There’s something in the way he says it that makes my stomach flip.
I glance down at my notepad, even though I’m not writing anything. “And…something to eat?”
“Whatever you recommend.”
I hesitate, then say, “The cinnamon roll is good.”
“Then I’ll have that.”
I nod quickly, scribbling it down just so I have something to do with my hands. “Okay. I’ll bring it right out.”
I turn to leave, but his voice stops me. “Nora.”
I freeze. Slowly turn back. “How do you know my name?” I ask.
His gaze flicks briefly to my chest. To the name tag pinned there. Then back to my eyes. “It’s right there.”
“Oh… right… Of course,” I stutter as my cheeks go warm under his gaze.
I feel stupid. But his amused expression makes me think he knew exactly what he was doing.
“What’s yours?” I ask before I can overthink it.
“Asher.”
The name settles somewhere deep in my chest, like it belongs there.
“Asher,” I repeat softly, testing it.
His eyes darken just slightly at the sound of it. “Yeah,” he says. “That’s me.”
I nod quickly. Suddenly, I’m very aware of myself in a way that feels both new and overwhelming. Then I turn and walk back to the counter before I can make a complete fool of myself. My heart is beating faster than it should.
“Okay, Nora, get it together,” I mutter under my breath as I reach the register.
I grab a cup and start preparing his order. Coffee. Sugar. Cinnamon roll. Easy. Normal. Except nothing about this feels normal anymore.
When it’s done, I pick up the tray and head back to his table. Part dreading, part living for it.
“I’ve got your order,” I say, setting the coffee and plate down in front of him carefully.
“Thanks,” he replies.
I should turn and go. Instead, I hear myself say, “I didn’t picture you as someone who takes sugar in his coffee.”
One of his eyebrows lifts slightly. “No?”
I shake my head, a small, nervous smile tugging at my lips. “You just seem more like…black coffee. No nonsense. Maybe a little intimidating.”
His expression softens, almost looking amused. “Intimidating, huh?”
“A little,” I admit, then quickly add, “In a good way.”
That earns me a real smile this time, small, but enough to completely change his face. It softens the sharp edges.
“I’m full of surprises,” he says.
“I can see that,” I reply, my confidence growing just a little. “So, what else have I gotten wrong about you?”
