It’s a tiny thing, and I know it doesn’t mean anything, but it lets me hold on to the possibility that something mighthappen. Some day. In a fantasy world. The same one where I hope he brings me lunch again tomorrow. And the day after that.
I snort at the thought, loud enough that a few people turn and look at me. Yeah, I know. Never going to happen. A guy can dream, though. Right?
Chapter Four
FRANK
It’sa nice feeling to pull up to the job site with my shit together for once. This may be the one and only time it happens, so I need to revel in the accomplishment for a moment. That magic to-do list worked. Mostly. At the very least, I left the house this morning with my bag full of everything I need for the day. Except, of course, a water bottle. My sexy hunk provides that. Hopefully.
I swear I’m not getting cocky.
Or, maybe I am. As soon as I’m out of the car, I spot Matthias barreling toward me. That’s a fantasy I could get used to seeing play out. The brawny guy storming out of the house, pressing me up against my car, and having his way with me. Is it hot outside today?
Except he’s carrying a mug of coffee in his hands. Not quite the romance novel scene I’m picturing. But I’m not one to turn down caffeine. Even if it’s black and bitter.
As soon as he’s close enough to hear me, I start thankinghim profusely. I want to make up for how reluctant I was when he gave me lunch. My caution over anything that could cause an allergic reaction is often misinterpreted as rude and unappreciative. I make grabby hands toward the silver mug. “Coffee.”
“Here you go, Firecracker.” He holds it out, and I reach for it before my brain catches up.
“Firecracker?” I’m not sure what to think of the nickname. Being a redhead, I’ve been called a lot of things over the years. Carrot top, red, Little Orphan Annie, clown. No one’s ever called me firecracker before. Or used a tone that makes it sound more like a term of endearment rather than a jab.
“Um, because of your red hair and spunky attitude.” He pushes the mug toward me and shrugs. I swear the guy blushes a little. Apparently, I do have an effect on him.
“Spunky?” Who even uses words like that?
“Just take it.” He thrusts the mug toward me again.
I shake my head but snatch the coffee from his hands. If he keeps treating me like this, Matthias can call me whatever he wants. The first sip shocks my system. “This is actually good.” I take a few gulps and try not to sputter when it turns out to be much hotter than I anticipated. Even with a burned tongue, I can tell this is doctored with my favorite dairy-free creamer. Thank God, because I forgot to ask what was in it before I started gulping it down.
“Were you going to drink it even if it wasn’t?” he asks.
“Today? Yes. I’ll take caffeine in any form it’s provided.”
“Well, I thought this would be better. And”—he holds up a hand—“it’s an oat milk creamer. That should mean it’s okay for you, right? I checked the label, but I can get the bottle if you want to look for yourself.”
The fact that he remembered sends my stomach swooping.How he knew I prefer my coffee to, well, not taste like coffee, is beyond me. “Thanks. I trust you.” Maybe more than he trusts himself. He stares at me intently, like I might drop dead any second. He doesn’t know how much that means to me that he found an option that works rather than giving up the second my condition made it difficult. Being allergic to animal products is not easy. Technically, only mammal products, but it’s easier to tell people it’s all animals. That way there’s no confusion. Most people forget that it includes dairy and other byproducts.
“Are you sure? It might be safer if you check the bottle.” He turns toward the house, and I put a hand on his shoulder. We both stare at it for a minute before I yank it back. Yep, definitely don’t need to be touching.
“Nah, I recognize the flavor. It’s a bit unique, so I can pick it out.” Salted caramel vanilla swirl. It ensures that coffee tastes nothing like coffee.Perfect.
“Good. Then you can get your sugar and caffeine in at the same time.”
“Efficiency is my middle name.” Not in my life in general, but in a few things. Thanks to a combination of Matthias and to-do lists, nothing can stop me.
I’m cashingin on the to-do list magic. After using one for the last week, I’ve managed to accomplish twice as much and show up with all my stuff at the worksite every day. Nothing can stop me now.
And, if the added benefit is that I’ve gained a sexy barista who brings me a thermos full of coffee every morning? Well, that’s a bonus feature. One I’m not willing to share with my classmates.
Ipull out a fresh sheet of paper and start on my list for tonight/tomorrow morning.
Finish class
Get study group assignment
Drive home
Study
