She looked up at the clock. One hour until her shift ended. She was putting all this out of her mind until then, but the moment the clocked ticked over, all bets were off. She had to figure this out before she drove herself crazy.
After handing the last of her customers their bills, Sienna started scrubbing down tables to keep her head clear. She was just about done when a trucker walked in and took a booth near the back. The man was large, dressed in a dark-blue wife-beater covered with a stained shirt. His hair was a mess and the look on his face was about as welcoming as if this were his first stop in three days. It probably was. She’d serve him quickly and leave him in peace before he could get shitty with her, too.
“Hello. My name is Sienna and I’ll be your server.”
“Damn.” His eyes roved over her, stopping in all the wrong places. Sienna rolled her eyes. When was she going to get a damn break?
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Coke, Darlin’. Work here long?”
She ignored the question and hot-footed it back to the kitchen. His eyes followed her as she walked across the room and Sienna found herself wishing that Chico wasn’t still in the back. He’d know if the guy was a perv. As she walked to the drinks station to get the order, she saw the cowboy walk through the door. He settled in a booth at the back. She ignored him. He was clearly going to be a staple in the place, if only because he knew she hated him. He caught her looking and tipped his hat at her, grinning. They were waging a silent war. He was going to be waiting an awful long time for service, because he was going to have to wait until the next shift started if he kept that up.
Walking back to the trucker’s table, she deliberately took the long way around, avoiding swinging past Cowboy’s table. She could do this all day. Besides, she was beginning to think whoever killed her mom wasn’t entirely done yet. Sienna suppressed a shiver. She’d had a small taste on the road the night before. Even if the cowboy was innocent, the last thing she needed was anyone else knowing anything about her. She was already halfway to the mental institution, and worrying about whether shadows were going to jump out at her would just send her all the way. People could be paid off, or just get drunk and get chatty. Right now, anyone in her life was unnecessary baggage at best, and at worst the reason she’d be killed in her sleep. She handed the trucker his drink, trying not to notice the way he looked down her shirt when she set it on the table. “Have you decided what you want to order?” His menu sat shut on the table. Had he even opened it, or had he been staring at her the entire time?
“I’ll get a sirloin with macaroni cheese, and a baked potato.”
She didn’t stick around to be ogled again, spinning around to head back to the kitchen. “That’ll be right out.” As she stalked through the maze of chairs and tables, the cowboy cleared his throat.
“Excuse me.”
She didn’t respond.
“Miss?”
Sienna didn’t even turn around. Instead, she put the ticket up and called out the trucker’s order for the cook, then moved onto getting the silverware ready for the next rush. The truck stop was almost full, and so the dinner rush would be even crazier. Maybe the day shift had been a blessing in disguise. After that, she moved into the kitchen and started to load the dishwasher. The cook gave her a weird look, but she ignored him, too. Looks like it was going to be the theme of her stay here—keep her head down, don’t talk to anyone, and don’t get killed.
“Order up!” Having no choice but to return to the dining area, Sienna grabbed the order. When she stepped past the table, Cowboy spoke again.
“You can’t ignore me all day.”
“Watch me. I have the right to refuse service t—”
His grin reappeared as he meandered behind her, following her to the trucker’s table. “I’m pretty sure I’m not drunk, and I’m not harassing anyone.”
“It’s only a matter of time.” Sienna turned to give him a piece of her mind, and her foot caught on the leg of a chair that had been left pulled out. She hit the floor. The plate had other ideas.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!”
From her position on the floor, Sienna caught a glimpse of a very angry, macaroni-and–cheese-covered trucker.
She jumped to her feet. “I’m sorry.”
“Are you fucking stupid? You dumb slut. Too busy talking to muscles here to bother to serve me, huh? Count yourself lucky all you’re going to have to do is buy me a new shirt.”
Her mom had always said she had a temper. That was one thing she was definitely right on. Sienna stood her ground. “Are you kidding? That thing should have been thrown out years ago.”
The man leaned forward and she forced herself to remain still. He wasn’t built like the cowboy, but he was a big man. Maybe she should just offer him the money for a shirt.
Out of what funds, Idiot?
Without dipping into her emergency fund she’d taken from the safe, she barely had enough spare for a soda from the convenience store at the stop. The only decent money she’d received so far was Cowboy’s tip, and that had gone straight into her rent fund.
The tip of the trucker’s tongue darted out and he took another step toward her. “I don’t care how you pay me,” he said. He moved like a snake, coiling toward her. “But you do have to pay me.” He took a step further and Sienna faltered, stepping back.
Can’t even stand your ground against a perv? What’s going to happen when the murderer finds you?
When his arm went around her waist, Sienna’s temper returned. She stomped down on his foot and shoved at his chest, pushing his bulk back against the table so hard it rattled. She grinned, but Trucker Man moved faster than she thought he should, grabbing her by the arm and trying to pull her toward him. Sienna tugged at her arm, but couldn’t free herself. She was about to try to push him again with her free hand when suddenly the pressure released and she had to grab onto a chair to keep herself from tumbling to the ground again. She turned, her hand flying to her open mouth.
“Now, you can either be served as a pulled pork sandwich, or you can walk out of the fucking restaurant right now and leave the lady alone.” The casual tone of Cowboy’s voice didn’t match the gun currently pointed at the trucker’s chest. Trucker didn’t move, his eyes flicking between her and the gun. Cowboy cocked a single eyebrow. “You have two seconds.” The trucker’s eyes widened and Cowboy stepped aside, letting the man barrel past and out of the room.
Sienna collapsed into the chair she’d nearly fallen over, her breath leaving her now that the immediate danger was gone.
“You’re welcome.”
Was he kidding? Cowboy pulled up the chair next to her. “Oh, come on. You have to admit, that was an amazing performance. Even I thought I might kill him.”
She glared at him. “Do you honestly think that I’m going to get down on my knees just because you saved me?”
He grinned again. “Oh, you’ll get down on your knees, Baby, but not because I saved you and not today. One day, it’ll happen because you want to. I mean”—he waved his hand up and down over his body—“who could resist this?”
Sienna rolled her eyes. “I’m still not getting you any food.”
He chuckled. “Now that, I can’t abide. You know what I have in my refrigerator? One hamburger patty and half a bag of broccoli that’s definitely seen better days. It’s almost an hour to the nearest grocery store.” He clasped his hands in front of him, begging. “Please don’t make me shop.”
She huffed, suppressing a grin. No way was the cocky asshole getting that out of her. Even if he did scare off an even bigger asshole. “You get one chicken strip, and it’s $59.99.”
“Does that include the tip?”
“No.”
10
Jace
Jace stayed at the table while Sienna went back to the kitchen to fetch his single chicken strip. He’d gladly pay the ridiculous price—and more—just for the chance to sit down with her a little longer. He wasn’
t going to play around with her anymore, nor could he continue to be a spectator. Not after what had just happened. He resisted the urge to go find the other man and beat the crap out of him in the parking lot. She was in over her head, even if she wasn’t ready to admit it. She’d captivated him from the moment he’d laid eyes on her, arriving late at night and half bedraggled at the truck stop. He wanted to know why; what was she running from?
Sienna was special. Sure, he would have stepped up to help any woman being bullied by an overgrown idiot, but he wouldn’t have felt the overwhelming rage that had nearly consumed him when the bastard had dared to lay a hand on her. Not that Sienna was going to make any of this easy. She stormed around the world, looking like she was going to explode at any second. There had to be something behind all that bluster, a reason she couldn’t stand to ever be vulnerable. He was going to find out what it was, and protect her from it. He had to.
When Sienna walked back out a few moments later, she was still shaken. He could see the fear lingering under her tough facade. Maybe she just needed someone to listen. If he kept trying, would she eventually open up?
“We’re all out of chicken strips.”
“That’s okay. I’ll take an order of fries.”
“No.”
“Can I have a single tater tot?”
“No.”
Okay, this was going to be harder than he’d anticipated.
He dropped down on his knees in front of her and clasped his hands in front of him. “Fair maiden, please take pity on me and feed me.”
She responded by swatting him over the head with her order pad, her cheeks filling with a gorgeous pink blush. “For God’s sake, get up! What if someone sees you?”
He laughed, pulling himself to his feet, and held out a chair for her. Sienna huffed and dropped into it, finally dropping the pretense. “Thank you.”
“Are you okay? That asshole is lucky I didn’t kill him.”
She smiled at him . . . almost. Well, at least she wasn’t scowling anymore. “I’m actually not sure . . . well . . . I’m glad you were there. I’m sorry I’ve been rude.”
“Are you kidding?” He sat back and grinned. “Aside from the asshole, this week has been the best fun I’ve had in a long time.” She gasped. If he wasn’t careful, the order pad was going to come flying at his head this time. “That mom with the screaming kids. That was like dinner theater—only without the food.”
“Trust me, it wasn’t funny being in it.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. But please, can we not do that again? I still can’t get the coffee stain out of my shirt.”
“I’m Sienna.” She extended her hand out for him.
I know.
“Jace.” He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he dropped a kiss gently on the back, ducking in case something really did come flying at him.
She laughed. “Okay, I’ll make you something to eat. On the house, just this once, so don’t get your hopes up.”
“Really?”
“Yup. Don’t push it.” This time she didn’t hide her smile.
“Don’t tease me. Steak, home fries, white gravy and . . .” He wrapped his hands behind his head. “Fried breaded mushrooms?”
“Yuck.” Her face went sour.
“They’re good. You should stay, try one with me.” He was going to figure out a way to spend more time with her. Sienna stopped moving, looking like she was thinking for just a second, before whatever was bugging her returned and she stood quickly. “I have to get back to work.” She nearly sprinted back to the kitchen, his gaze following the entire way.
Even the slightest touch of her hand had warmed him. There was something there—something unspoken, an agreement of sorts. He’d push and she’d run away. He’d make a snarky comment; she’d respond with one even worse. Slowly—and maybe a little weirdly—she was getting used to him.
There was no question that she was hiding something. It was as clear as day. Even the way she’d approached Chico for the job. Something bad had happened to her, and it wasn’t over yet. It was obvious she was a city girl who he’d bet had never stepped out of the suburbs before, so why now? What was she running from? Her attitude was blasting “stay away!” and at the same time, it was almost as if she didn’t want to be noticed. She would move quickly between tables and groups of people, never stopping to chat or share anything about herself. Now that he’d finally made a small crack in her defenses, he wasn’t just going to walk away. He had to at least make sure she was okay. She was young, in the middle of nowhere, and showed up with everything she owned crammed into the back of a tiny car.
She was gone longer than it should have taken to prep his food, and when she returned, her eyes were red. After placing his plate down on the table, she slumped into the seat across from him. He nodded his thanks but didn’t speak. He knew enough from working with skittish horses to know when to stay quiet. Talking right that moment was only going to push her away.
“I am sorry, you know,” she whispered.
He put down his knife and fork and rested his hand on the table. Close to hers, but not too close. “Why are you apologizing?”
“I don’t know.”
“It’s alright. You’re safe now. He’s gone.”
She shook her head. “I just—I don’t belong here. I shouldn’t be here.”
He reached out and touched the back of her hand, as light as he could manage. She didn’t pull away. “Why are you here?”
“Left home.”
“Do you need help? You could go back?”
“Can’t.”
“I’m sure your family would want you . . . ”
She jerked her hand back. “No. They—I just can’t.”
“It’s okay.”
“You must think I’m completely crazy.”
He smiled, taking her hand again. “No, I don’t, and that’s what’s bothering me. I think you saw something, or something happened to you. Tell me how I can help.” She stayed silent. “How about I just give you my cell number? You can call me if you ever need anything.”
She stood, her hand pulling out of his again. “I don’t need your help, and I don’t need your number.” She turned and practically ran back to the kitchen, wiping at her eyes. Jace watched her go. He had to let her run, for now, but that didn’t mean he was leaving her unprotected. She was alone, and scared out of her mind, whether she’d admit it or not. He wasn’t going to let that fear, or her pride, get in the way of keeping her safe.
She didn’t come back out for the rest of her shift, but he kept his table anyway. Two hours later, Chico finally came out and told him she was safe at the staff motel, and he’d keep an eye on her that afternoon. Jace reluctantly moved on. The farm needed his attention for the rest of the day, but he was going to be back tomorrow. Maybe he’d even get her to talk again. Just like training his horses, he’d approach her again and, that time, maybe she’d let him do more than just hold her hand.
11
Sienna
The next morning, Sienna was still struggling to maintain her sanity, and her cool. At least she was getting used to the early morning start. Chico was sitting at his post near the coffee machine when she walked into the restaurant. He looked up from his paperwork when she swung the door open. “What are you doing here?”
“What do you mean? I’m on the breakfast shift again.”
“Not today.” Chico motioned toward the cook, who refused to meet Sienna’s eyes. “John told me what happened yesterday. If I don’t give you the day off, you’ll probably stab one of the customers, and I don’t have the insurance for that.”
Sienna gritted her teeth. Shit. John and his big mouth. The trucker was gone, it was over, and she needed the tip money more than she needed a fucking day off. “I’m fine.”
Chico waved toward the door, but his eyes were kind. “Go be fine somewhere else. I’ll see you tomorrow, bright and early.”
She spun on her heel and walked back outside, accide
ntly-on-purpose kicking the door closed on her way out. It was barely even morning, the sun just starting to rise. If she was going to be forced to skip a shift, the least the universe could have done was give her a damn sleep-in! The cool morning brushed at her skin. Crap. She was tired. Tired to her bones and tired of being so mad all the time. Jace had tried to help her yesterday and she’d nearly bitten his head off. How could she tell what was safe to do and what wasn’t? As if she needed anything more to drive her insane wondering. There wasn’t even any point trying to go back to bed. At this point, her racing mind wouldn’t let her get any sleep anyway.
If she couldn’t sleep, and she couldn’t work . . . fuck it, she needed to relax. If she wasn’t going to wait tables for the next eight hours, she could drink herself under one instead. After stopping in her room only long enough to change and fish out her keys, she jumped in the car, slamming the door. There was a convenience store only a few miles down the road, and she was willing to bet they sold liquor. She raced down the interstate, the orange glow in the sky helping chase away any memories of what had happened last time she drove down the same road. The trucker had been a wake-up call. She had to keep focused and keep watch at all times, wherever she was.
A shiver ran through her again at the thought of the giant man, towering over her, and then Jace pulling out his gun. She didn’t even know how to fire one, hadn’t ever even held one. Her mom hadn’t even let her join a dance class growing up, let alone any sort of martial arts or self defense class. She’d told Sienna that the two of them together could conquer the world. They were all each other needed. Only now her mom was dead and Sienna didn’t have the first clue as to what she should do next. The truck stop was all just one big holding pattern, somewhere she thought she’d be safe. Only her mom also hadn’t told her enough to know whether what happened on the road the night before was something to be scared of, or just another random idiot. Sienna thumped at the steering wheel. Why had her mom kept her so in the dark?! All the secrets hidden away. What else had Maggie been hiding from her?
Sienna (Dreamcatchers Romantic Suspense Series Book 5) Page 6