Six
“Woo!” The cheers broke our trance, and I was suddenly reminded that we were in public. In the coffee shop that Sean worked at. My eyes snapped open, and I looked at him with what must have been the widest and frantic look.
The cheering kept growing as more and more people chimed in. I was frozen in place, still only looking at Sean.
“Hey, don’t think about them. Don’t worry about them and don’t look at them.” He whispered before breaking eye contact to look at everyone else.
I barely nodded as he wrapped his left hand around my lower back, holding me against him. I tucked my head against his chest, looking the opposite way from everyone else. My cheeks were blazing red with heat.
“Alright, alright. You guys can stop now.” Sean called out as he angled his body slightly towards them, still holding me close against him.
Slowly it died down, but I heard Natalie, one of the other baristas, coming up to him, and speaking in a hushed tone.
“Oh my god you guys! I knew this was going to happen. I just knew it!”
I finally turned to face her, lifting my head but not pulling from Sean’s grasp. Natalie hand her hands clasped together and a massive smile on her face. I think the only reason she wasn’t jumping was due to the restraint she was holding onto.
Seeing her reaction to our kiss only made me want to smile broader. And made me crave his lips on mine even more.
“Yeah, yeah. I know, Natalie. You only told me a billion times.”
“Look, I’m just glad you finally took some initiative.
” Natalie turned her attention to me. “You would not believe how much he talks about you. And the way he acts when he knows that you’ll be showing up at any moment?
It’s beyond adorable. And don’t get me started on the list of drink ideas he’s had for your morning cup each day.
There’s a whole notebook that he tries to hide. ”
My jaw slacked open, and I swiveled my head between Natalie and Sean. He lifted his arms, as if to show innocence. I don’t know why exactly but suddenly, I was lost in a fit of laughter.
“Hey now, don’t you gang up on me too.” Sean looked from me to Natalie. “And you stop blurting out all my secrets.”
“I don’t think it’s really a secret when you make a move.” Natalie offered. “Now, I’m going to get back to work. I’m sure you need a break, Sean?”
He shook his head and waved her off. “Should we go somewhere and talk? Away from everyone else.
I simply nodded and he took my hand, leading us through the side door and around the corner. We walked until we were completely out of the line of sight of anyone.
I leaned against the brick half-wall and expected him to do the same.
But instead, he stepped towards me, and I moved my legs to where he could press right into me.
He wrapped both of his hands around my chin and crashed his lips into mine.
This time, it wasn’t tentative or reserved.
This time, it was filled with passion and a hunger that could not be satiated.
We met each other’s rhythm. Him tugging at my lips as I leaned into him, slipping my tongue in and gently swirling it around before tugging him towards me.
After what felt like a good five minutes, we finally parted, out of breath again.
“You know, I really have been wanting to do that for some time now.” Sean admitted. His forehead was leaned against mine with his hands gently caressing me.
“Really?” I asked, unable to hide my shock.
Sean lifted his head as he pulled my chin up until our eyes locked. “Yes.” His response was strong, removing all sense of any doubt I could have. “Zette, why do you think I made you special coffees every morning? Or call you different nicknames just to see you smile?”
“I—I thought that was just your personality.” I shrugged lightly.
“Well, you listen here. I don’t do that for anyone else.
Ever. I’ve only ever done it for you. And yes, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that Natalie was right.
I wait for you every morning. I really do have a notepad that I jot down drink ideas just for you.
And yes, I probably talk too much aboutyou. ” He smiled and huffed lightly.
“Well, I’m just…speechless.”
Sean straightened his posture some. “Lizette, will you go on a date with me?”
My cheeks flushed and I blurted out, “Yes” before I could even think about it. It might have been a cheesy line to some others but to me, hearing it from his mouth, I realized just how much I really wanted that date.
“Good, because I want to celebrate you.”
“Me? Why?”
“Because you pushed for your dream. I know just how terrified you were to even submit your resume and portfolio. But you did it. That was all you, Zette. And you doing that gave me the courage to do what I’ve been wanting to do for a while now too.”
I tilted my head, silently asking him what.
“To kiss you.”
“Wow.” I couldn’t find anything else to say.
“I was terrified you didn’t see me the same way. Or that if I did try, you’d push me away. Or any number of horrible outcomes. So, I waited, and waited.”
“I wish you weren’t so scared. I only wish you’d kissed me sooner.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, you’re not the only one who can harbor crushes.”
“Do tell.”
“Maybe tonight.”
“Oh, our date is tonight?”
My eyes went wide. “I mean…only if you want.” I stumbled.
“Of course I do.”
“Good. Where and when should I pick you up?”
“How about we meet here? I live relatively close by so it’s easy for me to walk.”
“Okay. I can do that. How does seven sound?”
“Perfect. Do you have something in mind?”
“Oh yes, it’s all planned out.”
“Are you going to tell me, or do I have to wait?”
Sean answered with a soft kiss on my lips.