***
I swallow my disappointment and release a ragged sigh. There was no sign of Jason when I walked out of the office. He was probably with a patient. I know this logically, but I wanted another peek at the man.
Sitting in my car, I remove his business card from my back pocket and flip it between my fingers. I have a decision to make. Either I walk away and leave everything as it is, unless of course my test results find anything, or I take this step and call him.
He was torn when he stood in the exam room. I could see it in his eyes even as I freaked the fuck out. Am I still on his mind? He became a fixture in mine. That was for sure. I can’t remember a period when I spent this much time thinking about a man.
The sex, as amazing as it was, is not even where my thoughts lie. Jason is funny, sweet, and genuinely kind. I hate going to bars, but I’m thankful Henry didn’t show. If not for being stood up, I wouldn’t have spent my time with Jason.
I do feel some shame over having a one-night stand though.
It’s absolutely stupid since it’s perfectly reasonable, and we were both consenting adults. It just isn’t who I am. Shy Ava King barely flirts with men, let alone goes home with them for hot sweaty sex.
I groan and my thighs clench. It really was life-altering. Never have I felt so free in the bedroom with a man. I haven’t had many sexual partners, but the woman Jason drew out of me was sexy and in control.
He awakened something I had deep inside. He left me craving for more and eager to get to know him better. The chemistry between us is undeniable.
I set the card on my thigh and punch in the key to unlock my phone. Biting my lip, I stare between the messaging app and the call feature. “He’s busy at work,” I mutter and open a new text window.
Ava: Hi. This is Ava King.
I read over the text, delete it, and lean my head back. “So dumb!” Trying again, my thumbs fly along the screen.
Ava: I haven’t stopped thinking about you either. – Ava
Before I can second-guess my words and feel vulnerable, I press send. Tossing the phone aside, I back out of the parking spot. The entire drive to work, my small bookstore with a coffee shop, my eyes dart between the road and the phone.
“Focus, Ava!”
By the time I park, I’m ready to vomit. I’ve never been so nervous. Breathing in, I reach for the phone and unlock it.
Jason: I can’t tell you how happy your text just made me.
Jason: Does this mean you’re willing to see me again? Please? We can grab coffee if it will make you more comfortable.
I grin. His own anxiety seeps from his message.
Ava: I like coffee.
Jason: Great! There’s a place near here I have been meaning to go, Bookworm Café. Meet me there at 5:30 p.m.?
My breath hitches at the sight of my shop’s name. “I guess I would have seen him again eventually.”
Ava: See you then.
My amusement over his choice in coffee shops keeps my nerves at bay. I grab my things and head inside. I have help in the shop I can rely on, especially for moments like these when I have appointments, but I enjoy my job.
Inside, I wave at a few regulars and head to my small office in the back. After peeking at our texts one last time, I set the phone in the drawer with my purse. Thankfully the shop stays pretty busy, and I won’t obsess over our upcoming coffee date.
***
I lied. I obsessed every damn minute. I’ve screwed up a few orders, and Lily, my employee, has been eyeballing me with concern. After my third mistake, I give up and focus on the books, magazines, and seating.
“What can I make for you?” Lily asks.
“Um… I’m not sure.” My feet halt at the voice and I look up from the magazine I found shoved in the stacks. “What do you suggest?” Jason asks, focused on the large chalkboard behind the counter.
Lily tells him her favorite drink, her gaze wandering over Jason. I suck in a breath, my stomach flopping around at the sight before me. Jason looks huge in my shop. He’s about six two from what I’d guess, an entire foot taller than me. It’s no wonder Lily is taking him in.
