It wasn’t because I didn’t want him there, that was the problem.
I wanted him there a little too much. Which meant my brain had spent the entire drive over replaying our first kiss on replay.
I parked across from the café and glanced toward the windows.
The evening rush had finally died down. There were only a few customers lingered inside now, illuminated by the warm amber glow hanging over the counter.
For a second, I considered texting Seth and telling him he didn’t actually have to do this. That my family would survive without meeting him properly.
After all, Seth didn’t owe me anything just because I’d agreed to be his fake date. Before I could decide, the café door opened, and then Seth stepped outside.
My thoughts derailed immediately. He’d changed after his shift. He no longer had his apron on, no coffee stains.
Instead, he wore dark jeans and a soft forest-green shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. It was a simple and casual look. Unfortunately, he looked incredible.
The green made his eyes look warmer somehow, deep brown under the streetlights. His curls were slightly damp again, like he’d splashed water on his face before leaving work.
He spotted my truck and smiled. My wolf practically sat up. Seth walked over and climbed into the passenger seat.
“Hey,” he said.
I stared at him for one second too long.
“You look great,” I blurted.
Seth blinked, clearly caught off guard. Then a shy smile tugged at his mouth.
“Thanks,” he said quietly. “You too.”
There it was again, that incredibly tempting mouth. My gaze dropped there automatically before I could stop myself. Bad idea, I immediately thought to myself.
The second I looked at Seth’s lips, I wanted to kiss him again.
Focus, I silently chided myself. I dragged my attention back upward.
Seth was watching me now, expression just curious enough that I wondered if he’d noticed exactly where my thoughts had wandered.
“You sure you’re okay doing this?” I asked, clearing my throat and starting the truck. “Because now’s your last chance to escape.”
“I thought you said it was an emergency.”
“It was,” I said gravely. “My mother.”
Seth laughed softly. Then his expression gentled slightly.
“I’m okay,” he said. “Really.”
“You don’t have to force yourself if you’re tired from work,” I pointed out.
“I survived eight hours of customers asking if oat milk tastes healthier than regular milk,” Seth said. “I can survive dinner.”
“That bad today?” I asked.
“One guy asked me if coffee beans were gluten free.”
I snorted. “What did you say?”
“I stared at him for a full five seconds because I thought he was joking.”
