As You Wish (Complete)

Chapter 2

 The diner was busy, even for a Friday. Pippa was largely ignoring her tables while Cassie redoubled her efforts to pick up the slack. She was suffering a bit from cold and fever, but only dared cough when she was off the main floor, away from customers in the back. It never failed, Cassie often came down with something when stress was high, and mid-terms was definitely one of those times. Still, she couldn't afford to miss her shifts. Run off her feet, Cassie sat for a few minutes at the table in the corner of the kitchen that staff could use when having a break, just to catch her breath. Wordlessly, Luke set a plate of roast chicken and vegetables in front of her and a large orange juice. She gave him a weak smile, unable to keep up her cheerful appearance when not around the customers, then began to eat. Cassie would only be able to take a few mouthfuls of food before she had to go back out to check her tables. Pippa couldn't be counted on to keep Cassie's patrons happy and she needed those tips. Cassie knew Luke needed them, too.

After the first day studying together, Cassie actually joined Luke in the library more than a few times. He was usually at the same spot, and the rest of the table remained empty unless Cassie claimed the other seat. Luke didn't mind. He thought he would, but she didn't press him for conversation, content to work in peace. She also brought food. After the first day of sharing her sandwich, on days Cassie intended to study, she always brought extra to make sure that Luke had something more to eat, too. He never mentioned it, but he always ate whatever was offered, and in his quiet way, she knew he was thankful.

Luke had taken to returning the favour by making Cassie special food when they were working together. The first time after their strained conversation in the car, he'd made sautéed onions for her burger and she'd eaten them all, happily. He had a knack for picking foods that suited Cassie's moods and he liked doing it. Tonight it was obvious she wasn't feeling well, so he prepared the closest thing to homemade chicken soup he could. It was a kind gesture that Cassie acknowledged by eating his offerings, the same as he did for her. Luke had just put down a second plate—his own, but returned to the fryer to lift the basket and prepare an order of fries.

Cassie's brief respite was broken by the kitchen door being swung open in a fury. "I can't do everything myself, unless you want me to take all your tips." Pippa's ponytail flicked in annoyance as she cracked her gum.

"Sorry, Pippa. I'm on it." Cassie wearily rose from her seat, plastered a smile on, and went back out front to deal with her tables.

"Really, Luke? Roast chicken? Where's mine?" Pippa's hands rested on her hips, her foot tapping angrily. Luke realized Pippa was mostly upset that Cassie was getting his attention.

"Want some?" Luke offered Pippa his plate stocked with the same meal as Cassie's.

"No, I want a burger. Make me one?" Although she phrased her request like a question, he knew better. Leaving his food, Luke returned to the grill.

Pippa moved swiftly behind Luke, leaning against the prep station, watching him work. "So, one of these days are you going to show me just how much of a man you are?" Luke ignored her taunt and continued to work the flat-top. "I know you like what you see. Maybe you'd like to see more?"

Turning to face Pippa, Luke leaned in close, too close really, reached above her and grabbed a plate. If Pippa moved even a fraction, she could have fully pressed up against Luke. He hoped to unnerve her.

It didn't work.

"Ohhh, a tease." Pippa grinned. "Mark my words, Luke, you won't be able to resist me forever."

To be honest, Luke did find Pippa arousing, but not the slightest bit to his taste. He knew she was trouble and he had spent far too much time avoiding those kind of problems to become embroiled in something now. Instead he plated her burger and shoved it towards her, then went back to his chicken, sad that Cassie's was getting cold.