I had the perfect idea for Micah's dinner but wasn't sure if the kitchen had what I would need. As I walked into the kitchen, Dave stopped me.

Dave's perfectly pedicured hands were folded in his arms as he glowered at me. What now?

"Everything okay, Dave?" I knew it wasn't. I had no idea what had set him after me, but there we were. Standing in the entryway to the kitchen while Shay glided past us.

"You have a visitor at the back," he indicated towards the back of the kitchen to the door that led out to the dumpsters and loading dock.

Shit! Not only were we not supposed to have personal visitors, no one was supposed to come to the back door unless it was one of our vendors. It didn't help that I had a feeling I knew exactly who my 'visitor' was by the disgust written all over Dave's face.

"Sorry, I'll make it quick."

"You better. You're here to work not socialize," he sneered.

Dick... 

He was right, but it wasn't like I had asked for a visit from the fucker or for him to come bother me at work!

Before heading out back, I talked to the chef. They had everything they needed for the special dish. Although we didn't do specialty dishes like this often, they knew the patron in the dining room was a reason they did special dishes now and then. I went over what I wanted and they set to work making the pasta dish.

I wanted to make sure my tables were looked after so I tapped Shay on the shoulder as she was getting refills for her table. It wouldn't be long and Shay was hitting the slower part of her night. She wasn't flustered anymore and was more willing to help me out.

As soon as I opened the back door, cigarette smoke hit my face causing me to gag. Cursing under my breath I propped the door open with a wooden wedge.

I hadn't seen that face in a month and had been hopeful that I would never see it again. My ex was a tall, pale, slender, wearing his pants too low, and a complete pain in my ass.

I didn't know what the hell had I ever seen in him.

"There's my sweet cheeks," he said excitedly. He took another drag from his cancer stick before he put it out and spread his arms to welcome a hug.

"What do you want Ben?" I snipped. I didn't want him in my life and I sure as shit didn't want him at my job. He knew how I felt about him showing up out of the blue at my work, of all places. He closed the distance between us and I swatted his hands away. "You know I can get in trouble when you visit like this. Why are you here? What do you want?"

He stumbled backward and gripped his chest like I had just shot him. Rolling my eyes as I crossed my arms across my chest. I was so sick of his stupid games.

"Is that any way to greet me? With all that we have? After all that we went through together? I would have thought you'd be excited to see me again." Wagging his eyebrows at me and licking his teeth suggestively. Dropping his hands, he watched me, not looking me in the eyes. It felt as though his stare was undressing me as we stood under the roofed loading dock.

"Had," I corrected him. The rain was hammering down hard and it looked like Ben had gotten caught in some of the storm.

"What?" His brow wrinkled and his eyes glassed over. 

"All that we had. We are no longer together. We were done a year ago, Ben! Just because we got into bed together last month, doesn't mean I want and or need it again." I really didn't want to piss him off, but it wasn't hard. His temper had always been short. Ever since he had messed things up with our relationship, he blamed everyone and anyone for his fuck-ups. "Plus, I told you last time that I didn't want to see you again."

"I know you didn't mean that. There was chemistry last time. A spark." He placed one hand against his heart and the other reached for mine. Again, deflecting his hand from touching me. His expression changed and he dropped his hands to his sides. "Are you fucking someone else?" He got closer as his tone dropped. His fists were balled at his sides and he rolled his shoulders forward.

"There was no chemistry. No spark. Nothing. And seriously? What does it matter if there is someone else? We aren't together, so who I see isn't your business."

His breathing came out as rough pants. He reminded me of a cartoon bull who had smoke coming out of its nostrils and ears. His mouth was contoured into a sneer. He was pissed off but he had no reason to be. It was his fault we were done. There was no love left on my side and I had a feeling that what he had felt was superficial.

A month ago, just like tonight, he had come to my job. Unlike tonight, he had looked good then. I had a moment of weakness that ended with a painful reality check. I promised myself never again. I had made the decision that it was better for me to move on and find someone who was worthy of my time. Not that I had, yet.

"You fucking someone else?" He asked it again, taking a step forward. Thinking I didn't hear him the first fucking time.

"First off, step back," I backed away from him as I raised my palms out to him. "Second, it is none of your business if or who I am seeing or fucking. I'm not sure why you're here, but I have to get back to work and I need you gone."

He didn't say anything. Just stood there brooding.

"I can't stay out here and hash it out with you, Ben. So if you don't have anything else to say, I need to get back to work. You want to talk about," I waved my hands between us, "whatever this is? Call me." I turned and headed for the door. 

Being the closing server, I had things I needed to finish. Staying at Del Sole all night was not something I'd want to do.

My mistake was underestimating how upset he was. Thinking he would actually leave on his own.

His hand had snaked into my hair and pulled. Ripping me backward. His other hand was quickly around my throat as he shoved me against the brick of the building, pressing his body against mine. My back to his front.

Shit. My hands braced out against the brick as I tried to understand what was happening.

"Stupid bitch, you're really gonna make me mad tonight. All I wanted to do was visit you. See you. Fuck that sweet fucking pussy again," he hissed in my ear. Spewing spittle against my cheek in the process. He pulled tighter on my hair making my head crane to the side as he released his hold of my neck and slid that hand down my chest.

He'd been drinking. Under the smell of cigarettes, I could smell the alcohol on his breath as he licked my neck. Sending a nasty shiver of displeasure through me. Groping at my tits. How had I missed the alcohol?

"No Ben, stop! I don't want this," I tried to sound assertive, strong, but it wasn't working. The disgust and fear were more present but I don't think he even heard me. My arms shook as I tried to push myself away from the brick.

From within his baggy jeans, a rap song started playing. He had always liked the idea of being the center of attention and would drop almost anything to check his phone and I was thankful, this time, that nothing had changed. He released me as he fumbled and patted his jeans trying to pinpoint where his cell was.

Seizing my chance, I ran the last few feet to the back door of Del Sole. Yanking the door open and kicking the wooden block in. I jerked the door behind me, but it didn't close.

There was a clatter of his phone hitting cement, followed by a string of curses spewed from his drunken mouth. "Remi, I'm sorry. I just want to talk. Don't go yet baby," Ben still sounded angry as he tried to wrench the door open again.

Jose, the main dishwasher, had been near the staff lockers and ran over to help me close the door the remaining few inches. As the door closed, the lock latched. There were loud bangs against the metal from the other side. I was thankful that Dave wasn't around to scold me for the ruckus. 

Catching my breath, I thanked Jose. I was reeling in my own little world. Ben had never been physically abusive during our relationship, but after, he had changed. There were plenty of times he had verbally abused me, but things were different now. 

I know Jose said something about my crazy my white-boy-ex, because he was laughing and pointing to the door as he walked away. I didn't hear it. Maybe it wasn't that I didn't hear him, but that my ears were ringing to loudly to hear him. 

My ears were ringing and my vision blurred. I wasn't comprehending the situation. I was numb. Why had he come? He claimed to be here for sex, but that couldn't have been all he wanted. It felt like there was always something more. 

Fuck! I gulped down air and regained my composure. Ben had gotten worse. Who knew what else he was on, but tonight was bad enough with Dave in a bad mood.

Was it a full moon? Why did I have to deal with all this crazy all at once?

Nothing to do now. It was done. I straightened my clothes, patted my forehead with a damp rag, threw my hair into a bun, washed my hands, and checked on the dish for Micah. Time to put my happy face back on and get out there. Dish in hand, I walked back into the dining room.

I was relieved when Micah liked the Chicken Penne. I was secretly hoping it would be enough to have him return, with or without his uncle. He was definitely nice to look at.

Shay was cut as soon as her last table left and the rest of the night was pretty quiet. Vincent left to join his family for a special dinner with his family, leaving Dave and I to finish the night.

I finished my side work early and was waiting on Giovanni's table to leave so I could sweep.

It was amusing to see the slight power struggle between Giovanni and Micah. All over who paid the check. I'd had a lot of tables with friends who would bicker over who paid. My all time favorite was credit card roulette where I had to pick a credit card like a card trick. It only worked if everyone at the table put a card in, not knowing who would be chosen to pay.

When I got back to the computer to run the card, I noticed it wasn't just any card. It was a black American Express. The ones that had weight to them. I'm pretty sure it is made of metal, but it wasn't something I saw often enough to really know. The spending limit must have been high. High enough that most people didn't have them.

Micah R. Moretti. Flipping the card over in my hand. Toying with it as I waited for the confirmations to print. I wonder what the 'R' stood for.

I politely said goodbye to the two gentlemen from Giovanni's table and finished at the computer.

Placing the card back into its slot and the confirmations into the fold across from the original receipt, I headed back to their table. Micah sat with his arm draped over the empty chair next to him. When I approached, he looked up at me.

He looked good enough to eat. Serve him up cold or hot, it didn't matter. I wanted to devour him! Maybe I'd put Ben through the wringer. Make sure there was someone I was fucking. Plus, it would be cleansing to get Ben off my mind.

Really though, who was I kidding? Black card wielder. Expensive suit. With Giovanni. He probably drove a nice car too, something that would vibrate panties off with a single rev of its engine. I could feel the realization hitting me and I broke eye contact with him and forced my attention to Giovanni.

"Thanks for coming in. It was so good to see you again." Gio had always been kind. Over the last two years, he showed me generosity with his support and finances. I didn't want his money. I loved having his support. Every time he offered me money, I always declined. Hard-headed ass always transferred funds the following day, no matter how much I protested. Another reason I think he is in the mafia! I never gave him my bank information. When I had asked him about a large transfer, he patted my arm and told me I was in more need of it than him.

"My week is always better when I see you," he whispered into my hair as he pulled me into a hug. "You should get to know Micah. He is single and you need someone to spoil you. You deserve a good man." He trailed off. Was there more he needed to say? Instead, he released me and walked away.

I raised my hand to my hip. The other to my lips. Nervous habit that caused acne breakouts along my chin when I was really stressed. Glancing over my shoulder to the sexy man meat in a suit, I made a decision.

I plopped down in the seat next to him. The same seat he had just had his arm resting against the back of. Sitting to the side, I propped my feet up under his seat and leaned against the back of mine. My arm rested comfortably on the back rail. There were so many thoughts that were running through my head.

I knew what Giovanni meant by deserving a good man and he wasn't talking sexually. He was one of the people I had opened up to right after mom died. Of course there was Shay and Gina, but Gio had gone through a loss like mine a few years before. He hadn't talked about his loss. He did more listening and comforting. Just him being there, meant the world to me.

Now I sat next to his nephew. Facing his side as I admired him. His strong jawline led my stare to his mouth. I could feel my tongue run against my teeth and cheek as I decided where I wanted to take this.

"Something on your mind, Remi?"

Say my name again, I thought. It sounded so good from his lips. He hadn't even looked up at me.   He downed the rest of his drink.

"Just curious, Gio said you're new to town. Where did you move from?" Really, could you be more boring?

"Florida." That explained his tanned skin.

"What brought you here?" I wondered if he had any tan lines and my gaze drifted to his crotch. Thank God he wasn't facing me.

"Work. I'm opening a new club in DC." He glanced over his arm and smirked at me. His face was half hidden but the look in his eyes was melting me.

"Club? What kind of club?"

"Nightclub. You know, full of loud music, low lights, and lots of alcohol." He had turned his attention back to the table as he spoke.

Arrogant much? Clubs were where I loved to go on nights I needed to escape. Most of the time I spent there, I was usually with Shay. Gina would join us here and there, but not always. Usually it was a two to three times a month occasion. The pulsing of the bass usually numbed me enough to forget about reality until I was home.

"You'll have to let me know when you open your doors, I'll have to come check it out." If it meant a new spot where we could potentially get discounted drinks, I was in.

"What would you be coming for? Music? Dancing? The booze?" He stopped and gave me a swipe with his eyes before he spoke again. "Or maybe you'd come for the hook ups."

I couldn't help but laugh. He was cocky. Deciding to see where his head was at I flirted with him. "What makes you think I wouldn't be coming out just to see you?"

"Please do." With a devilish grin on his sexy mouth, he flirted back.

I liked this little game we were playing. Not even sure of the noise I made as I closed my eyes and said, "I'd want to come out for all of it."

"What's your drink of choice?" He had turned in his chair to better face me. His leg now pressed lightly against mine, made me all too aware of the electric hum around us. 

"I guess you'll have to get to know me better to find that out." I had still been at work. Not only that, but I was throwing fuck-me-eyes at my customer. I needed to get a handle on things before I got myself in more trouble. I could feel my face heat up again from the bliss that came from flirting with Micah.

"I'd like that."

Damn it. If I weren't working, it would be perfect. He had never overstepped or got too intense but I knew I needed to mind my conversation. Dave had been on a tirade for most of the night and I had been one of his targets, as usual. The thought of Dave writing me up for this small break in professionalism was sobering. Not to mention, Ben. I prayed that he had fucked off and wasn't still here.

"You alright?" Micah's voice pierced through the smog of thoughts.

I wanted to leave. Leave with Micah. Grab a drink and talk. Would it have been inappropriate? I don't think I cared. As a grown-ass woman, I could do whatever the fuck I pleased. Micah being one of them. "Just thinkin'," I responded to him.

"Oh yeah? About?" His thick brow was arched in curiosity. It was clear that I was wearing my thoughts on my face. All my worry and concern were evident as I relaxed and felt my brow unscrunch.

"Nothing you need to worry about." My throat was suddenly dry. I needed to get a drink and make some distance between us. We were close. How did we get so close? I know it wasn't just me who had leaned into him. He had leaned in, too. It was getting harder to get a clear thought. He was charming and devilishly sexy.

I took a deep breath and started to stand. Before I could think, my hand was on his shoulder as I stood. I could feel the muscles of his shoulder. He hadn't objected to my touch. In fact, it was as if he pressed into me. Sucking my bottom lip into my mouth. Chewing on it to ease my nerves.

"I do hope you come back, Micah. It was nice to meet you." I meant it. As I walked away I heard Micah and Giovanni talking.

When I reached the computer, I punched in my server number and password to complete the transaction from Giovanni's table. My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. There was $300 in bills and Micah had matched the cash in his tip on the credit card confirmation. Six hundred! My mouth fell open and I stood there in shock. Holy fuck! On the receipt was a note from Micah.

You're gorgeous and I'd love to take you out some time. 
Call or text me.

He had left his number. My chest constricted before the attack of butterfly wings beat at my heart. My lip may have gotten pierced with how hard my teeth were pressing into it now. I closed my eyes as I absorbed everything from this night. From Ben to Micah to Dave.

I copied Micah's number into my notepad and threw away the remaining paper. I really didn't need Dave hovering over me and pointing out my wrong doings of the night. Safe in my booklet with no name or tag, he couldn't scold me if he didn't know who's it was. When I turned, Giovanni was approaching me.

"My sweet girl, as always it was a pleasure. Thank you." Giovanni cradled my cheek and patted it affectionately before he left.

I cleared the remaining glasses and wiped down the table. The last bit of work was a few menus that had been misplaced and needed to be sorted and cleaned.

As I returned them to the host stand I heard the bathroom door close. Glancing behind me I saw Micah coming towards me. He was the last of Gio's party to leave. He slowed and stopped by my side.

He said something, a compliment? A question? It didn't matter because I was riding the high that came from the large tip that they had given me.

I could feel his heated gaze as I went back to sorting and cleaning the menus. All I could think about was cleansing myself of Ben.

Leaning toward him, I let myself flirt with the tall, dark, stranger.

I lingered and then broke contact with him. It wasn't happening tonight. I would be headed home within thirty minutes. Alone.

"Have a good night Micah." Smiling like a schoolgirl. I enjoyed knowing he was watching me walk away from him as I headed to find Dave.

Heading through the kitchen swing door, I could hear Dave scolding someone on the phone in the office. I'd have to wait.

One of the cooks was plating another dish. All the guests were gone. Curious, I walked over and chatted with the chef and his cooks. Apparently they were testing a few new dishes and I was able to sample them. Delicious!  The dishes weren't put together to present to guests but the flavors danced on my pallet. As I took her another bite, Dave yelled for me. Meeting the cook's eyes, we gave each other a knowing look. Rolling my eyes, I headed into the office.

Leaning against the door frame, I crossed my arms and waited for his attention to shift to me. I was too tired to argue with him. Keeping my mouth shut, I watched as he turned to me. He had a paper in his hands.

"I'm writing you up," he sounded almost happy about it. The first time he sounded happy tonight and it was because I was getting a write-up. Go figure.

"Okay," I had a feeling this was going to happen. If Dave had his way, I would have been gone a year ago when I took three weeks off to mourn my mom.

"Your visitor was the last straw. I know Kim and Vincent love you, but I can't stand to see you get away with special treatment." Hypocrite! I yelled at him in my head. "Read it over and sign it at the bottom." He shoved the paper in my hands with a pen. Droning on and more shaming about Ben stopping by. More nasty looks and comments about having guests stay later than closing time.

Literally biting down on my tongue as I read through the write-up. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes but I wasn't going to give Dave the satisfaction of seeing me upset. I signed the form and left it on the desk.

By the time I had cashed out it was close to 10 pm. I took off my apron and gathered my things and headed out. I didn't say 'bye' or 'see you later,' I needed to leave before my mouth was unleashed.

The rain had finally stopped. The clouds had separated enough to see some stars and the moon. The shopping center was quiet and there weren't many cars left in the parking lot. I cradled my keys in my hand. My finger looped through the purple carabiner.

As I turned I could hear footsteps behind me. At a glance, I didn't recognize the person following me. They seemed to be walking pretty casually.

I stopped to look into a darkened storefront, pretending to admire the merchandise. Watching in the reflection as the person continued by. Paranoid much?!  Ben freaked me out a lot more than I'd care to admit.

Breathing deeply, I turned only to be met by Ben's blue eyes.

"Shit, what the fuck Ben?" My heart slammed against my chest. He quickly raised hands up in surrender as he took a step back.

"I mean you no harm, Remi. I just wanted to say sorry for being a dick earlier." He seemed to have sobered up. It didn't matter too much, because it didn't excuse him for the way he treated me.

"Ben, I've had a rough night. I really don't want to do this right now. You got me in a lot of trouble by coming by earlier. I've asked you before and you haven't listened. I don't want you showing up at my job or my home. Please, just leave me alone."

"Remi, come on. I am trying to apologize. Let me at least give you a ride home." He indicated behind him to his beat-up Plymouth Duster.

"No, I'm good. I need fresh air. Thanks though." There was no reason to start a fight if it could be avoided. My goal was to get home. On my own. Without Ben.

He was silent. His face was unreadable.

As I stepped away from him, he didn't even move.

"Remi," he caught my attention. I blinked up at the sky and turned to face him.

I couldn't think. I wasn't given the time to take a breath. His mouth was crashing against mine and my hands flew to his chest. There was no passion in the kiss just aggression. By the time I had realized what was happening, he was forcing his tongue into my mouth. I pushed against his chest and broke contact.

"What the fuck Ben!" I didn't need an answer and I sure as hell didn't want his excuses. With a huff, I walked away from him.

"Get in the car Remi," he was stalking after me. His tone was demanding. "Let me just take you home."

"No," I whirled around and stuck my finger out to jab into his chest. "I'm so sick of this. We are done. I'm tired of telling you no. I'm tired of you not listening. So hear me now. Get the fuck out of my life. Leave me alone." This needed to end. Tonight. Now.

"I don't want this to be done." Was his skull really that thick? He reached out and shackled my wrist, forcing me to stop.

"There you are baby girl," the mescaline voice washed over me like warm summer rain.

Shit, good timing handsome.

Suddenly feeling shy, I tucked my chin and turned to meet Micah's gaze. I watched as Micah strolled up to us. He was fully dressed in his suit jacket now and I felt a weight release from my shoulders. Damn, he looked so good in that suit!

With a tilt of my head, I wondered where this was going to go. Ben cut in before I could respond. Dropping my wrist and balling his hands into fists.

"Who the fuck are you calling baby girl?" Ben was standing beside me and I could see his chest heaving with exaggerated breaths. It was something he did when he was trying to look bigger and badder than he actually was.

"Remi, of course," his velvet tone brought a smile to my lips. He hadn't broken eye contact with me and I felt like it was just him and me.

"Hey babe, I'm sorry. I got out a little later than I had hoped to." I'd play along and it seemed he was on the same wavelength I was. His lips formed a smug smile. Shit. It dawned on me that he must have heard some of the conversation between Ben and me.

"It's fine. I'd wait all night if I had to." His response came easy.

"The fuck? Is this who you're fucking now?" It was Ben that broke the little dream bubble Micah had formed. Ben's anger was building. He took two large steps back as he ran his hands over his face.

Micah was so smooth. He took the opportunity that Ben gave us and slid beside me. His arm wrapping around my waist. The feeling gave me shivers. Then I noticed the way he had positioned himself. I was standing towards his back.

Was he defending me?

"I'm sorry, was I interrupting something?" Micah looked to Ben and then down at me. Ben's face contorted into a sneer as his eyebrows stayed knit together.

"Fuck this," Ben paused. "Fuck you Remi." It was obvious that his anger had distorted his thought process. I knew he wanted to say more but had held back. This new side of Ben was disconcerting. Storming off, he left Micah and I standing alone.

I took in a deep breath. Thinking of what would happen next. If he came back and tried to start more trouble. This is something I really didn't need right now. It wasn't until I felt the warmth of strong arms around me that I realized I was still holding my breath still. Releasing it into Micah's chest.

"You okay, Remi?"

"Thank you," it came out as a whisper. Straight into his chest. I didn't want to talk about Ben or what had happened.

"Remi," he leaned away from me, looking down. His arms hadn't left me. "Who was that?"

Taking another deep, calming breath I met his eyes. Micah, a handsome stranger who owed me nothing.

"Ben, my ex," I started. "He and I.." I dropped my head again when I felt the sting of tears.

When I did look up at him, his eyes held concern. He raised a hand to brush against my cheek. Another deep breath and a surge of confidence, I continued.

"He and I were together for three years. My mom hated him. She called him 'wonder boy' because she always wondered about him and why I was with him. She didn't see what I had seen in him." I stopped t the memory.

"What did you see in him?" Micah asked as his hand shifted.

"Honestly, I don't even fucking know. He was mysterious and a bit of a bad boy. I wanted adventure and hoped he would give it to me."

"He didn't?"

"Nope. He turned out to be a real ass. Anyway, my mom got really sick and when it came to my free time, I wanted to spend it with her. He didn't like that so he found attention elsewhere. With his ex. Multiple times." The more I talked about it, the more I came to terms with it. For the longest time, I blamed myself for his actions, but I knew better.

"Remi," he said my name so softly. "I'm sorry."

The prickling was back behind my eyes and I let the tears fall, silently. He was there. Wiping them away as they fell. I should have pulled away from him. Put some distance between us. This was my problem, not his.

"A beautiful, strong woman like you deserves better than that." He pulled me close and I felt the tears subside. No one had treated me like this. No one except my mother and a few close friends. It was a welcome feeling. To be appreciated and complimented. Held like I was cherished. I didn't even know Micah!

I had been standing with my hands against his chest. Almost ready to push him away. Now I couldn't. I couldn't push him away. Instead, I found myself wrapping my arms around him. It was then that I realized how good he smelled. Closing my eyes I let myself relax into his hold.

He had just come to my aid. My very own knight in a fancy suit.

"Micah," I started, nuzzling into his neck and whispered, "can you please take me home?"

***

A/N-Thank you for reading! If you're enjoying the story, please comment, vote, add to your library, and follow for more! <3