The shrill of the phone rang in Adam’s ear. He glanced at the kitchen knowing Lena didn’t have the time to take any books and made the decision to answer. He stood up and took a step toward the wait station, reaching for the phone. “Hidden Café.”
“Tell her she’s made the biggest mistake of her life by opening the doors again.” The voice had a tinny quality to it that could only come from a cheap voice altering device.
“Who is this?” A chill crept up Adam’s neck, prickling the skin making his hair stand on end.
“I’d advise her to close the doors before we have to take things further. Consider this the last warning.”
The caller disconnected and Adam stood there for a moment with the phone in his hand. He looked around the restaurant, wondering if anyone here had anything to do with this. All the patrons seemed immersed in either their meals or the conversations going on around them. He replaced the receiver and glanced toward the kitchen, making sure in his own mind that Lena and Kyle were okay.
She met his gaze and blew him a kiss, a shy smile lighting up her eyes. He returned the gesture and made his way back to the table, taking his seat with her parents.
“All good?” Ben watched his actions and Adam nodded his head.
“Yes, all fine. Just somebody hoping for a table tonight.” I’ll tell Ben when we’re alone.
“Booked out within hours of putting in that advert. I’m so proud of our girl.” Sofia picked up her wine glass. “A toast to, Lena.”
As Adam raised his glass to join in the toast, he wondered what he could do to protect her from the evil threatening to come into their safe little world.
Chapter 23
By the time the last diner had sung Lena’s praise and gone home, her feet were sore and her back aching. She leant on the counter in the kitchen and rubbed a hand across the small of her back. Her wait staff had been picked up by their parents and the door was closed.
“Let me help.” Adam stood behind her and put his hands on her hips, digging his fingers into the tight muscles.
That was pure bliss. “Oh my God, please don’t stop. That feels so bloody good.” Lena hung her head down on the cool steel, letting him ease out the tension that had been building all day. Now the opening night was over, she could breathe and get on with life knowing the café was a success.
Adam’s hands moved further up her back and Lena stood taller so he could work on the muscles in her shoulders. The burn just under her skin eased when his fingers touched the knotted muscles. “I’ve never seen anyone so tense before. You have a serious lack of faith happening here.”
And why wouldn’t she? “You can’t blame me, surely?” She turned her head and looked at him over her shoulder. A deep frown marred his forehead. “What, tell me?” One step and she was facing him.
“I want you to come home with me tonight.”
She was so ready for it too. A breath hitched in her throat. “Adam…”
“Don’t over think it, Lena. Just you and me. We have something but I’m not asking for more that you’re prepared to give me. I want you.”
She swallowed, searching his eyes for what she didn’t know. There was nobody apart from her that could make that decision. She’d already decided not to get involved again, but Lena couldn’t deny the attraction. And since Cole had pushed her out, she’d done a lot of soul searching about her future. She could take the chance with Adam, or she could remain as she was and only dream of finding the right person.
“Yes.” She’d said it.
Adam held her face in his hands and brought his lips down to hers. He probed inside her mouth, brushing against the ridges of her teeth before sweeping his tongue against hers. “Are you finished here?”
Hell yes. Somewhere more important to be. “I can catch up tomorrow if I’m not.” Lena ran her hands over his back, touching each ridge of muscle beneath her fingertips.
Adam grabbed her hand and drew her out the back of the café toward home. The grass was damp under their feet as they hurried in the cool night air to the house lit up against the black night sky. He paused at the back door to give her another mind blowing kiss, leaving her weak at the knees.
Spencer was sleeping in his bed tucked against the wall in the kitchen. He lifted his head and yawned before going back to sleep. Adam guided her through the house to his bedroom. The lamp on the bedside table glowed dimly, throwing shadows over the wall. For a second, she wondered if she was doing the right thing.
“I can hear your brain working.” He pulled down the doona cover and came back to her.
So can I. “I can’t help it. I’ve made enough stuff ups in my life. I don’t want to mess things up again.”
“You won’t, I promise.” He cupped her face in his hands and gave her the gentlest kiss she’d ever had. His lips barely touched hers, but the fire that rushed through her body was shocking with its force and energy. Lena slid her hands around his back, gripping his butt as she leaned into him. The pressure of his erection against her belly was the deciding moment.
It had been far too long since she’d had good sex and tonight promised her that if nothing else. Her nipples pebbled under her bra while heat pooled in between her thighs. He undid the buttons on her white shirt and let it slip from her shoulders, kissing the curve of her neck down to her bra strap. Lena threw back her head and let him
