Chapter 19
The door chimes as I enter Southern Sip, followed by soft playing music throughout the shop. Funny, it’s usually so busy here that I don’t tend to hear it, but the instrumental melody makes this place feel peaceful.
Kaylee looks up from the counter and then to the clock. “You’ve got five minutes until close.” Unlike most of the times I’m around her, her smile is bright. And I hope my grand entrance is the reason.
“Better get your wallet out, Angel. I’m about to get one of everythin’.”
She laughs. “I take it you won?”
“If I remember correctly, you said it yourself, I’m a big shot who makes tons of money. Have to be a winner to keep that title goin’.”
“I get it, you’re perfect. Don’t let it go to your head.
” Judging by the look in her eyes, she can’t believe she just let that slip.
“I mean that you think that, not me.” She spits the excuse out, trying to backpedal to save face.
But there’s no hiding or taking back the little crack she just made in her armor. She knows it and so do I.
“Perfect, hey? Now, be careful, someone might think you’ve got a thing for me, Angel.”
She rolls her eyes playfully this time, rather than out of annoyance. A scowl doesn’t rest on those pretty lips of hers, but instead a genuine smile. She’s always pretty, but a look like that makes her stunning. A real-life angel, if I ever saw one.
“Alright, what’ll it be, Casanova?” She rinses her hands in the sink behind the counter, and I stare a moment too long at her ass before shifting my eyes up at the menu, trying to come up with an order while also trying not to get caught.
God, why did I do that? Now I’m thirsty for her, not coffee.
Turning back around, she waits in anticipation and I rush so I don’t look stupid.
“Eh, I’ll take Hoppin’ Hazelnut and a blueberry muffin.”
“And here I was prepared for an obnoxious request. I have to do some stuff for the store, so I’m gonna make it to go.”
Her smile remains, while mine falters. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I definitely wanted to explore how she feels about me a bit more. The fact that she’s happy at all to see me is a welcome change, though. One I’ll take that as a win.
She hands me my coffee first, walking over to grab a muffin out of the pastry case.
“Congrats on the win, by the way.” She brushes a strand of her hair behind her ear and I can’t help but stare.
She’s never been this nice to me, yet I can’t help but think I’m imagining all these small gestures.
Have things finally turned a corner? Or do I just wish they did?
“Would you have come if you lost?” She snaps me from my daze.
“Damn right, I would’ve. Free coffee is nice and all, but had I lost, I’d still need a pick-me-up, and you’re exactly what the doctor prescribed.
” Light shines within her hazel eyes, flecks of gold sparkling within pools of jade green, my heart rate picks up and the beauty of it, of her.
I flash her a sly grin. “It’s just that much sweeter that I can keep that hero look goin’ for ya.
” I send her a wink and she rolls her eyes again, but a smile still flickers at the corner of her lips.
There’s the girl I know.
As quickly as the playfulness on her face appears, it dies just as fast. “Well,” she sighs, “I’ve got stuff to do so I can close up.
I’ve been here since open, so it’s been a long day.
” I don’t get the chance to try and talk her into living on the wild side and leaving instead before she adds, “Have a good one, Casanova.”
And while she doesn’t look sad, she definitely seems a little…disappointed, maybe? I’m probably just projecting. She’s been all I can think about, even during my competition today, and the thought of leaving here without telling her how much I’ve wanted to kiss her the last few days feels wrong.
I think of any excuse to stay. “I could help ya if ya want?” Ma always prides herself on raising respectable young men, and offering feels like the only bit of respect I’ve got after spending the last few minutes undressing her with my eyes.
She seems surprised by my offer. “No, it’s okay.” She looks around at what I view to be a rather tidy place and her expression softens. “Thank you for the offer though. Maybe we can make plans for another time?”
Well, this is a change of pace. One I welcome, but also question.
Why the change of heart? What’s the catch? Eh, fuck, not sure I want to know, so I won’t ask.
“Sounds good. C’ya around, Angel,” I respond quieter than intended, accepting my defeat and heading toward the exit. I take a few steps down the sidewalk before realizing I forgot my muffin, but I also must have forgotten my fucking balls somewhere too.
Fuck it.
My feet slow, then stop all together, before I turn around and advance back toward the shop.
“Sorry, we are closed,” Kaylee yells from her office, and I can’t help but think she should have locked the door behind me, but I’m glad she didn’t.
I take a step forward, then turn back around, twisting the deadbolt to the lock position and head toward her. Rounding the counter, I set my coffee next to my muffin and she spots me, a question in her eyes.
“What are you—?”
I don’t let her finish her statement. I don’t let her question anything. I pull her in, and she doesn’t fight me so I kiss her, and I don’t stop kissing her, because I have wanted to do this since the night I walked her home.