"Lucas, Glen, both of you, what the hell? You just made her wake up to her effect on all the men in the area. Though part of me wants to kill you, I can only blame myself for not giving more clear instructions."
"Worried she'll start wanting to test her power with some of the men around here?" Lucas teased. Thorn growled in warning. "Relax TD she only has eyes for you."
"I know it's pretty bad, these two came in yesterday, like male model gorgeous and she never noticed them, till I pointed out how I would happily take either or both home." Lexi said as she slapped Glen over the head "And what the hell were you thinking Glen making her nervous about the customers."
"I wasn't trying to make her nervous just letting her know Lucas was telling the truth, if Thorn hadn't claimed her, there'd be a dog fight in here most days."
"Enough." Thorn spoke not wanting this conversation to continue. "Lexi, Glen, back to work. Lucas, is the restaurant all good for tonight?"
***
Luna had rushed away the minute Thorn had entered. It was so embarrassing that they had all been teasing her about him. They must know there was nothing happening. He was always friendly but never crossed the line. They spent a lot of time together sure but no more than she did with Katie or Gem. They never spent any time alone. Well apart from that first day and hell they'd only just met then. There were nights she went to bed after a day near him and wondered what it would be like if he did cross that line from friend to ... well whatever it would be. What it would be like to have his hands on her, or his lips. Then she would spend an hour lecturing herself that wishing for the impossible would destroy what she had finally found. She belonged here. She had friends, real friends, friends that asked nothing of her. They enjoyed her company, as she did theirs. And although they were clearly interested in her they didn't pry.
Kate and she had just started jogging together in the mornings. Kate was clearly used to running faster but seemed happy to have the company. Gem had even suggested she check out a boxing class she did. Which had prompted LJ to mention she had done a karate class and enjoyed it. Of course she hadn't expanded on it and revealed she held a third degree brown belt. She liked to keep her skill in this area quiet as it often lead to people insisting on her performing tricks like a circus act, or to forcing her to defend herself from them. Luna was looking forward to attending a boxing session that week. She had enrolled for an online course, she had pondered over what to study and had decided to go for an introductory business administration course. As soon as she had made her choice she had bought a cheap laptop from a student friend of Kate's that was upgrading. She enjoyed her job but knew until she felt as educated as everyone around her, she would always feel less than they were. Feel ashamed of her start in life. Once she had her present sorted and her future planned she could say she had survived her upbringing and made it, right now it was still nipping at her heels.
Luna continued to set a table and was so focused she never heard him approach. "Hi LJ, how are you going?"
"Good, I'm almost due to knock off."
"Lucky I got here before you left then." Thorn grinned "I wanted to know if you were free tomorrow. I have an errand to run just out of town and thought you may like a change of scenery?"
"I have some stuff on in the morning but if you don't need to leave too early I would like to come."
"I can swing by the flat around nine?" Thorn put a hand on hers as she went to lay a fork on the table "I think you lost track, you've started a second lap."
"Oh God, it is so good you aren't my boss. I make a fool of myself every time you watch me." Luna felt the heat that signified her face had just turned red. "I've never been good when I'm being watched. Rose tried to show me how to use that damn coffee machine for a whole day. Then the day after she had given up everyone was busy, and I did it no problems at all." She rushed to cover her loose tongue.
"Well, I'll leave you to it so you aren't here till closing. See you in the morning."
"Should I ask where we are going?"
"Well you could then I'd have to decide if I tell you." He wiggled his eyebrows at her "I'm going to see one of our suppliers. We get all our eggs free range. But this isn't about eggs, this is about chickens."
"So I'm guessing I better not borrow a pair of Kate's best high heels then." Luna laughed at the image of her staggering around in the stilettos of death through chicken poop.
"Now that would be a sight, but I think you can leave them at home, old sneakers are the order of the day." Thorn headed off to the kitchen.
Gem over hearing part of the conversation bounced up to LJ as soon as Thorn walked away. "First date, finally."
"It isn't a date Gem. How many times do I have to tell you and Kate? Other than that first day he hasn't given any hint that he even likes me."
"Yeah whatever. You haven't given him any hint you like him either and we know that means nothing." Gem started walking around the table "This whole table was set for left handed diners. And the previous one has a knife on each side of the placemat and no forks at all."
Luna couldn't stop the groan that signalled her mortification "Fine, he's too hot for his own good, and too damn distracting for words. However he is, no matter what everyone keeps saying, my boss."
"Rose hears that, she will fire your arse." Gem teased as she helped fix the two tables. "You know you could make the first move."
"There will be no move, not from me, and not from him. Let it go Gem."
"Fine." Gem shrugged her shoulders "I know you plan on coming to my boxing class this week but if you would prefer karate I have found a class for you."
"I'd like to try the boxing class, and maybe if I can I could fit in both."
"You do realise there is no crime in having free time right?" Gem laughed as Luna rolled her eyes. "I'll take that as a no." She left smiling.
***
Thorn pulled up outside the flat with the blue door and before he could turn off the engine Luna came dashing out to meet him. He saw her in her cut-off jeans, finishing just below her knees, a bright pink t-shirt, and purple sneakers with pink shoe laces. Her hair in a high pony-tail. She looked ready for high school. He gave her a wave as she got close and was rewarded with a massive smile.
"Morning." He greeted her as she climbed in beside him.
"Are you laughing at me Thorn Donald?" She squinted her eyes a little her head tilting adorably to the side.
"No way, you look far too cute to laugh at. You look ready for school, where's your bag?"
"Oh shut up. You're a sentence away from losing your company for the day." She warned waving her finger.
He hit the automatic lock on the control panel locking her in and pulled onto the road "Guess you and I are stuck with each other. Even if everyone thinks I've kidnapped a high school student."
"I do not look fifteen. And that was how old I was when I left school so you are totally safe. What do you think of my socks?" She pulled up one foot to show the white socks that finished just above the edge of her purple sneakers had bright pink pom-poms on them.
He could almost sense her waiting for him to ask why she left school early. He decided to shelve the question for now. "They are perfect. Your outfit wouldn't be complete without them." Thorn shook his head and then he asked "Hope you won't mind holding the cage all the way back."
"Cage?"
"We are collecting a very clucky chicken that is currently sitting on eggs about to hatch. They are a present for my mother."
"Oh God, I thought we were coming to organise a deal for free range organic chicken for the restaurant." She laughed "I hope they don't start to hatch on my lap."
"If my mother and sister miss the hatching I'll never be forgiven. This is a serious mission."
"I understand the nature of the mission, I am however puzzled by my role."
"Stereo operator, cage security, conversationalist and visual stimulation" He replied seriously.
"I'm going to blast 80s rock all the way there and soothing classical music all the way back. I don't feel like talking much. And you mister need to keep your eyes on the road."
"I probably should have negotiated this before we began the trip. Okay to the 80s rock as long as you avoid the whole demonic possession screaming stuff. I'm worried the classical music may send the chook into a coma and then what about her poor babies? I can cope with your silence as long as you are smiling like you are right now. I promise to keep my eyes on the road at least 90% of the time."
"On condition I get to see the baby chicks when they have hatched."
"You drive a hard bargain." He held out a hand and they shook on it grinning at each other.
"Thorn, what are you wearing?"
"This is my traditional chicken wrangling uniform." He wondered why she had taken so long to comment on the ridiculous outfit he was wearing. "Did you not know the only way to sooth a clucky chicken long enough to move her off her nest long enough to move it, and then place her into the cage is to snuggle her close?"
"I can see why an over large t-shirt with a massive chicken on it with a fluffy yellow tummy, paired with yellow and red checked shorts, is the only clothing option. Thank you for explaining."
"I knew you would understand. Now if you reach behind you I brought us some breakfast."
Luna reached back and lifted an insulated bag from the back seat. As soon as she saw the chicken burritos she laughed too hard to comment.
***
Luna looked at the cage on her knee and couldn't keep the grin off her face as she looked at the mum to be who was looking at her as if to say "What the fuck?"
"I don't think she likes the classic rock, the air conditioning or her new accommodation."
"Well I'm sure she'll love her new permanent home, my mother has a chicken palace at their place."
"Are we heading there now?"
"Sorry I can't fit that in today, I'll be passing her on to her chauffeur for the rest of her trip tomorrow."
"So in just over two weeks she'll be a proud mum."
"Yes and I'll make sure to bring you photos."
"That would be great." Luna was a little disappointed as she had hoped to see them in their fluffy glory. However she was used to lowering her expectations. LJ continued to remind herself they were only friends.
"Do you want me to drop you back home or are you keen to grab some lunch?"
Luna wished she knew what he wanted, she decided to offer "I could make some lunch?"
"If you are free we could lunch at my place, settle the family in, and watch a movie."
"Damn I should have let you pick the music because now it's your turn to pick, I'm going to be stuck watching Arnie or something with a lot of blood and guns."
"I can guarantee there will be no Arnie."
"Awesome just blood and guns then." She rolled her eyes at him. "I can live with that."
***
Luna sat on the couch with Kate and Gem. Her wine glass in hand. "It was a good day but it was not a date."
"Bullshit." Gem shook her blue streak out of her face "That is as much bullshit as me growing out this bloody haircut, it's now too long to leave alone, and not long enough to do anything with."
"It is growing pretty fast though so it won't be long at all." Kate leaned forward and put her glass on the table. "But she is right Luna, you're talking out your bum."
"It was not a date. We picked up a chicken. We ate some sandwiches and fruit. We watched a movie. That was all. We never even sat together."
"Bet that was a disappointment." Luna's blush made her smile. "Knew you wanted it to be more than friends. It was a date. Neither of you are admitting it but it was a start. You watch he'll be picking it up from now on."
"Picking it up?" LJ asked not quite sure what would be picked up.
"The pace. Dates and outings in your future are definitely going to get more frequent and the number attending is going to get much smaller."
"I think I should cut you off, you have had too much to drink. I also think it would be best if he did make another offer, for me to say no."
"What the fuck?" Gem actually spilled her wine.
"He is my boss. We are all friends. If we dated and it went really bad I'd be out of a job and our friends would be in an awkward position."
"You are insane. You two are both crazy about each other. He is not your boss. We would not feel awkward even if things did go bad, which they won't, we don't do awkward." Gem argued.
"Luna, remember the first day I met you and I told you to trust this, yourself and him? I'm telling you the only person worrying about this is you. You really need to work on your self- confidence. Maybe Gem's boxing class will help."
LJ rolled her eyes "Yeah being able to throw a punch will change my world."
CHAPTER FOUR
Luna and Gemma had a blast at the boxing class. So much so they had just finished their third class together. Gem was surprised how quickly LJ had picked it up. "You know I think you're a natural."
"More likely the karate helped a little, the moves so far have been fairly basic too."
"What are you up to tonight? More study?" Gem had voiced her concern already about how much LJ was taking on.
"Yeah I have an assignment and I am working extra hours this week so if I don't stick with it I will get behind. I have a bit on this week actually. I am running with Kate in the mornings, I have work six shifts this week, though I'm already half way through them. I have karate the day after tomorrow, and study is filling my evenings."
"Do not take on anything else. If you keep adding to your schedule we will have no time for girl's nights, movie nights, shopping etc. More importantly when Thorn asks you out you won't have any time for a date."
"Do not start on that again. Go see Lucas or something. I'm going to shower and have an early dinner then I'm getting stuck into this assignment until I can't keep my eyes open." She gave her friend a quick hug then headed off with a wave.
***
"Luna, Gretel is a mum." Thorn called out as soon as he walked into the café. "I have pics."
Luna went over excited to see cute little yellow fluff balls. "Oh look at the little peepers, they are so cute." She admired "Oh look at the little speckled one, she is the cutest."
"I got mum to send the photo as soon as she told me, she apologised they were already a day old. You missed the excitement. But then she remembered the video. So here is the last part of the hatching." He pushed play on the video clip. "Amazing but not quite as cute."
"Definitely amazing, thank you Thorn. Please thank your mother for me too." She continued watching the video. "I can't believe we went to collect Gretel over two weeks ago. The last two weeks have been so busy."
"I've barely seen you. I popped by the flat on Tuesday and Kate said you and Gem were at a boxing class. Then when I worked on Thursday night Gem was talking to Lexi about karate. Which are you and Gem doing?"
"Boxing. I've only been going for three classes, Gem has been going much longer." Luna looked around a little and then deciding there was no harm added "I do karate on Thursdays. Gem thought she may come check it out some time."
"You, box and do Karate?" Thorn couldn't hide his surprise, the girls hadn't mentioned this. "Good thing I'm a friend, I wouldn't want to get on your bad side."
"If you think just because I'm a bit smaller than you I couldn't take you, don't fool yourself. I'm totally capable."
"You are not a bit smaller, you are a lot smaller. I also know enough to not doubt that you could with the correct training."
"I just decided, I won't kick your butt, just because it is so rare for a guy not to automatically dare me to, or get all macho and adamant that I would hurt myself before I hurt them."
"I've known you long enough to know a couple of things about you Luna. You never lie. Not even when the truth embarrasses you. You never talk up your abilities if anything you usually downplay yourself. Lastly, you surprise me at least once a week."
"I would have hoped you'd have learned a bit more than that. But I guess it's a start." She looked around "I better go finish off a few things before the end of my shift. Thank you again."
"I'll see you in a bit, I just need to catch up with Lucas about a couple of things." Thorn let her go back to work, and decided he could not wait any longer.
"Hey Luc, how's it all looking for the night?"
"Yeah, we've got good bookings, but enough staff to cover. Don't tell me you're actually taking a night off?"
"Do you think it's still too soon? Gem seems to have stopped giving me any information at all. Kate only says I need to trust myself to know when it is right now, whatever that means. It was her that made such a big deal about going slow."
"Thorn, she said go slow. Not backwards. Gem said Luna is convinced you never wanted more. She also said Luna is trying hard to convince herself it's for the best."
"For the best? That we don't ..." Thorn growled slightly.
"Don't shoot the messenger, just prove her wrong."
"Yeah. Okay so I'm definitely taking the night off. Catch you tomorrow." He left to find a little vanilla scented blonde.
She was taking the braid out of her hair and removing her apron when he found her. He stood silently till she removed her shirt and ran her hands through her hair. The action causing his eyes to focus on the small high breasts above her narrow waist, barely hidden by the singlet top she stood in. A groan escaped causing her to meet his eyes. "Sorry." She quickly put on a light floral top over the singlet. It had a wraparound style she was tying at her waist, right where he wanted to have his hands when she rode him. He shook his head and tried to clear the thoughts.
"Sorry, it's my fault Luna. It's just hard not to react to you."
"React to me?" She asked her head tilting to the side in her confusion.
"I can't wait much longer Little One, I've tried to be patient. Every time I see you I want to touch you. Hold you." He was moving towards her now.
"Hold me?" She gasped as he came closer.
"Don't be afraid of me Luna." He pleaded. His hands now on her waist.
"I'm not afraid Thorn. Surprised I guess, shocked. Why would you want me? I mean I know Katie said you did when we first met, and you sort of joked with me about it, but well you didn't. I mean you couldn't have. You haven't said or done anything in over six weeks. You're so beautiful." She blushed and he could resist no longer he pulled her to him. Finally he held her in his arms. "You're so big" she breathed placing a hand on his neck.
"You're so tiny, and I did, do, could." He smiled down at her. "Do you have plans tonight?" She shook her head no, her eyes wide. "Would you like to go to dinner with me?"
"Here?" She asked looking worried.
"No Little One, not here. Definitely not here." He ran a hand through her hair and down her back, pulling her slightly closer.
"Do I need to go home and change?" Luna asked now one hand on his chest and one on his face as she looked up at him
"You look perfect." He assured her, his voice a little rough.
"Will we go now?" She asked stretching slightly as she moved the hand along his jaw line, over his ear and into his hair.
"Yes, right after my kiss, may I kiss you Little One?"
"I'd be very disappointed if you didn't" she sighed and his mouth came down on hers.
The kiss escalated quickly, his growl of satisfaction, his mental roar of possession were nothing compared to the wave of intense need that swept through him. Her tongue danced with his, her hand slipped under his shirt and curled in his chest hair briefly before exploring his body. His own hands alternated between trying to pull her into his body and trying to touch more of her. It was only remembering where they were and how much more he wanted for her that stopped him tearing her clothes from her right then. She was lifting his shirt. Little whimpers of need came from her as she felt the drive to join too. He tried to ease back a little, slowed the kisses down, placing little butterfly kisses across her lips. Soothing strokes to her back and arms "Easy baby, we need to slow this down." Her moan of need broke off as she sobbed in mortification when she realised how close they were to getting naked here in the staffroom. "Shhh Little One, it's okay. It's just time to go." She had her head down her hair hiding most of her face. "Luna, look at me. Please." She did her face flushed with her lust and her shame. "God you're beautiful, please don't regret what we just did. I'm sorry I got carried away."
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