking a step closer to her. “Not new to The Nightingale.”
“Am I that obvious?” She smiles again, wider this time, and I feel my pulse stutter. “I just moved here. Literally, about…” She glances at the slim silver watch on her wrist. “Twelve hours ago.”
I bite the inside of my cheek before I do something stupid, like offer to introduce her to the best spots in town. I’m not the kind of guy who offers tour-guide services. The only Nashville landmark I introduce women to with any kind of regularity is the stunning vista that is my bedroom ceiling. So… why do I have to fight so damn hard to keep the words‘Let me show you around sometime’contained?
“Have you lived here long?” she asks.
“Twenty-two years. Born and raised in the city limits.”
“Lucky you.”
“That’s one way of looking at it, I suppose.” I laugh, but it’s hollow. If she only knew how hard I’ve been trying to get out of this place…
“Trust me, you’re lucky. Objectively lucky.” Her lips twist. “If you’d grown up where I did, you’d never regret living in a place like this. You’d never want to go back.”
“And where is it you’re from?”
“Oh, a little town called Haw—” She stops herself abruptly, mouth clamping down on the rest of her words. It’s hard to tell for sure in the dark, but I’d swear she’s gone pale.
“You okay?” I ask, brows lifting.
She nods faintly but doesn’t say another word. She’s got secrets in her eyes, buried not too far beneath the surface. Strangely enough, I find myself wanting to know what they are.
That’s a first. I’m usually a fan of thescrew now, ask questions neverstrategy. It keeps life the way I want it — untangled and drama free.
“Shoot!” She grimaces down at her watch. “I actually have to go. My break’s over. Nice talking to you, though.”
She turns to leave. Regret swamps me. I don’t even know her damn name. I search for something — anything — to say to get her to stay, even for another second, but my mind is a total blank.
Me, Ryder Woods… legendary smooth-talker, shameless flirt, star of countless female sexual fantasies… Tongue-tied over a cocktail waitress?
It’s almost ludicrous. If Aiden or Lincoln witnessed this, they’d never believe it.
She hesitates for a beat on the top step and glances back at me, silhouetted by the light spilling out from the hallway as she holds the door ajar.
“You were great tonight, by the way.”
“Thanks,” I manage to grunt.
Eloquent. Real fucking eloquent.
“And… whatever it is that made you come out here looking so upset…” Her eyes are luminous in the dark, like an owl’s. “I hope it gets better.”
With that she spins on her heel, braid whipping like a flag in the air behind her, and disappears inside, leaving me alone in the dark summer night, my pulse pounding a bit too fast inside my veins. For a long time, I stare at the space where she stood… and, for the life of me, I can’t remember what pissed me off so bad I found myself out here in the first place.