Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
Drea
When I asked Blair out, I didn’t really have a set place in mind. I honestly thought she would say no.
I was laying in bed, reading her first book, Roses and Runes, and it gave me the idea of the perfect place to take her.
I was taking her to Mythos Cafe, a fantasy-themed cafe just outside of Seattle. The cafe had a mixture of soft and neon lighting.
There were hanging lanterns and plants draped across the ceiling, creating an almost magical forest vibe.
The menu stayed on brand with themed food and drinks, offering even more to the fantasy experience.
The seating areas were each unique and never duplicated, with an organic feel—like they’d been carved from nature.
When we got there, I was worried I went about it all wrong.
She still seemed on edge, and I couldn’t blame her.
Not only did she have a PTSD episode in a public setting with someone she probably didn’t feel safe around, but she made herself even more vulnerable by making a move, and I shut her down.
I was still upset with myself for saying no when I wanted nothing more than for her to be screaming yes all night long. I couldn’t bring myself to think about anything else other than how she was feeling.
I wouldn’t take advantage of her like that. She was not in the right headspace, and trying to make a move on her was not what she needed. When I took Blair Sterling, I didn’t want there to be any regrets.
The outside of Mythos looked like an ordinary unmarked building. She sat in the car, confused.
“Where are we? The only place I see is a church. Unless you’re asking for forgiveness from someone else, and I don’t think they have enough holy water to wash away your sins.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Oh no, love. There aren’t enough hours in a lifetime to ask for forgiveness for the sins I’ve committed.” Not to mention the deliciously sinful thoughts I’d had about Blair.
No! Shake it off! That’s not ever going to happen, and that’s not why you’re here!
We got out of the car and headed around the wall-sized fence that caged the cafe. I never understood why there were no signs out front indicating the business. I guess it didn’t matter, because when we walked inside, it was nearly packed.
My previous worries disappeared as we walked further into the space and Blair’s eyes lit up brighter than the sun. She was looking around, captivated, taking in the details of every surface.
“Drea, where did you find this place? It’s incredible.” She was still taking in everything when she spoke.
I placed my hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the counter so we could place our orders. The contact seared into my skin, causing my breathing to quicken. I wondered if she was affected by the gesture, or if she even noticed.
“I’ve heard a few people talking about this place at the store, so I looked it up and thought it might be worth checking out.” I shrugged.
I didn’t dare tell her exactly how much research I had done, including coming in here myself to get the lay of the land and to talk with employees about their menu, convincing them to make a few tiny changes for one night.
When we finally made it to the counter, the employee greeted us and I motioned for Blair to order first. “Can I have the faerie blossom tea, please, and the pixie dust shortbread? Thank you.”
I didn’t want to examine the way my chest felt, seeing her bright eyes as she ordered, still looking around the cafe.
“Of course, and for you, miss?”
I turned to the man behind the counter, forcing my gaze away from the true beauty of the cafe. “I’ll have the violet petal tea and a thornberry scone, please.”
Blair gave me a questioning look, to which I shrugged. “They sounded interesting.”
She took out her wallet, but I stopped her with a hand. “I’ve got it.”
“You didn’t have to do that. I can pay my own way, you know,” she said as we found a table in the corner. It was a small wooden table shaped like a tree stump.
“I am well aware, Ms. Best-Selling Author.” I winked. “I asked you out tonight, as an apology, and part of that is paying for you.”
“I’m still waiting for that apology,” she teased as she took a bite of her bread, causing my throat to become dry when her eyes rolled back. “Oh my God, this is amazing!”
I definitely agree. “You’re really going to make me work for it, aren’t you? Can’t I just say bringing you here is an apology, you accept it, and we become the best of friends?” I laughed when she rolled her eyes.
I washed my smile away and turned serious. If I was going to apologize, I was going to do it right. “Fine, but tell anyone, and I’ll deny it,” I teased.
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of it. No one would believe me, anyway.” She grinned.
Relief flooded through my shoulders as I began to speak.
“I’m sorry, Blair. Since our first time working together, which didn’t end in the best way, I’ve been nothing but rude and unprofessional toward you, and I know the feelings have been mutual.
I’ve been holding onto that animosity for years, and considering my outburst from our first meeting this time around, it had only grown. ”
I could have sworn that I saw a slight glitter forming in her eyes as a soft smile spread across her lips.
“I also want to apologize for forcing myself on you at the festival, and again in my office. That was inappropriate and should not have happened.”
“Drea, please stop apologizing about that night. If I hadn’t wanted it, you would’ve known about it. And seeing as how I came back into your office and forced myself onto you, that’s not the case.” She grinned sheepishly.
I blushed, remembering that day clearly. “Believe me, you didn’t force yourself. I have wanted that for a long time, probably longer than I care to admit. Anyway, I don’t expect things to just change overnight, but I hope you can accept my apology and maybe we can try to start over?”
She nodded while taking a sip of her tea. I had barely touched my drink or my scone besides the initial first tastes. I had my eye on something more delicious than anything they served at the cafe. Jesus, I sounded so lame!
“I’d like that. Hating you has been exhausting. I’m not saying I like you, but hate seems like a strong word these days.”
I frowned. “So do you just go around making out with people you don’t like? I’m intrigued to know what you do to people you do like.” I winked and chuckled when her face turned a shade of dark red.
“Funny. Too bad you’ll never find out.” She winked. “Are you about ready to go? It looks like they’re closing soon.
I looked around, noticing the workers cleaning up around the cafe; wiping tables and taking out trash. I hadn’t realized we’d been sitting there for over an hour. Time flew when you were having fun, or in beautiful company.
“Yeah, we should probably get going.”
We walked in silence until we got closer to my car.
“Did you like the cafe? It was cool how they had menu items that sounded like they belonged in one of your books, huh?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, what a coincidence. You didn’t have anything to do with that, did you?”
I smiled. “What? Me? No, not at all.”
She didn’t seem to buy the lie at all. “Sure. Well, I guess you weren’t lying when you said you read my books. That place was amazing.”
“I don’t lie. And just because I don’t like you doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate talent. You’re a really good writer, Blair.”
She smiled. “Wow. Thanks for the backhanded compliment, I guess.”
She scowled at me when I opened the passenger-side door for her. “What?” I asked.
“Are you sick or something?”
I laughed. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, hasn’t anyone ever been nice to you?”
“Of course, just not you.” She smirked.
“Fine. Remind me to never do it again, then.” I took a step closer and lowered my voice. “Just get in the car, Blair.”
Her breath hitched and her eyes darkened. She didn’t say anything as she got in, but I didn’t miss the subtle lick of her lips. Did she like being told what to do? And why did the thought turn me on?
I shook away the thought and rounded the car to the driver’s side.
“Thank you.” My only response was a smile. I really had to pull it together.
I rested my hand on the gear shift as I drove, but my fingers were itching to reach out for her.
“I feel like I’ll never be able to eat again.” She groaned.
After the cafe, we stopped at a bakery and ended up sharing an abnormally large piece of chocolate cake.
I laughed. “I’m sure after some sleep, you’ll be starving again.”
“Nope. Not going to happen.”
We were silent for the rest of the drive until I pulled in her driveway and stopped the car.
“Well, this is me,” she joked. “Thanks for today. I had a lot of fun. Who would’ve thought?” She laughed.
“So funny! But I’m glad. I did too.”
My smile disappeared when she became serious. “And thank you for the other night. That was so embarrassing, but you didn’t have to be nice to me. I haven’t done anything to deserve it.” She shrugged.
“Even if I didn’t like you at all, I’m not some neanderthal who can’t see a lady in need.
You went through something horrible. I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do.
Don’t ever feel embarrassed. After seeing you handle those comments at the festival…
You are one of the bravest people I know. ”
A tear slid down Blair’s cheek, and she quickly wiped it away. She made a motion to grab the door handle, but she pulled her hand back.
“I’m sorry, I’m usually not this emotional. I don’t open up like that to anyone. You must think I’m crazy.” She laughed nervously
“I could think of a number of things to call you, but crazy isn’t at the top of my list,” I joked.
“You are insufferable!” she said as she rolled her eyes in amusement. “But seriously, Drea, I really had a great time with you tonight. I got to see a side of Drea Voss I didn’t know existed.”