Chapter 24
24
W e recently visited Coffee Loft, and I’m being completely honest here: it’s the best coffee I've ever tasted. The espresso, and chai, and chocolate chip caramel frappe were truly delightful—some of the best I've ever tasted. The employees knew their coffee, which was impressive. The shop has a great ambience, too. Loved the mug wall and the eclectic seating. I wished I lived closer . ~ Bean Lover
C al drove them back to his house with the windows open at Ginger’s request. She pulled some pins from her hair that had kept it partially up for the gala, and now it flowed around her shoulders in the wind.
As she searched for music on his radio, he glanced at her off and on while they drove through the downtown traffic. Her profile was lit by the dashboard, and she frowned every time a song came on that wasn’t her taste. When she passed by a hip-hop song and shook her head vehemently, he let out a chuckle.
“What?” she asked, keeping her eyes on the radio.
“Nothing at all. You’re just too beautiful not to look at.”
Her finger hovered in front of the screen, but then she gathered her hands in her lap as she slowly leaned against the seat, staring straight ahead.
The music coming from the speakers was a popular Stones song. He couldn’t even name it now, not with what he’d just blurted. It popped out without him giving it any forethought, like it was the most natural thing in the world to share. He’d always been pretty free with giving compliments, but sometimes they missed the mark. It seemed like this one had fallen into the latter category.
He shifted in his seat as he pulled beside her car in his driveway a short time later. Turning off the car, he faced her.
“I’m sorry. That was… I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I’m not. It was…unexpected, is all,” she said in a soft voice.
“Okay. But you’d tell me if I was out of line?”
She nodded as she looked at him, her eyes looming large.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “No one has said that to me before. Not out of the blue like that.”
He found that hard to believe.
Maybe Ginger sensed his skepticism.
“It’s been a while since I’ve let a relationship, I mean…whatever we’re?”
He smiled at her self-effacing demeanor. “I know what you mean.”
“Let it get this far,” she finished. She glanced out her window for a few long seconds before she turned back to him. “My ex-husband wasn’t the greatest at giving praise. Criticism, on the other hand…”
This time when he took her hand, caressing the back of it with his other one, she didn’t pull away. She’d never shared anything about her ex-husband. This was the first time she’d mentioned even being married before.
“The divorce was long ago. I’ve put it behind me. For the most part…” She made a face as her voice trailed off.
He listened with a nod to go on.
“But I’ve realized in the last month that I still have work to do.”
“Do you still talk to him? Did you have kids?”
She shook her head. The dim lighting inside the car reflected a moistness welling in her eyes. “Thank goodness.”
He hadn’t realized he’d tensed his shoulders until she answered. It was sweet relief for a concern he didn’t know he had until now.
“I shouldn’t have burdened you with this, not after tonight.”
He squeezed her hand. “You didn’t. I want you to feel free to talk to me anytime. About anything.”
“We had fun tonight, didn’t we?” she asked. She rubbed the corner of her eye with one finger.
“We did. I’m glad you decided to come.” He paused and swallowed, praying she didn’t get the wrong idea about the next question. He just didn’t want the night to end. “Do you want to come in for a bit? I make a killer spicy hot chocolate.”
When she hesitated, he held his breath .
“Spicy, huh? I’m intrigued.” Her smile lit up the dark interior. “But I do have an early day tomorrow.”
Perfect. She’d drawn her own boundary. That was even better.
“I’ll whip some up while you visit with the doggos, then you can be on your way.”
Inside, he let Ridley and Peaches out into the backyard after they’d given him and Ginger a proper greeting, then he rummaged through his cabinet for his cocoa container and spices. In the other room, Ginger stood in front of the wall with framed photos of his family and vacations, sometimes stepping forward for closer examination.
“You’ve been to Banff? I so want to go,” she said a few minutes later. The skiing trip he took two years ago must have caught her attention.
“It’s beautiful. But only if you don’t mind the cold.” He brought her the hot chocolate and they sat on the couch. He nudged his opened laptop with his foot as he leaned back, resting both feet on the coffee table.
“I love winter,” she said.
She blew over the top of her mug, took a sip, and her eyes lit up.
“Oh my gosh, Cal. This is delicious. Is it a secret recipe?”
“Not really. Found it online somewhere.” He pointed to his mouth. “You have a little chocolate…”
Ginger touched her mouth, then an easy, slow grin spread across her lips, as if something had dawned on her.
“Remember when I said that to you? At Coffee Loft? You had a foam mustache.”
He nodded at the memory. “You said you wouldn’t wipe my mouth unless I was under five years old.”
Ginger shook her head slowly, fighting a grin. She didn’t look away this time when they locked eyes.
“But…there are other ways to take care of that,” she said. Her gaze floated to his mouth. Her intake of breath wavered.
“Oh, yeah?” He stroked her cheek with his knuckles, and she closed her eyes with the same contented smile.
They sat that way for a while; he had no idea how much time had passed. Being near her was enough, and he didn’t want to risk undoing the moment. His heart close to bursting, he promised himself if he was lucky enough for her to choose him, he’d never let a day go by when he didn’t tell her how much he cherished her, appreciated her. Loved her.
Ginger opened her eyes to see him staring at her. Her hand reached up to cup his cheek and pull him closer. Slowly, he lowered his mouth to hers. A little gasp escaped her when their lips met. He smiled against her mouth as he pulled her against him and sank into the bliss of their first kiss, touching, tasting, and reveling in the delight of finally, finally feeling his dream come to life .
Something scratched the patio door .
Ginger’s fingers grazed the back of his neck and tangled themselves into his hair. She pulled him deeper into the kiss.
Another scratch, this time more urgent.
His arm encircled her back, drawing her to him so that it seemed their bodies melded together like?
A long, mournful howl carried in from the patio.
Ginger pulled away. “What on earth?”
No, no, no, no .
“It’s Ridley.” Leave it to the big oaf to ruin the moment. He tried to prolong their kiss, but when he tried kissing her again, his mouth landed on the side of her nose when she glanced toward the patio.
Ridley yowled again, and it was immediately joined by a higher-pitched whine, perfectly in tune.
“Isn’t that sweet? They’re serenading us,” she said.
“Or something,” he said, pushing off the couch. “Probably just reminding me it’s well past their snack time.”
Ridley was about to experience the true meaning of being in the doghouse.