21. Adrian
ADRIAN
P etit Squared is packed when I step inside, everyone buzzing around with their fall-flavored lattes that will undoubtedly be part of a photoshoot as soon as they leave here.
My rain cloud of a mood has nothing to do with the fact that Jesse popped into my inbox this morning like nothing’s wrong.
Like he hadn’t given me another four days of radio silence.
I just want a regular coffee.
“Is it always this busy?” a deep male voice asks behind me, the scent of crisp air and bergamot mixing with the smell of coffee and cinnamon.
Turning to the side, I’m a little stunned by the good-looking stranger behind me. His blonde hair is shorter on the sides, the top long and swept off his forehead, with enticing crystal-blue eyes and a smile that says he knows how striking he is.
Wow.
“Oh, uh, not usually,” I tell him, recovering quickly. “Are you visiting?”
“I live about an hour north of here but I’m in town the next couple of days for my brother’s wedding.” He gives me another dazzling smile, and my stomach dips at the attention but also at the sliver of unease that I’m doing something wrong.
Jesse has never promised me anything but a good time. He doesn’t want a relationship.
So why does it feel like I shouldn’t be doing this?
“I’m sure it will be beautiful. The weather looks great this weekend.”
The line moves and we follow, the stranger standing a little closer than he had been when he walked in the shop.
“I’m Kyle,” he says, offering his hand as his gaze trails over my body, his interest clear when his eyes meet mine again.
“Adrian.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Adrian.”
“You too.”
“Next!”
Flustered, I clear my throat and give the barista my order, a medium hot coffee with cream and sugar.
“I’ll have a caramel latte,” Kyle says, stepping up beside me and handing her his card.
“Oh, you didn’t have to— I mean…”
“I wanted to.” Ushering us to the side to wait for our drinks, he smiles, this one flirty and aimed straight at me. “I’d also love to take you to dinner. Maybe tomorrow night? I have to go golfing in the morning but after that I’m free.”
“I’m not looking for a hookup,” I tell him evenly, this much sure in my mind. The last thing I need is another meaningless encounter to add to my repertoire.
But nothing about Jesse is meaningless.
Pushing the thought from my mind, I meet Kyle’s gaze, surprised to find the corner of his lips curving up higher instead of him balking at my statement.
“I’m not afraid of a little work, Adrian. I don’t live that far, so if you want to take this slow, I’m fine with that.” Leaning closer, he adds, “I can think of a lot worse ways to spend my time than wooing a gorgeous man.”
Well, fuck.
“Order for Kyle!” the barista yells, startling me and making Kyle chuckle. He leaves and returns a minute later with our drinks and a napkin.
With a phone number.
“Here’s my number,” he says, tapping the napkin. “What if we meet at the Range Bar and Grill at six thirty tomorrow? You can text me if something changes.”
“Okay.” My voice is quiet as I take the napkin and slide it into my pocket, the weight of it far more than the disposable paper. Kyle and I make small talk all the way to the door, the man charismatic and sweet as we step out onto the sidewalk.
“It was great meeting you today.” Kyle grins. “I’m glad I picked this coffee shop.”
“Me too.” It’s not a lie…not exactly. “Thank you for the coffee.”
“You’re welcome. I hope I see you tomorrow.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
“I guess we will.”