Under the Midnight Stars by Shawna Gautier Read Free Book Online Page B

Out of the corner of her eye she studied his reaction.
    Billy looked down at his clothes. “Oh, that. No, just stepped in a mud puddle. One of the sprinklers sprung a leak.”
    “Oh,” she replied quietly. “So, where are we going?”
    “You’ll see.” He grinned smugly.
    “What’s so amusing?”
    He glanced at her and then back at the road. “It’s nothing. So, are you hungry? I’m starving.”
    Not really caring what he was smiling about in the first place, she didn’t push the issue. “I could eat.”
    He reduced his speed when he reached town, but not by much — a perk of being son of the town sheriff. When they reached their destination, he slowed and pulled into the parking lot.
    Brielle’s jaw dropped as she stared at the diner. “Why are we at my work? ”
    “Because this is the only place to get the best bacon cheeseburgers in town.” He grinned, showing off his charming dimples.
    Although he was handsome, the neon glow from the diner sign outlined his black hair with red, and his eyes appeared sinister in the darkness. He looked like a fallen angel straight from hell.
    “Right.” Brielle pursed her lips and sighed, wondering when this date would be over. One meal, she told herself. One meal and it’s over. I’m putting my foot down and ending it once and for all.
    He got out of the truck and headed across the parking lot.
    What a pig! she scoffed, appalled that he didn’t wait for her yet again. She was beginning to wonder if he’d chosen this place for her employee discount.
    Standing in the middle of the parking lot, Billy turned around and looked at her.
    Just then, Colt exited the diner and headed in the opposite direction, to his truck on the other side of the parking lot.
    Brielle gasped and ducked down onto the seat. She could only imagine what Colt would think about seeing her with Billy after she turned him down for a date. Especially after their kiss. It was almost like they belonged together now, yet they hadn’t gone out on their first date yet — thanks to her. She didn’t know how Colt would react, but if the tables were turned…
    She heard Colt’s truck rumble to life. She decided to lay on the seat until she was sure he was gone.
    The passenger door opened.
    Brielle tensed at being caught, but relaxed when she saw it was Billy staring down at her.
    Billy’s expression was puzzled. “What are you doing?” he asked impatiently.
    “Uhhhh, looking for my lipstick.” She reached for the floor, pretending to search for it.
    He stuck his head in and looked under the seat. “I don’t see anything.”
    She raised her head up just high enough to see Colt pull out of the parking lot and drive away. “Oh well.” She sat up. “I’ll find it later. Let’s go eat.” Using his shoulder as a crutch to hop to the ground, she crossed the parking lot, not bothering to wait for him.
    Billy caught up to her in no time.
    They went inside. The steady buzz of multiple conversations and bursts of laughter filled the air. Silverware clanked on porcelain. Orders were shouted back to the kitchen. The busy dinner rush was well under way.
    Luckily, aside from the other waitresses, Brielle didn’t see anyone she knew. She wanted to keep her date with Billy as covert as possible. She scanned the busy dining room, spotting an inconspicuous booth along the wall, away from the window.
    She rushed ahead of Billy and made a beeline for the booth, not giving him the opportunity to choose where to sit. Worried that he might try to sit next to her, she stopped just short of the booth and motioned with an open palm for him to sit first. After he chose his side, she quickly slid in across from him.
    Their waitress, showing an ample amount of cleavage and wearing red lipstick, arrived at the booth to take their order.
    “Billy.” The waitress smiled sweetly. She turned to Brielle, adjusting her smile accordingly. “Gabby.” She glanced down at her outfit. “Are you working tonight?”
    Brielle