Lucky Baby (Crescent Cove 11)

“Ruby?” he repeated.

“I’m awake,” I said quietly.

“I can head over to the hotel if you want to get ready.”

Sitting up, I flipped down the visor. Going to the hotel first was the smart thing to do, but I just wanted to get this over with. I looked like death, and extra primping wouldn’t help that.

I scanned the road. “Why don’t we go over there? I can get dressed in the bathroom.”

He followed my gaze and arched a brow. “Wouldn’t be the first time I got dressed in a diner.”

“I mean, we can go—”

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t have to impress anyone. I’ll just clean up a little.”

I reached over and gripped his arm. “Thank you for driving me to this.”

“Don’t sweat it.”

I’d been pretty low after Ezra’s call last night. It was the only reason I could think of for letting down my guard so thoroughly with Lucky. But right now, the idea of walking into that firehouse alone was more than I could handle.

I checked my phone. I had a few texts from Rhett and Ezra asking when I was arriving. They were saving a seat for me.

But instead of replying, I flipped my phone over on my lap.

“You don’t have to do this.”

I rolled my head toward Lucky. “I do.”

“We can split right now. That road right there,” he arrowed his hand, “can get us out of here in less than five minutes. Three if you hold onto that ‘oh shit’ handle.”

I couldn’t stop a smile.

He turned in the seat. “You can blame me. I got lost.”

“You’d do that?”

“In a heartbeat. They don’t know me.”

Before I could think about it, I leaned into him and pressed a light kiss to his bearded cheek. “Thanks, Thor.”

One of his big hands cupped my jaw. “I hate seeing you so sad. It’s damn near killing me.”

“It’s a selfish sad.” My eyes stung. “I don’t want to face my brother.”

He pressed his forehead to mine. “He’d understand.”

“No. He’d be so hurt.” I shook my head. “I can’t do that to him.” I slid away from Lucky and reached for the bag behind the seat.

With a sigh, he pulled out of the parking lot and did a left turn to the diner half a block down. I stepped out before he could say anything else.

The brisk wind cleared my head a bit before I went inside, bag in hand. Thankfully, the big family-style diners were all the same. I’d be able to get changed without feeling like I was in a school locker. Being tall was a pain in the ass.

I nodded to the waitress at the front door and headed for the back.

“Miss.”

“There’s a big guy coming in after me. He’ll order some food.”