once upon a storm, twisters (2024) (paused)

IV

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Nala wandered into the small diner that was situated next to motel they had stayed in the night before. It smelled of biscuits and coffee and it made Nala feel very peaceful.

She surveyed the restaurant until her eyes found Javi and Scott sitting in a booth across from an older man. She brushed her hair behind her shoulders and walked over to them.

"Javi?"

She called quietly, gaining their attention.

Scott's hand moved discreetly over his mouth as he looked up at her. They locked eyes for a moment and Nala smiled gently before returning her gaze to her older brother next to him. Scott felt as if he was melting in his seat.

She looked beautiful. Half of her hair was twisted nicely into a bun behind her head and the rest fell gracefully down her back. The top she wore hugged her curves perfectly and illuminated her breasts in a way that was going to drive Scott up the wall.

"I was just wondering when you wanted to leave."

Nala spoke again, pulling Scott's eyes away from where they wandered and to her face.

"Nala, this is one of our investors, Marshall Riggs."

Javi introduced. Nala gave Riggs a polite smile and a small wave.

"Riggs, this is my little sister, Nala. She's been riding along with us for a few weeks now as our intern."

Javi said. Riggs returned a small wave and Javi turned to face his little sister.

"Nala, can you give us a few minutes? Why don't you grab something to eat and I'll join you when we're done."

He said and pulled his wallet out of his pocket to give to her. Nala took it.

"Okay, thank you."

She said with a smile of gratitude.

"It was very nice to meet you Mr. Riggs."

"Likewise, dear."

And they returned to their business as she walked over to the counter. Scott had to pull his eyes away from her. It probably wasn't a good idea to stare when her brother was sitting right next to him.

At the counter, Nala ordered an english muffin sandwich to go, her favorite.

As she was handed the warm sandwich and pulled out Javi's card to pay for it, she heard a voice behind her.

"Well, good morning, new girl."

Tyler Owens greeted. Nala turned around to face him.

"Good morning."

She chirped.

"Here you are, hun."

The women behind the counter said and handed Nala her receipt. Nala thanked her.

"Where's Storm Par chasing today?"

Tyler asked. They both moved out of the way to continue their conversation. He couldn't help but give her a very quick once over.

"Wherever the tornados take us."

Nala responded, knowing she shouldn't share any information with him, seeing as he was pretty much her competitor. Tyler chuckled.

"I see you've been trained."

He teased, making her smile humorously.

"You know, you could ride with us sometime. You'd have the best seat in the house."