A Destined Death Read Online Free PDF

joking manner. It made me so uncomfortable that I stopped looking at them and instead stared down at the table while they gave me their orders. I knew that kind of behavior was bad for tips, but at least it would get me through the long night.
    After the rush, I folded silverware into napkins when Brenda leaned her anorexic body against the counter. “Elizabeth, you’re up. Table sixteen, but I can take it if you want.”
    “No, I got it,” I said, walking over to the table with my notepad out. “Hi there. Our dinner specials tonight are…”
    “I’m so glad you finally wore it.”
    The memorable voice pulled my gaze up to meet his chocolaty eyes. Though speechless, I managed a smile––a big one. I turned away from him and walked to the counter, pulling off my apron. “Brenda, I’m taking the rest of the night off. You can keep my tips if you cover for me.”
    “Good call.” Brenda took the rag but stopped me by pulling on the sleeve of my uniform. “What’s the dude’s name?”
    I took a deep breath and pushed it out. “That’s a simple enough question, isn’t it?”
    Digging two folded papers out of my pocket, I laid them on the table before I sat down across from him in the booth. He sported another casual dress shirt, bright red this time. He still looked delicious, of course.
    After unfolding the papers, he scanned them quickly, and then smiled at me, shaking his head.
    “What do you mean, no?”
    “It’s not here.”
    I scowled, wondering what names I’d missed. “So what is your name? And seriously don’t give me any of that smooth change of subject crap. I’m not moving or saying anything else until you tell me.”
    His return smile was charming, the best I’d ever seen. Sexy too, if I dared the thought. My face heated only slightly but I held my ground, not speaking.
    “The funny part is that I could look at you forever and not have to say a word. I will win this silent argument.”
    Damn! His words along with the confidence on his face drove me half-crazy so I let that one question go. I had plenty more.
    His smile glowed like a candle in the darkness. “So, Mr. Interested, is wearing the necklace all I had to do to get you to show up?”
    “Perhaps,” he said, letting his smile turn into a deeply amused grin. “Did you want me to show up?”
    HELL YES, I DID! “Well, I wanted to return your necklace, of course. Do you know what this thing is worth?”
    “Yes, I do, actually.” He seemed oddly unconcerned. “Is that the only reason you wanted me to show up then?”
    “No. I also wanted to know your name. Anyway, you have to take this back,” I said, fumbling for the clasp that hooked the chain together.
    “Don’t!” he demanded sternly, yet soft and pleading at the same time. “Just let me look at you with it on for a little longer.”
    Feeling as red as an apple, I let my hands drop and shook my head. “I can’t take care of it. I could lose it or break it or it could get stolen. It’s not safe with me at all.”
    “On the contrary, it belongs with you.”
    “No, it belongs with Alicia Silviana.”
    “It belongs with you now,” he said decisively.
    “Fine,” I fumed, annoyed that he wouldn’t listen to reason. “I’ll leave it on until you get ready to leave, and then I must return it. Agreed?”
    He cocked his head, appearing troubled. “You don’t like it?”
    “Yes, I love it. It’s gorgeous, who wouldn’t? But…” I stopped abruptly, my annoyance evaporating when he frowned.
    “I didn’t really come here to talk about the necklace, Elizabeth.”
    I sat back in the booth, my rebuttal forgotten the instant my name left his lips. “You didn’t?”
    “No, I’m still…” He smiled again, looking down at the table before he raised his eyes to mine, holding them. “Interested.”
    My body tingled pleasantly, and for a moment, all I could do was stare back. When I found my voice, I threw out the two words quickly as if the opportunity might pass or