AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Why? Have you talked to her about it?”
“No.” She was getting upset, which was completely stupid, because there was absolutely no reason for her to be. Zac was just being his same creepy self and putting pressure on her for some bizarre reason. Because he wanted her to find out what kind of guy he was? So she should change her life plans? The ego! Jeez! Give her a break.
Besides, she owed creepy guys less than nothing, so she shouldn’t even be listening.
“Coffee’s ready.” She handed him the cup, which she thought was pretty darn nice of her since she wanted to pour its contents down his pants.
A step back while she threw away the filter and grounds and took deep breaths.
Okay. Okay. She was fine now. Totally fine. She wasn’t going to stay longer—Zac had just been asking, and everything was okay.
“This is excellent coffee.” He took another sip, clearly savoring it the way an expert would. “Perfect balance, just the right acidity. Nice bite.”
“Thank you.” Chris couldn’t help smiling. She was proud of her ability. Eva had a great palate, but she preferred the business and customer side of the trade. Chris was like their father—a serious coffee geek. Apparently so was Zac.
“Think about it.”
He’d lost her. “About what?”
“Asking your sister if she wants to stay in New York longer.”
“Don’t you want her back?”
“Sure. But you need to be in California.”
She bristled. “What does that mean?”
“Like roasting a bean darker to smooth down the acidity.” His grin took away the offense, but Chris resorted to outrage anyway. Safer when he was being so intense, so close, and she was feeling so weirdly off balance around him. Yet again. “Like making sure you don’t overextract an espresso.”
“So you’re saying I’m harsh?” She scowled at him. “Bitter?”
“And quite honestly—” his smile became devilish, his eyes warmed “—I want to get to know you better.”
Chris took in a breath that didn’t seem to want to come back out. “Because you might marry my sister someday.”
“Hmm.” His eyebrow quirked. “What do you think?”
“I think you are messing with me.” She stepped back from the counter, turned away from his magnetic presence with the excuse of refilling the kettle and setting it back on the burner.
The most annoying man on earth. Thank goodness she was getting out of this place in less than two weeks.
An odd darkness settled in her stomach at the notion. And it bothered her that she’d thought of leaving as an escape, as if she was running away more than returning to where she belonged.
“Yo, Chris. How’s it going? Hey, Zac, my man!” The sound of Gus’s voice was predictably followed by the slap of a high five.
Chris turned, smiling, grateful for the interruption. Gus was so...Gus.
“Hey, there.” She was glad Zac had stepped back from the counter, giving her a little more room to breathe again. Or maybe it was Gus who’d brought the air back into the shop. He was looking wildly sexy as usual in shorts and a T-shirt, dark hair curling and still wet from the surf. “How was the competition?”
“I am the man!” He lifted both arms over his head, face glowing. “Third place!”
“Nice job!” Chris applauded.
“Way to go.” Zac lifted his hand. Slap. These guys needed something else to do with themselves.
“Thanks. I’m stoked. Next time I’ll do better. I need to land a sponsor.”
“Coffee and treats on the house.” She gestured to the glass case. “What do you want, Gus?”
“No caffeine.” He shook his head, scattering droplets, and shoved his hair back with his hands. “I’m into natural highs from sunshine and waves.”
“Juice? Muffin? Cookie?”
“Organic? Sugar-free? Whole grain?”
Chris cracked up. “Okay, okay. I’d offer you a Slow Pour T-shirt, but I can’t fill you in on factory conditions or worker wages...”
“Glass of water would be good.” He turned behind him, searching. “My friend and most fabulous mentor Bodie Banks is coming any second. He had to stop in for more sunscreen.”
