by Marie Tuhart
“Then why now?” Lara was curious.
“We wanted to try something new. A members only party with food. I do have some pretty strict rules about where the food can be.”
“Understandable.” Lara started running the menu through her head.
“Also I’ll need you to sigh an NDA for the club,” Max said.
“Oh?” That was a surprise.
“Yes, as I said, strict rules,” Max smiled.
“Can you email it to me?” Lara asked.
“Will do? Anything else you need to know?” he asked.
They talked for another ten minutes. Lara got the information she needed about the electrical outlets, and the number of people. She gave him a rough idea of the cost. Max told her to just email him the contract, the price wasn’t an issue. He also advised her if she could arrive a little early on Saturday, so he could show her the area where he wanted to food.
After they left, Lara began cleaning off tables and wiping them down. Eve left at two-thirty, and Lara was putting things away when Colby walked back in.
“Good, I caught you before you closed for the day,” he said striding up to the counter.
“What can I do for you?” She almost rolled her eyes at her own question.
“I wanted to know if you’ve had any trouble with the bikers?”
Lara tilted her head. “No, they’re all really good customers. Never a problem. Is this about this morning?”
“A little. I was worried, not so much about the guys from this morning, but that other bikers might be causing you trouble and if so, I’d talk with them.”
“No, they’re fine. The trouble makers were my brother and my ex.”
“Ex?” His eyebrows rose.
“Ex-husband. Four years now, thank goodness.”
“Sounds like there’s a story there.”
“A long and boring one.”
“You could never tell a boring story.” He leaned against the counter. “I’m glad the guys aren’t causing you any issues. They really enjoy your food.”
“They do?” Lara stared at Colby. The bikers came in and ordered the same things most days.
“Do you know how many places carry gluten free or wheat free food?”
Lara paused. “Doesn’t everyone?”
Colby laughed and a tingle of awareness invaded her veins. “No. Plus you have sugar free desserts and fruit thingies.”
“Fruit thingies?” A giggle escaped her lips.
“You know those little cup things that look like miniature waffle cones.”
“Oh, the tart shells.”
“Let alone you also have vegetarian options.”
“I never realized.” She’d added those items to the menu when people started asking her for them.
“So if you ever have any problems with them come get me or better yet, call me.” He turned her order pad around and wrote his number. “I mean it. If you ever need me give me a call. That’s my cell.”
Her belly clenched. Oh, did he do midnight booty calls? Lara closed her eyes. How would it feel to have his hands skim over her belly, as she buried her fingers in his black hair. Okay, she’d been reading way too many erotic romance novels lately. Her mind was running away with her body’s needs.
“I will. If I need you.” Was that her breathless voice?
“Good. Be safe. See you Saturday night.” He sauntered out of the cafe.
Lara locked the door and flipped the neon sign off, then paused. Did he say he’d see her Saturday night? He did. Her heart fluttered. Now she really had a reason to look forward to Saturday night.
Ravish will be released in summer 2021.