In the Shadows (The Club)

“I figured that out when you didn’t look up.” His buddy glanced around the restaurant, which was finally starting to quiet down again. “What are you doing here?”

“Came to see Viv.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be at work or something?”

Zeke couldn

’t fight his grin any longer. “I quit my job.”

To his credit, John only sputtered a little. “What?”

“I quit my job. I’m going to buy that bookstore like I always told you.”

“Shit, Zeke. That’s...I mean, I’m happy for you, but...”

Zeke laughed and ran a hand over his head. “Yeah, you sound like it.”

“No, I really am.” John shifted from foot to foot, face serious. “Does that mean you’re leaving Karim?”

“I’m not sure.” Zeke peered toward the back where the woman from the counter had vanished a moment ago. “That’s why I need to talk with Viv.”

“You think she’d go somewhere with you?” John gestured around them. “This is her place, Zeke. She can’t just leave it.”

The frustration in John’s voice drew Zeke’s attention back to him. He eyed his friend, noting how stiffly John held himself, how his hands were clenched into fists. John’s protests were both unwelcome and unexpected.

“Why’re you having such a problem with this?” Zeke asked, keeping his voice.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Bullshit. If something’s bothering you, say it.” Zeke took a step closer, deliberately invading John’s space. It didn’t make sense for John to be so unsupportive; he was the one who had urged Zeke to buy the store, to follow on after the dream that had helped keep them sane during their captivity.

John mumbled something under his breath, but stepped back. Zeke opened his mouth to press the issue, but the excited call of his name distracted him.

Vivian stood in the doorway leading toward the back of the bakery. She didn’t have an apron on today, so her curves were on display in the rich blue shirt and snug jeans. Her hair was pulled back and up, exposing the graceful line of her neck. Her full, smiling lips were his greatest distraction though.

He crossed the room without thought, cupping her face with his hands, and gave in to his body’s demand of feeling those lips against his. Her mouth was soft against his and she kissed him like it they hadn’t seen each other for weeks instead of the few hours it had been in reality. When he finally pulled away, he could hear the amused whispers from patrons and the quiet oh of the worker at the counter.

Vivian’s cheeks flushed, but she didn’t push him for space. Instead, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I needed to talk with you.”

“Now?” She peered around his shoulder and caught sight of John. Despite his frustration with his friend, Zeke loved how Vivian’s face lit up for him. “Hi, John! Are you here with Zeke?”

John schooled his features into an appropriately friendly face, but wouldn’t look at Zeke. “No. Just picking up breakfast.”

“I’m sure Delilah will be grateful for that,” she said with a smile.

The pain that crossed John’s face almost made Zeke stop. At least, it did until his buddy forced on a smile and said in a low voice, “You always get the good ones. You’d better appreciate that.”

Zeke decided to be polite and not flip off his friend. Instead, he turned back to his woman.

“Viv, can we go to the back? Please,” Zeke asked, fighting his urge so sling Vivian over a shoulder and get her away from John and everyone else.

“Tell her hi for me, will you?” Vivian asked John as she took Zeke’s hand and led him toward her office.

At least now he could talk to her without worrying what John may overhear. Judging by John’s miserable expression, Zeke would need to sort shit out with him later. But for now, the only thing that mattered was Vivian and her reaction to his news.

***