I shrug. “Sure.”
“Cool.” A wide smile splits his face in half as his eyes trail over the menu. I can’t get over how blue they are.
We’re sitting in a booth in the back, away from the counter. It’s not too busy; most people just come in for a coffee to-go and some pastries. I can’t remember the last time I went out for breakfast, but this place Wes chose is actually kind of nice and laid-back.
“How do you know this place?”
Wes looks up, the smile lingering. “I used to come here all the time when I was in college. They’re very student-budget friendly, and the portions are generous.”
“So, you ran for the cross-country team here?”
“Yeah. With my best friend, Dennis.” His eyes turn wistful. “He and I are kind of a package deal. Well, now he’s all domesticated, but before that…”
“Domesticated?”
“Yeah, he’s all married and shit. Lives back in Cannon Beach with his hubby, Mike. Sickeningly happy.” He makes a face, but his eyes spill over with warmth.
“Your best friend is gay?” I didn’t know what I was expecting. Wes is kind of a dude-bro, or at least that was my first impression. I’m starting to see more nuances as I get to know him.
“Yep. Do you like buckwheat?”
“Huh?”
“Buckwheat. They’ve got regular pancakes and buckwheat. I kinda prefer the buckwheat ones, but they’re sort of an acquired taste, but if you haven’t tried it before, then—”
I laugh. “Go for it.” Shit, his rambles are cute.
“You sure?”
I just nod, and his smile grows even wider. While we wait for our server, I can’t stop staring at him. His full lips I kissed in the shower. His soft chin, dusted with a fine layer of golden scruff. His floppy hair spilling onto his forehead. Now that I don’t think he’s annoying anymore, I can appreciate Wes forwho he is. He’s really attractive, actually. I see why the women like him so much. He’s got that certain something. An energy and spark that draws you in. His vibe is positive and outgoing. We couldn’t be more opposite.
He narrows his eyes. “What?”
“Nothing. You’re just… different than I thought.”
He tilts his head. “You’re different from what I thought, too.”
“Burst your pink bubble, did I?” I can’t hide the bitterness in my voice.
“Maybe at first,” he says. “But I think I like this version of you, too. I mean, once you get past the assholish behavior, you’re not so bad.”
“Assholish?”
“Yeah, I mean, come on. You were kind of an asshole to me at first.”
He’s not wrong. Again, his casual honesty blows me away. Perhaps I owe him a little honesty in return. “I’m not a people person. I mean, I don’t like it when people recognize me.”
“Fair enough. I can sort of relate to that. When going back home, I sometimes prefer to lie low, too. You know, with my family and Dennis.”
I nod. “You close to your—”
“Okay, guys, hit me with it!” A middle-aged woman beams at us, a notepad and pen in her hands.
“Yes!” Wes rubs his hands together, then starts listing all the dishes. We’re probably going to be late for work with all the food he wants.
“Jeez, you boys are hungry! Busy morning already?” The waitress, whose nametag reads Lauren, fans herself with her notepad.
“You have no idea.” Wes winks at her, and I want to slide down my seat and hide under the table. Then he nods at me.“Big boy, big appetite.” I groan, because could he be any more obvious?
