Concealed Read Free Page A

studied him long enough to learn the few predictable habits he had, and the coffee was one of them.
    He looked up over the rim of the mug and Sydney realized she was still standing there, ogling and gawking at him. She nervously twirled her pen between her fingers as her mind raced, trying to come up with a plausible explanation for her odd behavior. When her shaking hands sent the pen clattering onto the counter, Sydney wanted to die. Things went from bad to worse the moment she and Wade collided trying to retrieve it. She panicked and her hand landed on top of his with a rough slap, loud enough to startle Agnes.
    “Oh, my gosh! I’m so sorry.” She tried to cover her embarrassment, but failed miserably. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. That doesn’t qualify as assaulting an officer, does it? It was an accident. Did I hurt you? Do I need a lawyer?” Wade didn’t say anything, but gave her an odd look. Sydney realized with a mortified start that she was rubbing the back of his hand where she’s slapped him. She jerked hers away as if she’d been scalded. He probably thought she was certifiable, and Melissa’s snickering wasn’t helping.
    “Cuff her, Wade.” Agnes laughed, thoroughly enjoying their awkward interaction.
    “Ooh, I hear she likes that,” Melissa teased, adding to the humiliation.
    Sydney closed her eyes and prayed Wade hadn’t caught either comment, but apparently his hearing was as perfect as the rest of him, and he fought to hide the slightest hint of a smile. He held out the pen. “How about a turkey club?”
    Relieved he had a sense of humor and was taking all the rambunctious teasing in stride, Sydney smiled even though her cheeks were bright red. “I think that can be arranged.”
    She called his sandwich back to Pete and piled another order onto her tray, then hurried off to deliver it to a customer who didn’t make her act like a fool. Her reprieve was short-lived when Melissa snuck up behind her and sang softly, “He’s watching you.”
    If Melissa ever gave up waitressing, she could open a dating service. Nothing made her happier than setting people up, even against their will. So far, Sydney had managed to stay out of her crosshairs, but now that she was leaving for her trip, it seemed that Melissa wouldn’t be happy until she forced Wade to suffer through an evening out with Sydney. The poor man.
    To keep some distance from Officer Sexy, she chatted with a table of ladies from town. They were planning the fall festival, and since she was new to the area, they were sharing all the details with her. Donna Perkins was explaining the dance and bake-off, and how the money raised went to fund the school library when Melissa swooped in.
    “Why are you over here? Go flirt with him!” Melissa quickly excused them both and linked their arms together, dragging her back to the counter. Sydney’s attempt to give Wade some peace with his coffee was thwarted by the hyper blonde.
    “Maybe I don’t want to flirt,” Sydney snarled through her smile, refusing to give in to her desire to strangle Melissa.
    “Liar.”
    “Let the man enjoy his coffee.”
    “Let the man look at you, dammit.” Melissa wrenched her arm and flung Sydney behind the counter. She hurried up to the window to ask about the turkey club, avoiding Wade for a few seconds longer. Pete slid the order through the window with a grin and, over her shoulder, Sydney could hear Melissa accosting Wade.
    “So, do you have plans tonight?”
    “No.” He took a long sip of his coffee.
    “Seeing anyone?”
    Sydney almost smacked her in the back of the head with her tray. She showed great restraint, though, but found herself holding her breath, waiting for his answer.
    Not that she was interested, but if he said yes, she just might burst into tears.
    Without skipping a beat, Wade grinned. “You asking me out, Mel?”
    It was such a shame she was standing behind Melissa because at that moment, Sydney would have killed