Just Breathe Read online

  "I'll get Momma B's breakfast special with—"

  "—a side of extra crispy bacon and hot sauce,” we say at the same time.

  She freezes, and I notice the lightest shade of pink gracing her cheeks. Damn, she is even more beautiful when she blushes. Fuck, she remembers my order. Well, I’ll be damned, maybe I was wrong about sweet Bailey after all.

  "Sorry," she whispers and begins to turn away to make her escape.

  Moving quickly, I reach out and take her wrist. She freezes, her gaze centered on my large hand engulfing her tiny wrist. Her tension is evident, so I give her wrist a light squeeze before moving my hand away.

  "It's okay. I've been coming here for six weeks straight, getting the same thing. I'm surprised the kitchen doesn't already have it made by the time you place the order." I try to make light of it, as I can feel the embarrassment rolling off her like waves. She looks at me, and her blush has seemed to pinken even more. I never thought I’d find a woman blushing so damn attractive.

  "They pretty much do. As you said, it’s been six weeks of the same order every day."

  I smile, dumbfound at her, as this is the first time she has ever said a full sentence to me, and is she teasing me? Oh, sweet Bailey, what have you started?

  "Well, what do you suggest instead?" I continue holding her gaze while giving the sexy smirk I know drives women mad and pray she doesn't think I'm a douche.

  "Umm, well, if you're sure you want to try something different there's the Fully Loaded Feast, which has pancakes, three eggs any style, sausage, bacon, a side of fruit, and any type of toast."

  She holds my gaze and finishes off with a small smirk that just about sends me to my knees. There's just something about this woman that pulls me to her, no matter how much I try to stay away. Who the fuck am I kidding? I don't try worth a shit to stay away from her.

  "Damn, beautiful, are you trying to get me fat with all that goodness?” I tease, hoping she'll continue to talk to me.

  "Oh! No! I didn't mean it like that. I just suggested it because you asked, and well, you already get most of the order and…"

  "I'm kidding, Bailey." I let out a chuckle, and when she realizes I'm just teasing her, she lets out a huff and shakes her head. Too damn cute.

  "I'll take the Fully Loaded Feast with scrambled eggs and extra crispy bacon, please."

  "Coming right up. I'll be back with your coffee." She gives me another small smile and then quickly heads to the front counter to place the order.

  Whatever that was, I am taking it. Bailey has never spoken more than a handful of words to me; she has never even tried to carry out a conversation with me. But that was something new, and I intend to pursue it.

  Chapter Five

  Bailey

  I make it back to the front counter and place Gavin’s new order without tripping over my feet. I can feel my heart racing and the butterflies in my belly seem to think it’s a great time to have a damn party.

  “Did I just hear you place a Fully Loaded Feast for table eight? As in table eight, where sex-on-legs Gavin is sitting?”

  Leave it to Ash to always have sex on the brain.

  “Sex on legs?” I roll my eyes at her.

  “Yes, sex on legs. Have you taken the time to appreciate what a sex god Gavin is? He is just perfection with all those muscles, tattoos, and piercings. Makes you think where else he may have piercings.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.

  This girl seriously is something else. I laugh alongside her while getting a new pot of coffee to make my table rounds until Gavin’s order is ready.

  “Young lady, don’t you think you can walk away from me without answering my question,” she calls out before I can make my escape.

  “Don’t think I didn’t notice him holding your hand. I want all the juicy details.” She leans her elbows on the counter and places her hands under her chin while waiting for me to dish out some Hollywood type of story.

  “He wasn’t holding my hand, nosy. And there’s no story. He asked if I could suggest something different and I did. There’s your story, now get back to work before Momma B gets here and fires me for sitting around talking to you instead of tending to my tables.” I pull away from the counter quickly before she has a chance to get ahold of my arm. Ashton is relentless in the Gavin department, and for the life of me, I can’t seem to figure out why. I mean, I’m the new girl in town, I’m sure there’s some other girl that is much more suitable for him—someone without the baggage, and most importantly, not a single mom. Although Gavin seems like a great guy, I highly doubt he wants to commit to a serious relationship with someone who already has a child. Granted, he’s always made a point to stop and chat with Logan when we run into him, but that’s just him being polite.

  “One, Momma B wouldn’t fire you, you’re one of her best waitresses, Second, I can see the wheels turning in that head of yours, and I hear that voice saying Gavin wouldn’t look twice at you because you’re a single mom. Bailey, take it from me, I’ve known Gavin my whole life, and yeah, he’s a playboy who knows he can get pretty much any woman he wants, but I have never seen him actually commit to anyone. With that said, I’ve also never seen him put all this effort into getting a woman’s attention. So yes, I know he has it bad for you, and I know you feel something for him too, even if it’s just attraction and wanting to jump his bones.” She wiggles her brows and licks her lips. I don’t bother replying, I just throw my rag at her and get back to work.

  When Gavin’s order is up, I take a few calming breaths before taking it over to his table. Once I reach him, I notice Hunter has joined him.

  “Good morning, Hunter, sorry for making you wait. What can I get for you?” I place Gavin’s plate in front of him and turn my attention to Hunter. Ashton must be dying on the inside over Hunter’s arrival. She can deny it all she wants but that girl is all hearts and flowers over him. Even though I don’t have experience in the men department it is evident that Hunter is all about Ashton. They definitely have a story; even a blind person can attest to it.

  “Just got here, baby girl, how are you doing?” He gives me a boyish smile I have seen him use on numerous girls. I’ve slowly gotten accustomed to his charms and advances. They’re harmless, and for some odd reason I think Hunter's only goal for flirting with me is to see if Gavin will react, which I think is ridiculous.

  “I’m doing good, thank you. The usual?”

  “Nah, sweetheart. I want what you gave your man today, now that’s a breakfast for a growing boy.” He laughs while throwing me a wink.

  I can feel my cheeks warming up at his indication that Gavin is my man. I fill Hunter’s coffee mug and refill Gavin’s before making my way back to the front counter.

  “Stop flirting with her before I mess up your damn pretty face.”

  “Aw, you think I’m pretty. Sorry, man, but I don’t swing that way.”

  I shake my head as my cheeks begin to burn with Gavin’s scolding. Ashton rounds the corner to meet me at the counter, I can tell from the look on her face that she hasn’t noticed Hunter yet. Knowing she is getting ready to pounce on me about Gavin again, I quickly blurt out, “Hunter is sitting with Gavin.”

  “Good for him, I hope he chokes on his damn food,” she mumbles as she sets one of her table orders on the tray and heads out on the floor.

  As I watch her go, I feel bad for letting her know he was here. I’ve tried a few times to ask her what their story is but she refuses to ever speak about him. Whatever happened between them must have been heartbreaking, because just looking at both of them you can see there’s still love but also a lot of hurt.

  The morning diners begin to clear out soon after, leaving me with no time to check on Ashton.

  Before long, Gavin comes up to pay for his table, but before heading out he surprises the heck out of me.

  “Listen, I know that you’re probably really busy with Logan, but I wanted to invite both of you over for dinner tomorrow night. What do you say?”

 
I’m stunned, staring at him, wondering if I’m making this whole conversation up. Did he just invite me over for dinner? Wait, he said both of us, as in Logan and me. Clearly, I must look like a fool just staring at him, because he starts to shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

  “I mean, if you’re busy I get it.”

  “Umm…sorry, you said both of us?” I repeat like an idiot who can’t comprehend the English language. Gosh, why am I always so damn nervous around him? That’s because he’s drop-dead gorgeous, Bailey. Look at him, he’s all dark hair, dark brown eyes, always has a five o’clock shadow, and all those muscles and tattoos… I could really slap my inner voice right about now. She’s not helping me with my shock.

  “Yeah, you and Logan. I’d like both of you to come over for dinner. We’re neighbors, and Zeus loves the attention from Logan.”

  He smiles at me, and I swear I feel his eyes pleading to me to say yes and just give him a chance.

  “Umm…” I stutter out.

  “Come on, sweetheart, put him out of his misery and say yes,” Mr. Henderson chirps in at the cash register.

  I chuckle with embarrassment and look up at Gavin before giving him my answer.

  “You heard Mr. Henderson, beautiful. Give me a chance.”

  Gosh, he’s so damn sexy when he whispers that endearment. Oh, why not? Besides, he’s right, Logan loves Zeus, and he’ll be excited to spend some time with him.

  “Okay,” I manage to whisper out.

  “Okay, great. Tomorrow at seven.”

  I don’t manage to say anything else, so I just smile at him and nod my head in confirmation.

  “Have a great day, Bailey.” He moves in closer until we’re practically chest-to-chest. My breathing hitches and I can hear my heart pounding in my ears. For a second I think he may lean in and kiss me, from the way his dark brown eyes are burrowing into mine. Slowly, he lifts his left hand and tucks a loose curl behind my ear before stepping back and walking out of the grill. I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding and place both hands on my flaming cheeks.

  “Someone please call the fire department. This girl is on fire,” Ash calls out as she fans herself. Leave it to her to continue to embarrass me.

  “Hush now, child, and leave her be.” Mr. Henderson begins to scold her. “That there is a good man. A little rough around the edges but he’ll respect you and treat you right. That’s how a man should treat a treasure like you, sweetheart,” Mr. Henderson says, patting my cheek.

  “He’s just my neighbor, Mr. Henderson, and he’s just being polite like everyone else has been since Logan and I arrived,” I explain for what feels like the hundredth time.

  “You keep telling yourself that. I look forward to Sunday breakfasts with young Logan. Have a great day, ladies.” And with those parting words, Mr. Henderson heads out and on with his day.

  “Girl! You have a date with Gavin freaking McKnight!” Ash screeches, as I cover my face and laugh at her outburst.

  “And how sweet was he inviting Logan, huh? I told you that man has it bad for you.” She singsongs the last part.

  I really don’t know about Gavin being all into me the way Ash thinks, but I’d like to think of him as a friend, at least. I guess time will tell.

  “I’ll swing by tonight so we can decide on a sexy outfit.” She winks at me.

  “Ash, I’m walking across the hall to have dinner at his place. I’m pretty sure a pair of jeans and a t-shirt will be the most appropriate thing to wear.” She looks at me like I just spit in her coffee and handed it back to her. Before she can go into one of her fits about how all women need to dress to impress, and whatnot, I bring up the one topic that makes her lose focus on me.

  “When are you going to spill whatever history you and Hunter have? And don’t even think about lying to me and tell me nothing happened. Ashton, I see the way you look at him with all this hurt mixed with anger but also love, and he’s no different.” I reach for her hand and squeeze it for comfort, hoping she’ll open up to me. I can see she’s been bottling it all up for quite some time.

  “It’s complicated, Bailey. Like the kind of complicated soap operas are made of. Listen, let’s put this conversation on hold for when we get together after your hot date. I’m going to want to know all the juicy details.” She attempts to sound like her usual, sassy self but the hurt pouring from her just makes it look like she is about to downright cry.

  “I’ll give you all the details if you promise to tell me why every time you see or talk about Hunter you look like you want to cry.”

  “Deal. But I warn you now, you’ll have to ask Momma B to watch Logan because we’re going to need a lot of Vodka for that kind of story.”

  I shake my head and just laugh at her but I agree. I’ve only had Momma B watch Logan once, and that was because she forced me to go out with Ashton on a Friday night and threatened to fire me if I didn’t go. I admit, I had a great time.

  The lunch shift goes by quickly and is very busy, which leaves me very little time to overanalyze the fact that I agreed to have dinner with my very hot neighbor. Logan will be over the moon with excitement, and that’s just the problem, I don’t want Logan to start having ideas that Gavin and I can be more than just friends. Okay, Bailey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s just dinner with a friend that is my neighbor, it will be fine. Besides, this is my new life, and making friends is part of this new life. As long as no one finds me, that is. With that little pep talk, I finish up my shift and head out to pick up my little man.

  Chapter Six

  Gavin

  I have to give it to Hunter; he definitely pushed my buttons during breakfast when it came to Bailey. If it hadn’t been for him saying that he was going to ask Bailey out, I wouldn’t have jumped out of my seat and asked her myself. I know he was just messing with me, but it made me see red.

  “So?” Hunter drawls out once I open the door to the tattoo shop. Although I’m ecstatic like a damn fifteen-year-old whose crush agreed to go out with him, I am not ready to have Hunter gloating about being right yet. He is worse than a damn group of women gossiping.

  “What?” I say just to fuck with him.

  “Just admit I was right. Unless she turned you down, then you need to let me know so I can take my turn.”

  I know he is just testing me but it’s working, I can feel myself grinding my teeth so that I don’t punch him in the face. Fuck, I’ve never felt possessive over a woman before, but then again, I’ve never met anyone like Bailey.

  “Don’t push your luck, Hunter,” I grumble as I make my way toward the back rooms where all our tattoos are done.

  We have four tattoo artists, myself, Hunter, Stella, who also does piercings, and then there’s Carson. Carson is the oldest of our group; he’s old enough to be my father. Like me, he also used to work for the previous owner, Mick. When Mick decided to retire to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren, he asked if I wanted to take it over. Of course, I said yes, but not before I asked him if he had offered it first to Carson. He laughed and said that’s why he was offering it to me. Mick explained that Carson had no interest in owning the shop and was content to continue working for the new owner. I was thrilled and damn lucky Carson has stuck around, he’s helped me understand the business part better. It’s been two years since signing the papers for the Phoenix, and I couldn’t be happier. The business is booming and I am doing something I love while making money.

  “Come on, man, you know I’m just fucking with you. She said yes, right?” Hunter follows me to my room where I begin to set up for my first client.

  “I invited her son,” I say with my back to him.

  “Well, duh, they’re a combo, why wouldn’t you invite him? Plus, the little dude is pretty kick-ass.” Hunter met Logan a few times at the grill and fell in love with the kid instantly, but then again, you can’t help it, really. Logan is a cute kid, but he’s also not a brat. Bailey has done a great job raising him. I wonder if anyone h
as ever told her that. Something about the look in her eyes, when she looks at Logan, tells me she’s hiding something.

  “I know that, but I have a feeling she thinks I wouldn’t give her the time of day because she has a kid, and I don’t want that shit in her head.” I take a seat in my chair and look up at Hunter, who’s leaning against the doorframe of my station.

  “You really got it bad for her, don’t you?” he asks, but not in a way to fuck with me. He knows I’ve never been serious with anyone, nor have I had the urge to until Bailey showed up.

  “It’s more than that. Bailey’s definitely different from any woman I’ve encountered, and I don’t mean because she’s new to town or because she’s not melting at my feet as most do. She’s different because she made it her mission to become friends with Mr. Henderson and Mr. Henderson doesn’t like anyone except for his wife, God bless her soul. She’s different because unlike most single moms who would be leaving their kid with a sitter to go party, like Stacey Winchester does every weekend, she stays home with her son. Do you know she makes home-cooked meals every night? Sometimes, when I take Zeus out for his walk, I can hear her laughing with him and playing games, that kid has the loudest laugh but it’s like music to your ears because you can hear how happy he is and how much he loves his mom. And when I run into her in the mornings she’s never in a bad mood or frustrated with her kid, she smiles politely and allows Logan to give Zeus some love before they head off.” I take a deep breath and realize that I sound like a damn pussy talking about a girl like that. I wait for Hunter to start mocking me and be done with this conversation.

  “That’s the type of woman you hold onto for dear life and pray she never figures out that you could never be worthy enough, but you do everything in your power and try anyway.” Hunter isn’t looking at me but over my head, into nothing. He’s lost in some past moment he can’t seem to get out of.

  “Don’t fuck it up, women like Bailey rarely come around. I’ll catch you later.” He makes a move to head over across the hall to his station.