My own daddy ( Daddy 1)

Chapter 5

Larkin stared at him when he stood with the door open, waiting for her. The inside of the vehicle was very dark,
yawning, and ominous. Her next move would be a big step. Like if she got into the car, her whole life would be
changing.

With a sigh, she got in and waited until he closed her door and walked around the car.

Darian reached over her and pulled her seatbelt across her midsection, securing it. He looked up at her and smiled. I
want you safe.

Her heart tripped at the look in his eyes. Apprehension and excitement made her feel slightly dizzy.

He pulled out and drove through the town. The streets were about empty at two o'clock in the morning, and it always
felt eerie to her. Without the cars and people, the shadows seem to grow more menacing.

When Darian pulled into a parking space, she gazed around in interest. The place looked a little rundown but was
amazingly busy for that time of night. She jerked when her door opened.

Darian held out his hand. I know you're tired, so I won't have you out long.

Larkin reached for his hand. She stood a little shaky at his side.

Come on, honey. He wrapped an arm around her waist and maneuvered her into the diner. They took a seat at a
booth in the way back.

Coffee? the waitress said as she set the menus down in front of them.

Both of them shook their heads.

Okay, I'll be back in a sec.

Larkin opened the menu. What's good here?

I love the pancakes.

She smiled and closed her menu. Okay, sounds good.

Darian lifted his hand to get the waitress's attention, and she wasn't the least surprised to see the woman immediately
react. The man had a way about him that made people stand up and notice, jumping at his orders.

What can I get you?

we'll both take the stack of pancakes with sides of bacon.

Darian glanced at Larkin. Milk or juice?

Milk, please.

All right, milk for her and juice for me.

Coming right up.

Larkin watched Darian relax back against the booth, rest one of his arms on the top of the seat, and train his eyes on her. Tell me about yourself.

Oh, well, um, let's see. There's really not much to tell. I'm twenty-three. I live in an apartment with three other girls, all of Whom I work with. 

I've been working at the lounge for about two years.

Boyfriends?

No. She grinned. I've had a couple in the past, but they didn't get serious either time. How about you?

No, girlfriends, wives, ex-wives, or children. I'm free and clear.

Larkin snorted. Tell me something about you.

Let's see. I'm thirty-two. I own a few businesses with a group of friends. We all met in college and hit it off. We've been together ever since.

I have a friend like that. Brylee. She and I have so much in common. We get each other.

How?

She shrugged. We just like doing the same things. We both love reading, walking, going to movies, and we love baking.