The Summer He Came Home (Bad Boys of Crystal Lake 1)

He smiled, and her heart quickened. “Good to know.”

Cain turned down onto Main Street. “Mac suggested I take you to Le Rouge for dinner.”

“Oh, I’ve never been.” Which wasn’t surprising, considering one entrée probably cost more than what she made in a day.

“I hope you’re not too disappointed if we don’t.”

Maggie shrugged. “I don’t eat out a lot, so I’m not particularly fussy where we go.”

Cain maneuvered his truck around a parked car that was half in the street and drove down the main drag of Crystal Lake. He pulled into an empty spot in front of a smallish building that stood alone. Above the door was a plain wooden sign: Jack’s Hut. It looked out of place among the elegant buildings that surrounded it.

“This place might not look like much, but trust me, it will be a great. Jack’s been around for years.”

“It looks cute.” Okay, Le Rouge might have been a bit on the grand side. She didn’t expect to be wined and dined, but this place looked a slight cut above fast food. Very slight.

“Hey, we can go to Le Rouge if you want.” He flashed a smile. “I just thought our first date could be more…low-key…intimate.”

Cain used his hands a lot when he talked, and she focused on them. The fingers were long, and as they slid along the steering wheel once more, she thought of them on her skin, traveling up her belly. Touching her breasts. She closed her eyes and swallowed a groan. She so didn’t care where they ate.

“Hey, you’re not disappointed, are you?” His concern was genuine, and she shook her head, her hand reaching for the door.

“I’m just happy to be with you.” The admission slipped from her mouth without thought.

Cain jumped from the truck and was at her side, his hand reaching for hers, enveloping her own into his warmth. He pulled her close, held her against him, and she felt his arousal. He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. “Let’s go.”

Her heart skipped a beat as she read the “Closed” sign that hung in the window. Inside, the lights were dim. “Are you sure they’re open?”

Cain nodded, a sly smile on his face. “Positive.”

They escaped the warm summer evening into the dark, cool interior of Jack’s Hut. It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust, and when they did, her mouth hung open, a soft “Oh” on her lips as she gazed at the room in wonder.

The place was empty, candlelit, and filled with small vases of tulips that were set upon every available surface that could hold them. Music drifted from a jukebox in the corner, blues by the sound of it, sexy notes layered between the rich, throaty vocals of some unknown goddess.

In the middle of the room was the only table. It was set for two and held a small bucket of ice filled with Coronas.

Cain’s face lit up like that of a little boy on Christmas morning. “Now this”—he glanced around—“this is more my style.”

A tall man appeared from the back pushing a cart laden with food. Maggie sniffed a host of aromas and was surprised at the hunger pangs she felt. Considering she’d been full-on nauseous only a short while earlier, things were looking up.

Chicken wings, garlic bread, and nachos.

The gentleman was solid, with a full head of shockingly black hair and bushy eyebrows to match. His bare arms were powerful and loaded with tattoos, some of which were not exactly appropriate.

“Cain! I just finished.” The man’s dark eyes landed on her, and his smile widened. He walked toward them. “You must be Maggie.”

She nodded. “Hello.”

“I’m Jack. Nice to meet you.” He tossed a set of keys to Cain and shook his hand. “Lock up when you leave, and throw the keys back in through the mail slot. I’ve got an extra set at home.”

“Thanks for everything.” Cain followed Jack to the door and locked it behind him. He glanced back at Maggie. “Last chance to change your mind. I can make a phone call and get us into Le Rouge if you prefer.”

She couldn’t take her eyes off him. The setting didn’t matter. He was what mattered, and if she could have him to herself, with no prying eyes, then all the better.

“This is perfect.” And it was.

His warm hand was on her back as he escorted her to the table. Small, spiky shivers of desire leaped across her flesh at his touch.

Cain opened two bottles and handed her a cold Corona. “Do you want a glass? I can grab one from behind the bar.”