“Cierra?”
Damn.I inhaled and exhaled quickly, then smiled. “Hi.”
Not missing a beat, he straightened and came over, claiming the chair across from me. “This is a small world.”
I nodded. “Do you live around here? I mean I’ve bumped into you twice in my neighborhood.”
“I don’t live far from here. I’m in Pacific Heights.”
I should’ve guessed he lived in the most expensive area in the city, but I pictured him in a mansion in Marin County. “Do you live in a house?”
“No, a condo.”
“There aren’t any coffee shops in your neighborhood, or did you feel like slumming it today?”
He stirred a teaspoon of sugar into his coffee. “I just like the easy, laid-back feel of the neighborhood. I’ve been coming to this place off and on for years.”
“I used to come here every week, but since I’ve been working on Vibra, I didn’t have time. This morning I thought I’d revisit it.”
“Then I’m lucky I picked this morning to come here.”
“Have you tried the zucchini bread? It’s the best. I’m seriously in love with it.” I put another bite in my mouth and chocolate smeared my bottom lip. I ran my tongue over it and he took in the movement.
“You make it tempting.”
“Do you want to try some?”
A small smile crossed his lips, so I broke off a piece and held out my hand. He opened his mouth. My muscles twitched and it was like a wad of cotton balls had just been stuffed into my mouth. With a slightly trembling hand, I put the piece inside. His lips immediately closed around my finger and licked it.Zap!An electric charge zinged through me, stirring up all kinds of emotions I didn’t want to feel. He relaxed his lips and I slowly pulled my finger out, the innuendo not escaping either of us. Silence stretched between us as he chewed.
I practically fell off the chair when my phone pinged. I glanced down and saw Cory had texted. Normally, I’d have let it go unanswered until I was done with my coffee and bread, but I needed a distraction. My damn finger was still scorching and my panties were wet as hell.
Cory:Just checking 2 see if u changed ur mind re tonite.
Me:I just can’t make tonite. Have plans I made b4 I met u. Maybe another time.
Cory:Sunday? U can pick place this time.
“One of your girlfriends?” Trace asked.
I nodded.
Me:Sundays aren’t good for me. What about Tuesday? I can only do dinner.
Cory:Sounds good.
Me:Stella’s on Green St. in N. Beach is good. U like Italian?
Cory:Yes. What time u want me 2 pick u up?
Me:I’ll meet you at seven. Gotta run.
After a long pause, the phone pinged.
Cory:See u Tuesday at 7.
I was pretty sure the hairs on his neck were bristling when I told him I’d meet him, but if he wanted to go out with me again, that was the way it had to be.
“Did you finish your conversation?” Trace said.
