Distinguished Service & Every Move You Make (Uniformly Hot!) (2 page)

“I remember my wife couldn’t even keep crackers down during her first try,” Mel said, putting two cheeseburgers onto buns and then handing the plates to her.

“Thankfully I haven’t been sick once.” She smiled as she dressed both burgers and then balanced all four plates on her arms. “I only feel like I’m going to be.”

All…the…time.

Trudy gathered her wits. “With my luck, your first time will be all over one of the tables. A full one.”

“Knock wood,” Geneva said, edging through the swinging doors to deliver the burgers to Table 6, passing Tiffany as she went.

“Trade you Table 7 for 3,” the too-pretty nineteen-year-old said.

That meant there was someone male and attractive at Table 7, one grouped in her regular station. She didn’t even glance that way. Instead she took in Table 3. A crowd of rowdy teenagers.

“Pass.”

“I’ll share the tip with you. Fifty-fifty.”

Geneva kept walking.

“And you can keep the other tip.”

She let her silence speak for her.

She genuinely didn’t have it in her to deal with the other table just then. Not after pulling a double shift and working all last night to get in a rush job to design a last-minute sales flyer for Johnny’s Jalopies car dealership.

She said hello to Dustin as she passed without stopping to hear what he might have to say, then waited with a smile for the couple at Table 6 to move their joined hands before placing the burgers and fries down in front of them.

“Anything else I can get you for now?” she asked.

“Ketchup,” the girl asked.

“On the table.”

“Oh. Thanks.”

“Are the pies fresh?”

“Always. Today there’s blueberry, apple and, of course, Trudy’s chocolate marshmallow.”

“I’ll take a piece of the blueberry,” the girl said.

“And I’ll have Trudy’s,” the guy added.

“Very good. You want them now or after you’ve finished?”

“Now.”

“After.”

“I can do both,” Geneva said.

She got the coffeepot, which unfortunately happened to be near where Dustin sat, and the blueberry pie. After delivering the pie, she moved on to Table 7, filling the two cups that had been turned up to indicate coffee would be appreciated.

“Welcome…gentlemen.”

Wow.

Okay, so she didn’t normally agree with Tiffany’s taste in men, which seemed to run from blond kids with mohawks to tattooed motorcyclists. But this time, the fickle teen was spot on.

She recognized Darius Folsom. He came in to the diner often enough and was a great guy along with a great-looking one.

But his tablemate was new.

And he was hotter than a July Colorado Springs day.

She silently cleared her throat. Not that she was interested. After all, she was an expectant mother. But she did still have a pulse.

And, apparently, a sex drive. Something she hadn’t anticipated, given her condition. Which probably explained her unusual, spellbound response.

Just looking at this guy made her think of sweaty sighs and hungry kisses.

“Hi, Geneva,” Dari said with a smile. “It’s crazy in here tonight.”

She made an effort to ignore her curiously overwhelming chemical reaction to his friend. “It always is. What can I get for you today?”

“Meat loaf, of course.”

She looked at his guest…and nearly lost her breath.

God, did eyes come any browner?

And the way he was looking at her…

“Well, if he’s game, so am I. Meat loaf.”

She smiled, probably bigger than the situation called for.

“Meat loaf it is, then. Are you sticking with the coffee? Or would you like to add something else?”

“Milk,” Dari said. “A nice, big cold glass.”

“Make that two.”

“You got it.”

She turned from the table feeling something other than nausea stir her stomach. It was a welcome change. Not overly so—while she wasn’t and had never really been involved with Dustin, she wasn’t shopping either—but nice nonetheless. It had been a long time while since she’d felt anything other than expecting.

“I hate you,” Tiffany said as they passed again.

“I love you,” she said back and then disappeared into the kitchen.

She leaned briefly against the wall inside, savoring the very female feelings while she could. She knew better than anyone that she’d soon have to nip them in the bud.

“You all right?” Mel asked after seeing her face. “You look a little flushed.”

“What? Oh, yes. I’m fine. It’s just hot in here.”

How long had it been since she’d experienced that unmistakable spark of attraction? Long enough for her to have forgotten what it felt like. Even though she knew exactly how long: since before her mother fell ill a year and a half ago.

She briefly closed her eyes, willing the sudden cold away.

How alive it made her feel, that spark of shared attraction. Hot summer sunshine seemed to course through her veins even though it was a chilly and rainy November day. And twenty pounds at least had been lifted from her feet.

“It’s not like you to waste time daydreaming,” Trudy said as she passed with a mop.

Geneva blinked.

No, it wasn’t like her.

And like that, the moment to nip the sexy sensations had arrived. Time to return to the real world where sexy strangers didn’t exist.

Damn.

2

“I
KNOW
YOU
SAID
you don’t plan to be in town long, but about
that favor I wanted to ask…” Dari said.

Mace found himself following the pretty waitress with his eyes.
She was all curly light brown hair, tanned skin and long legs, even in the
unattractive white orthopedic shoes she wore.

He bet her thighs were toned and strong and could grip his hips
like nobody’s business.

And that mouth…

“Hmm?”

He looked to find Dari grinning at him.

“Thought you weren’t interested in dating,” his friend said,
indicating the waitress.

“I’m not.” He sipped his coffee, which was surprisingly good
for diner fare. “I might, however, be interested in getting laid.”

Dari howled with laughter. “I stand corrected.”

“You’re sitting, but I get your point.” He put his cup down.
His words were meant as a joke, but just barely. The waitress did stir something
in him he hadn’t felt in a while. And while it was physical, there was more to
it. There was a genuine quality to her smile, a kindness. “Are you really asking
for a favor already? I’ve been in town, what?” He looked at his watch. “Five
minutes?”

“I meant to ask you the first minute.”

Dari’s expression, more than his words, got Mace’s attention.
It wasn’t like his friend to exaggerate. Whatever he was going to ask was
important.

In his career in the military, Mace had come to understand how
important it was to immediately recognize who he could count on…and, more
importantly, who he couldn’t.

Going back to their teenage years, he’d always been able to
depend on Dari.

He grimaced, wishing his friendship skills extended to
relationships. Maybe he would have had better luck.

His hand instantly went to his cell phone where another voice
mail waited from Janine. He didn’t expect it to be much different from the first
one.

“Shoot,” he encouraged now.

“Okay. I’ve given you a brief rundown on how quickly Lazarus
has grown in such a short time. And with that, comes growing pains. Most
notably, we’re attracting some high-profile contracts I’m sometimes afraid we’re
not prepared for yet. This one falls solidly into that category.” He paused.
“There’s an ex-general, now a political radio pundit, coming into town the day
after tomorrow for a three-day stay, including two public rallies. We’ve been
hired to handle security for the public end of his schedule—transportation, et
cetera—in cooperation with his personnel and local law enforcement. While I’m
sure we can handle it, well, it would be stupid not to utilize our assets. And I
see you as a definite asset in this case, what with your background and your
connections.”

He nodded. “Go on.”

“Well, in a nutshell, I was wondering if you would consider
sitting in as co-lead on this one?”

Mace sat back, carefully considering what Dari was saying…and
not saying. His friend went on to share some additional details, such as the
name of the dignitary. He was familiar with the guy. Hell, nearly everyone in
the western hemisphere was familiar with him, if only because of his skill at
gaining attention, usually by exhibiting offensive behavior.

“Okay, I get the military connections and the growing pains.
But this job sounds pretty run-of-the-mill, tooling around with a political
celebrity. What is it you’re not telling me?” Mace asked.

“There have been threats.”

“Threats.”

“Yes. Specific to his visit here.”

For the past few years, Mace’s military career focus had been
counter-terrorism, so this was right up his alley. But…

“And…?” he led.

Dari chuckled and pointed a finger at him. “Never could get
anything by you. Truth is, these threats are serious enough to concern his
security personnel and serious enough to concern me.” He checked the cell phone
he had on the table next to his wrist. “And…well, if I’m hoping that by pulling
you in on this job, it’ll convince you to sign on with us when your tour’s over
in six months…that’s between me and the wall.”

Mace considered him.

Dari grinned. “Did I mention that it won’t hurt business to
have a Navy Cross recipient on board with us? No? Well, then there’s that.”

He grimaced at the reminder.

“By the way, Megan and I are looking forward to attending the
ceremony Saturday.”

“You’re going?”

“Of course, I’m going. My ass is part of the reason you’re
getting the sucker. What makes you think I wouldn’t be there?”

He took a deep breath.

“I plan to sit up front and center.”

“Refill, gentlemen?” a knockout blonde smiled at him
suggestively as she held up a coffeepot.

Mace found himself looking for the pretty brunette even as he
and Dari held up their cups. The waitress topped them off then hovered for a
moment before finally moving away.

“You didn’t even look at her,” Dari said.

“Sure I did. She’s too young and too…”

“Eager?”

“That, too.”

They shared a laugh.

“Okay,” he said.

“Okay what?”

“Okay, I’ll do it. Where do you want me when?” He laughed and
looked around the diner again.

There she was.

He found himself relaxing in to the booth as the waitress who’d
garnered his attention came through the kitchen door looking even more
attractive.

She brought their meals quickly despite the busyness of the
place. They ate while Dari outlined the specifics of the assignment.

This beat the hell out of staring at the cracks in his motel
room ceiling, feeling guilty about not spending more time at his parents’ any
day.

And it made him forget about those shadow hands pressing
against his neck for a much-needed while.

Mace’s gaze followed their waitress where she bussed the table
next to theirs, even as another couple moved to occupy it. She was calmly
efficient and attentive, smiling warmly despite the obvious crowdedness of the
diner as she took their drink orders.

He couldn’t help noticing that there was a guy about his age
seated at the counter who kept trying to get her attention for more than a
second at a time…and that she did everything politely possible to avoid giving
it to him.

She briefly glanced in his direction and their gazes met,
inspiring something a little more than respect in his response to her.

He smiled and she returned it before she moved on to another
table then went back into the kitchen.

Oh, he’d bet she was the type who’d be up for anything, any
time. A challenge, a new experience, a new restaurant, it wouldn’t matter; she’d
be in…and make it doubly worth it just by being there.

“Okay, I’d better get moving,” Dari said, edging from the
booth. “Megan’s already at The Barracks.” He stood, pocketing his cell phone.
“Thanks for agreeing to come in on this job for me, Mace. You have no idea how
much of a relief it will be having you aboard.”

“You haven’t seen what I charge for babysitting a political big
mouth yet.”

“Whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll be more than worth it.” He
peeled off a couple bills to pay for his half of the meal. “Sure you won’t
change your mind and join us for a drink?”

“I’d rather step directly into enemy fire.”

“I believe you would.” They shook hands and agreed to meet at
Lazarus the following morning, then Dari left.

Mace sipped on his coffee and watched his friend through the
front window of the diner, even as more customers approached.

He glanced around. The place was more than busy, it bordered on
chaotic. At different times, he was aware of a woman swearing in the kitchen, a
couple of tables complaining about the lateness of their meals and from what he
could tell, there wasn’t a busboy to be found.

His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out to find
Janine’s name highlighted again. He sat and watched the screen blink until her
call finally rolled over to voice mail.

Why was she being so persistent?

He couldn’t even begin to guess. So he didn’t try.

He slid the cell back into his pocket without checking the
message.

“Dessert?” the pretty waitress asked.

He looked up at her. Despite everything, she managed to treat
him as if he was her only customer, where the other waitress practically shooed
people from the tables the instant they took their last bite.

“Trudy’s chocolate marshmallow pie is the house specialty.”

He took her in, noticing how the world seemed to rush around
her in a blur while she stood perfectly still.

Of course, that could be just him.

The vintage jukebox in the corner. Definitely the jukebox. He’d
play a song—an old one—pull her into his arms…lean her against the machine and
work his hand up her skirt to find out just how sweet those thighs and what lay
between them were…watch her smile melt into a sexy sigh.

“Maybe later,” he said.

He didn’t detect any flicker of disappointment that he wasn’t
leaving to free up the table for another diner.

“And only if you promise to have a piece with me. It’ll be my
price for having leant a hand…”

* * *

T
HREE
HOURS
LATER
, Geneva was even more impressed with Mace
Harrison than when he had first slid from the booth, introduced himself, then
asked for an apron and bussing tub.

What guy did that?

None that she knew of.

And certainly not a complete stranger. She’d verified he was
new in town since none of the staff nor Trudy could remember seeing him in there
before, much less knew him.

And certainly not a completely hot stranger who made her feel
like a wanted woman instead of the host of other titles to which she’d grown
accustomed lately.

Refusing his generous offer hadn’t even entered her mind. Truth
was, they were busier than she could ever remember being and Trudy’s usually
easily dismissed sounds of dismay had begun turning into very real ones.

Mace had been as good as gold, a natural as Mel had noted, his
sheer size and impressive presence not interfering with his assisting without
being asked, and doing at least two of the jobs for which they were short
staffed, lightening the load for the rest of them.

Was he military? She guessed yes. And that normally would have
counted as a strike against him in her personal notebook, considering her
experience with members of the armed forces.

But what had happened tonight was anything but normal.

And what was happening to her fell solidly into the same
category.

Finally, one by one, satisfied customers began to ease to a
workable trickle, and then the staff began to leave, including Trudy herself,
who begged off with a migraine. Thankfully, Dustin had given up trying to corner
her an hour ago and left, as well. Only Mel remained. But seeing as closing time
was in ten minutes, he had only one order to finish up and she knew he’d be
leaving, too, as he always did to get home quickly to his wife and family.

Now, as Mace stood spraying dishes to go into the washer, she
couldn’t help staring at his hands. He’d rolled up the sleeves of his crisp
white shirt while the full-body white apron covered the front from his chest
down to his knees. If his feet hurt in his dress shoes, she couldn’t tell, even
though he’d been on his feet all night.

Her own dogs were barking loudly and she wore the equivalent of
gym shoes.

Geneva absently wrapped up the little that remained of the meat
loaf and mashed potatoes, not realizing she was still staring at Mace until he
asked, “Did I spill something?”

She met his gaze, reading the telltale grin there, then smiled
herself. “Sorry. It’s been a long day.”

Tiffany had left in a huff about the same time Dustin had,
apparently disappointed that her obvious flirting wasn’t gaining her any more
attention from the unhired help than Mel got.

Actually, Geneva was pretty sure she’d gotten less.

Interesting. Not many men were capable of refusing the pretty
blonde’s charms at normal speed, much less when she amped them up. And she’d
definitely set her sights on Mace.

A few minutes later, Mel removed his apron and grabbed his
jacket. “Well, it’s that time again, kids.”

Geneva held up the paper bag she’d readied for him and he took
it, giving her a loud kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, doll. See you on the morrow.”

“Tell Alice hi.”

“Will do. ’Night.”

“’Night.”

And just like that it was only her and Mace.

Well, and three people at two tables in the other room.

He finished up the dishes while she closed the last of the
garbage bags then washed her hands.

“How about that pie?” he asked.

“How about it? Take a seat at the counter. I’ll join you in a
minute.”

“Deal.”

She watched as he did as suggested, trying hard not to stare at
his tight rear end and failing.

All right, she could be forgiven this once, right? For being
selfish? For being needy?

For being a woman?

She went about wrapping up and putting away a few other items.
It had been a long day. Still, strangely she didn’t feel tired.

She peeked around the window that opened up into the dining
area, catching Mace’s gaze.

“Be right there,” she said.

“Take your time.”

She ducked back away and caught her breath.

Okay, she could do this. All she had to do was serve him pie
and coffee and tell him she was pregnant. That was sure to douse whatever spark
had ignited between them but quick.

Only she was hoping it wouldn’t…