Lucky Ride (Men of Valor MC)

When I step out, I’m shocked when I slam right into a man’s chest. Strong hands grip my arms, and I rip them away from the man’s grasp. “Shit. I didn’t mean to startle you. Just checking to see if you’re okay.”

I look up, and it’s the guy from Cara’s shower in a police uniform. “Oh. I’m sorry. It seems I’m a mess.” He’s probably just on his way to pick up a cup of coffee before starting his shift.

“I’m sorry. You’re beautiful, though. I didn’t notice you last night when we came in, but damn, I’m sorry that I missed you.” Okay, now the creep factor just amplified to a thousand.

“Excuse me. I’m going to be late for work.” I push past him after clicking the lock on my car. I refuse to look back until I’m gripping the diner’s door handle. When I do, he’s standing at my driver’s side door. As I pull open the door, Logan meets me.

“Are you okay?” His hand cups my chin in the softest of ways, making my already racing heart pound harder. The man’s gentle touch undoes me, but hearing a car door close shakes me out of my stunned silence.

“I’m fine,” I stammer.

“You look startled.”

“Sorry, I’m just trying not to be late.”

He cocks his brow, looking gorgeous and curious, as if he’s reconsidering my employment. Releasing his grip on my chin, he asks, “Is it too early for you?”

“No, no. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Come inside, and let’s get you ready to start.” He holds the door open for me, and I can see that the restaurant is already busy. Some of these people must work around here because the lot isn’t that crowded.

I go to the back and take off my coat and purse, putting them with Heather’s stuff. With no one around, I adjust my bra, making myself a little more comfortable. “You look cute. Here, I got you one of the work shirts,” Logan says, sending me jumping back.

“Shit, are you sure you’re alright?” he questions.

“Yes. I didn’t expect you to come back here.”

“I told you to put your things in my office. You don’t have a locker here.”

“Do you really think someone’s going to steal my things?”

“You never know. Get your things, and you can change in my bathroom.”

“Okay. Thank you.” I follow him out, but he doesn’t go toward his office, so we split ways. The door’s closed, but unlocked when I turn the knob. I step inside and close it, but I don’t lock it because it’s not my office. Setting my purse on the rack followed by my coat, I grab the shirt and go into the bathroom. Taking in my appearance, I look pretty nice. Smiling, I think I look better in one of his shirts, or that’s what I tell myself. Goodness, I’m mooning over that man again. He did say I looked cute, though. Shaking my head, I strip out of my black tee and then slip on the new work shirt, tugging and adjusting it. It fits perfectly, but the top is a little snug on my breasts. It’s not bad, but from what he told me yesterday, Logan doesn’t want strippers working here. He strolls back into his office as I leave the bathroom.

“Damn it. I should have given you a larger shirt.” He stares right at my tits and grumbles something under his breath.

“It’s too tight?” Please give me your shirt.

He runs his fingers through his hair, taking a long time to answer. By the time his mouth opens, I can see the tension rolling off him. With a gruff and sexy growl, he says, “No, but if anyone harasses you, I want you to tell me.”

“Okay. Thank you again.” I smile and leave his office before I reach up and touch his face, or maybe steal a kiss and hope to erase that scowl. I’m not sure why I’m pulled to him to the point of irrationality. When I step out onto the floor, Heather comes to me and says, “You have the first three booths, and then the table across from the second booth. Okay?”

“Yes.” When I look over to the booth, I recognize the guy that I have to serve. It’s Cara’s boyfriend, the cop who came up to me this morning.

I start at the tables because I don’t want to talk to him yet. Finally, I’m forced to move to the booth and deal with my embarrassment. “Good morning, gentlemen. What can I get you?”

“Your name, sugar?”

“Sorry, yes. I’m Clover.”

“Funny, that’s your cousin’s stage name. It suits you much better. You should come join us and sit on my lap.”

“I work here. Would you like some coffee? Food?” He’s disgusting.

“Hey, baby. You remember me, right? Damn. You’re a nice piece of ass. I guess it runs in the family. Has Rooster already tapped that? I don’t mind sloppy seconds, especially something so sexy.” I hear him before I see him. Logan’s at my back and sliding me behind him.