10. Chapter 10
Nick
Iget the feeling Lydia is hiding something about her past. Between the comment about unwanted texts and calls and the bruise that I swear I saw on her cheek, something isn’t right. But I don’t know her well enough yet to push for answers, no matter how badly I want to help.
Lydia has a vulnerable side, but she’s also obviously very strong too. I hate the idea she may be running from something. The thought of someone putting that bruise on her face makes me see red. Men who hit women are the absolute lowest of the low, and I have no tolerance for it.
I remember the comment she made about the smell of coffee.
Watching her sniff the air made me realize the girl isn’t just strong, but fucking adorable.
She’s just…so pretty. Who sniffs the air just to catch a whiff of coffee?
Lydia, that’s who. And it was one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.
I decide to swing by Pour Decisions and grab her a coffee and a scone. Just because I can.
I walk into the coffee shop, remembering she loved the scone but unable to recall her coffee order. It had caramel…I think?
Approaching the counter, I ask Brandi if there are any apple cinnamon scones. She grins big and says, “Yes, sir. There are. Can I get you one?”
In my head, I pump my fist in victory, already excited to give her the treat. “And what kind of hot caramel coffee drinks do you have?”
Brandi taps her finger against her chin, thinking. “Caramel? We have caramel lattes, caramel macchiatos, chocolate caramel espresso…” Her voice trails off as she looks up at me.
“Yes! Caramel macchiato. I’ll take a large one of those, please.” I toss my card onto the counter, not bothering to wait for her to tell me the total.
A few moments later, Brandi hands me the coffee and scone, a smirk playing on her face.
“Are these for you?” she asks slyly.
“Nope,” I say, popping the P, then walk out the door, hearing her chuckle behind me.
As soon as I’m outside, my bravado falters, and I’m suddenly a little nervous. What if I’m coming on too strong? I shove the niggling feeling aside, square my shoulders, and head confidently toward The Second Chapter.
I’m pretty sure Lydia likes me at least a little bit. Whether that’s as friends or something a little more, it’s too soon to tell. But as excited as she got about the blanket I bought her, I’m sure a coffee and pastry will be welcomed.
I shove open the bookstore door and spot Lydia standing behind the register. She smiles when she sees me, and when I hold up the coffee and the bag with the scone, her smile widens.
“Oh my goodness. Is that a caramel macchiato?” she asks, a grin still plastered on her face.
“Yes, ma’am. And an apple cinnamon scone. It’s a thank-you for helping me with my mom’s gift. Again.” My eyes roam her face, checking to make sure I haven’t overstepped or made her uncomfortable. All I see are bright blue eyes and a warm expression that makes me melt.
“You are a very sweet fella, Mr. Nick Fulsom. This is great. Thank you.” She thrusts grabby hands toward the coffee, and I hand it over, chuckling.
Hearing her say my full name like that makes my dick twitch, and I can’t wait until she does it again.
“It’s the little things, Lydia. I like making you smile.”
She takes a sip of her coffee, closing her eyes as she savors it. Then she reaches into the bag, breaks off a piece of the scone, and brings it to her lips.
Damn, those lips. They’re full, soft, and…
Nope, brain. Stop it.
She takes a bite and does a subtle, happy dance before smiling at me again.
“Yep, if I could live on these scones and this coffee, I’d be a happy girl. A chubby girl, but a happy one.”
“You’re beautiful,” I breathe, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
This girl’s curves are to die for, and what she calls “chubby,” I call beautiful. Lush. Stunning. I want to kiss every one of her soft places.
Dammit, brain. Stop it!
I clear my throat awkwardly and make up an excuse to leave before I say something else embarrassing. Or worse, blurt out that I’m in love with her.
That would be both thrilling and mortifying.
I get a small wave, a smile, and a “See you soon, Nick,” as I walk out the door, feeling totally out of my depth with this girl. But hell, I’m ready to dive in.