Loving the Tigers Read Online Free Page B

while and how long have you been in the Newport area specifically?” She frowned at them each in turn. “And stop smiling at me like that. I didn’t come in here to see you. I was out of milk and just happened to see you sitting here while I was crossing the street to buy a cup to go.”
    “I’m not sure what you mean. Smiling at you like what?” Zach grinned as she sat down next to Derek and huffed out a sigh.
    “Don’t give me that crap.”
    The waitress picked that time to bring a pitcher of tea over to refill their glasses. “Can I get you anything, sweetie?”
    “I’ll just have whatever they’re having.” Her stomach growled and her cheeks bloomed red.
    “Well, I’ll be having a bacon double cheeseburger, heavy on the bacon, add the works and a side of fries,” Derek said, his foot hitting his with more force than necessary.
    “Same here,” Zach added. “And add a third for the lady. She looks hungry.”
    “No!” Kelly cried as the waitress smiled and walked away. “I’m on a diet, damn it!”
    “Not anymore.” He let his gaze wander over every inch of her that wasn’t hidden by the table. “You’re wasting away, baby, and we can’t have that. We need you strong and healthy.” He waggled his brows. “The stronger, the better.”
    “Strong and healthy is one thing.” She scowled. “Fat is something else, altogether.”
    “You are not fat. You have never been fat.” Zach slammed his fist on the table, making her jump. “Even if you were what humans deem overweight, you have never been anything less than perfect.” He narrowed his eyes. “Even now, when your curves are less than they once were, you are still perfect. You have always been perfect... for us.” He leaned back when the waitress returned with another iced tea and placed it on the table. “Thank you, Carly.”
    “You’re welcome, sugar.” She gave him a smile. “Your burgers will be out in a few minutes.” She glanced at Kelly. “I had the cook make yours a single. You don’t look like you could eat much more than that. Besides,” she said with a wink, “If they’re paying, why not leave room for dessert?” Spinning around, the waitress headed back toward the kitchen.
    “Thank you!” Kelly called out after the waitress before turning her attention back to them. “Okay, what are you two doing here? And why have you been in Rhode Island for several weeks?”
    “You can’t guess?” Derek turned in his seat, resting his back against the window.
    “It’s not because of me.” She shook her head, her tongue darting out to wet her lips. “If that’s the case, why would you stay in town and not tell me you were here?” She shook her head. “Nope. I don’t believe it.”
    “Believe it, honey.” Zach leaned forward, took her hands in his and kissed each of them. “I’ve waited months to touch you again.” He closed his eyes and sighed, loving the way her soft, brown skin felt beneath his fingers. “We’ve been through hell sitting in this small town, watching you and waiting for you to want us.”
    “I’ve always wanted you. That was never the issue.”
    Tears filled her eyes and Zach immediately regretted his choice of words.
    She pulled her hands from his. “Sometimes, I think I’ve wanted you too much.” Resting her elbows on the table, she covered her face and sobbed into her hands. “I’ve missed you. I—I’ve needed you, so much.”
    “Then why didn’t you call us, or tell Jessi where you were?” Derek asked.
    “Why didn’t you tell me you were here?” she countered, watching him intently.
    “We wanted to.” Zach slid his thumb over the back of her hand. “You have no idea how much we wanted to tell you. But you wanted space. You needed to reach out to us when you were ready. We could only wait. Pressuring you was not the answer and it was not the message we wanted to send.” He gave her a one-sided grin. “Besides, it’s against our laws.”
     

Chapter