At half two, I freshened up in the bathroom, put on a clean jumper, changed back into my boots, and walked the few minutes to Wild Bull Roast. I’d never been there before but fell in love with the premises at first sight.
I entered through a rundown looking gate and found myself in a shady courtyard with plants in pots and a few cafe tables scattered around. Across the gate, enormous windows revealed the roasting company.
Ross spotted me through the glass and raised a hand in greeting. His face was still grumpy, but it was a start.
“Hi! Wow, this is where you work? It’s awesome,” I blurted out as soon as I’d entered the building.
“Yeh, glad you like it. Uh, did yeh have a good day?”
Well done, Horns.
“I did, thank you, Ross.” I beamed up at him and took a few steps closer. “How was your day?”
“It was okay. I’ll tell ye in a bit. I just need to take this batch out so it keeps its flavours. Apricot and chocolate,” he added over his shoulder as he walked to the gleaming machine. It was almost as tall as him.
He released the beans from the machine into a cooling sieve, and inspected their colour. I loved watching him at work. When he was in deep focus his whole body relaxed.
“Happy?” I asked.
“Oh, yes,” he shot back. “Roasting always makes me happy. Help yourself to a cup if you want. The machine is over there.” He pointed to the wall across from me. “This is going to take a few minutes.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t need to be entertained twenty-four seven.” With a little wink, I walked over to his kitchen nook equipped with a fridge, small stove top, and fancy coffee maker. “Want one?”
“Yes, please,” he muttered as he kept a close watch on his beans. It was adorable how focused he was, like a dad observing their child take the first step.
He joined me by the coffee machine once he was done with his batch and had double and triple checked that it was okay.
Next, he’ll tuck it in.
“So, Ross. Let’s go over the problem one more time.” I leaned across the counter. “Spread it out for me, okay?”
Something hot flashed in his eyes and goosebumps prickled down my spine.
You can also spread me out if you want.
His fur-covered palm curled around my wrist, his fingers fully encircling it. Ross kept his grip light, as if I was breakable.
“Wild Bull Roastneedsto work, Autumn,” he said intently. “And I’m getting a little nervous because I can’t get new customers.” He snorted, sounding more bullish than ever before, and tossed his head, sending locks of long red hair that had escaped his messy bun flying. “It’s not a problem of quality—”
“No, it’s not,” I cut in and covered his hand with mine, smoothing out the fur over his knuckles. It wasn’t quite as soft as I’d expected, coarse and textured, and so warm. “Your coffee is amazing, Ross.” I squeezed his hand gently and his shoulders dropped away from his ears. “We getsomuch positive feedback from our customers. They love it.”
His warm brown eyes filled with tears.
Okay, I think I have a crush on you.
“Thank you, Autumn,” he muttered.
“It’s the truth,” I told him with a reassuring smile. “Why does ithave towork, though?“ I asked. “I mean other than that it’s your company and you’re invested?”
Ross sighed and let go of my wrist. My skin tingled where his fur had rubbed.
Yup, definitely a crush.
“Wanna sit in the courtyard?” Ross asked. “I could do with some sunshine and some biscuits. How about it?”
“Yeah, sounds great.” He grabbed a packet from a shelf, I brought the cups of coffee with me and followed him outside.
Ross pointed to a metal table and chairs under the canopy of a sprawling moss pear tree. Sunlight streamed through the canopy of yellowing leaves and dappled my skin and his russet fur. We took seats next to each other.
