“Hey.” He cupped her chin and lifted it up. “I like you, Drinda. A lot. I don’t mind your hugs. In fact, I’m looking forward to more.”
His eyes held something soft and open.
Her heart tripped.
“Yeah, what’s a hug between friends?” His brows pinched together. He seemed, dare she even think it,disappointed.
“Gotta run.” She whirled around and opened the door. “Thanks for supper and coffee. See you tomorrow.”
The frigid winter air chilled her heated face. She stood on the step, eyes closed, face tipped up into the light drifting snow.
“Are you going inside?” he asked.
“Right!” She forgot he always made sure she made it the twelve steps home safely. He was a gem. A keeper. “Night.” She raced up her stairs and inside before she could forget the delicious feel of his body against hers.
♥♥♥
It took everything he had for Ford not to arrive too early the next evening. He’d spent the entire day in anticipation of seeing Drinda. She drew him in, unlike anyone he’d ever met. He’d dated. A lot. He was no Romeo or serial dater, but he’d been around the block a time or two. But Drinda struck something in his chest that made her irresistible. She was sweet and kind and funny. He pushed the thoughts back and tried to focus on the task at hand. Tax paperwork.
Tax season was nearly upon him, and if he didn’t pay attention, he’d screw this up and get hit with a penalty. Worse yet, his grandmother would face a fine. He put on some upbeat classical music and forced himself to focus. Finally, he slipped into the groove. Enough so that he was shocked when his phone timer went off.
“Holy crap,” he mumbled and shut off the alarm. He had just enough time for a quick shower and bite to eat before he saw her again. Excitement burned through him like fire through an abandoned building. He was almost giddy. If any of his buddies had acted this way, he’d tease them relentlessly.
“Who cares? I like her. A lot. And I can’t wait to see her.” He took the stairs two at a time as he raced for the shower. Shower then food. He whistled through his shower. Grinned through dinner and jogged happily all the way to The Coffee Loft. Drinda was just flipping the sign toClosedwhen he arrived.
She swung the door open for him. As always, she wore her work apron and jeans. Tonight,her top was a scoop necked pink sweater that brought out the blue in her eyes, turning them a deep robin’s egg blue.
“Perfect timing. I’ve got the first drinks ready to go.” She waved him inside and locked the door behind him.
Most of the lights were off giving the shop an intimate feeling. Was she romancing him? A pulse of pleasure warmed him right through.
“I’ve set us up here.” She pointed to a table close to her work counter. “Take a seat and I’ll be right back.”
He slipped out of his jacket and sat. He’d never been here late in the day. The place had an entirely different vibe. It still smelled deliciously of fresh, hot coffee. But it felt different somehow. There were tiny white lights strung around the room, close to the ceiling. They made the room glow. Several of her machines had red or blue lights that lit up the space behind the counter. The back of the mug wall glowed as if lit from behind. The entire feeling was intimate and romantic.
She brought over a small tray with three frothy mugs. “Taste one. Sip it first, then stir and sip.” Her hands fluttered over the tray after she set it on thecounter. She seemed nervous. “Give me your honest opinion. No filter.”
He lifted one mug and sniffed if. “Whoa!”
“Too much?”
“Really heavy on the orange.” He wasn’t sure he even wanted to taste it. Thankfully, she took the mug away. “That’s what I thought. Don’t even bother tasting. Try the next.”
The first sip was pure foam with the barest hint of flavor. So, faint he didn’t recognize it. After a stir he detected almond, chocolate, and orange. This is good.”
“Good or great?” She sat across from him, her fingers twisted together. Man, she was adorable when she was nervous.
“I’d say good. I’d drink it.”
“Not good enough then,” she declared decisively as she pushed the final mug toward him.
A sniff revealed the same aromas, but stronger. The first sip was delicious. “I like this.” He stirred it up and tried again. Her eyes were wide with anticipation. He schooled his features to show nothing and took another sip. Flavor burst overhis taste buds.
“Oh! This is good! It’s deep and rich. Almost decadent without being too much.” He took another sip.
She reached up and stopped him from taking a third. “I’m glad. That was my favorite.” She pulled a small notepad from her pocket and jotted something down. “Don’t drink anymore. I’ve got two more combinations.”
“But it’s amazing,” he griped playfully.
