Hero By Night (Independence Falls 3)

The exasperated waitress behind the counter gave him a you-­can’t-­be-­serious look.

“Please?” he added, flashing his signature smile.

Trish shook her head. “For you, Chad, sure.”

She slipped a pad of paper used for taking orders and a pencil across the counter, and then held out her hands to take the cones. “But make it quick. We’re slammed here. And these cones will melt soon.”

Chad picked up the pencil and started writing.

I want dibs on calling the shots, beautiful. I want to watch you lick your chocolate/vanilla swirl and imagine you on your knees, your mouth working its magic.

He folded the paper three times and slid it across the counter to Trish. “I’ll take the cones. Would you mind dropping that note off with my date?”

Trish nodded to the filled restaurant as she handed over the cones. “Chad, we have a full dining room.”

“I don’t see any food waiting in the window,” he said. “Please Trish? I’ll double your tip.”

“You’re headed out there,” the waitress challenged. “Why do you need me to deliver a note first?”

“Because it will make her smile.” Chad glanced out the window. Lena had returned to the bench, but Hero remained at her side. There wasn’t a hint of joy on her pretty face. “And maybe laugh.”

Trish picked up the piece of paper. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Chad waited by the door, tracking the waitress’s movements as she hurried to the table. Trish smiled at Lena, set the note beside her, and cleared the remaining dirty dishes. Confusion chased by concern flickered in Lena’s eyes. And then she unfolded the paper.

Her cheeks turned pink and her eyes widened. And then she laughed. Chad stepped out the door, grinning like fool as melted ice cream ran over his hands. He liked Lena just like that—­hot, flushed, and laughing.

“Here’s your cone.” He stopped beside the picnic table, holding it out to her.

She took the dripping treat and raised it to her lips. Her tongue ran around the base, licking up the drips. Once. Twice.

Shit, he needed to sit down before he fell to his knees and begged her not to stop. He wanted to watch her eat ice cream all night.

Lena glanced up at him, her lips hovering over the cone. “I haven’t done this in a while.”

“You need instructions?” Chad claimed his seat on the bench, his frozen treat still dripping. Right now, he didn’t care if it formed a puddle on the table.

“I’m listening,” she said.

“Start at the bottom.”

Her wide blue eyes stared back at him over the top of her treat as her tongue obeyed his orders. Watching her, he wished he could toss her over his shoulder, carry her to his truck, and beg her to treat his cock like an ice cream cone.

“Swirl your tongue up to the top,” he continued, keeping his voice low, not wanting anyone to overhear his raw, needy words. “Wrap your lips around the top. Keep working your tongue, beautiful. And suck.”

She closed her eyes and he swore he heard her moan.

“Ah hell, Lena, I’m going to buy you ice cream very damn day just to watch you enjoy it.”

She laughed, licking up the drips before nodding to the melted disaster in his hand. “You should start on yours before it disappears.”

“Yeah, I’d rather—­”

“Chad!”

A booming male voice that he’d heard one too many times playing flag football in high school shattered the moment. Chad spotted two guys winding their way through the tables. To call them friends would be stretching the definition of the word. But Tim filled in for Eric’s crew chiefs when needed. He’d graduated Independence High a year behind Chad and was young for the job. Being the Bull of the Woods came with a fair amount of responsibility, and demanded respect—­at least when they were on a job site.

During the off hours? Not so much. Tim and his sidekick, Peyton, enjoyed their share of recreational substances. One look at the pair, and Chad had a bad feeling the guys were high as a freaking kite right now.