Page 69 of Finding Storm

He agrees with a nod, so we walk back to my car and deposit our purchases in the truck.

After I lock my car back up, we start the short walk to Penny’s work.

Aside from getting a caffeine fix, I really want to bring Nick to meet Penny. She will shit a brick when she sees him.

I couldn’t have the hottest guy ever to come to our town and not let Penny see him. What sort of friend would I be?

We reach the coffee shop, and Nick steps ahead, opening the door for me again.

A girl could really get used to this.

The place is busy, like usual. I spot Penny behind the counter, serving a customer.

She sees me and waves. I watch her eyes move to Nick standing beside me, and they widen almost comically. I have to stop myself from laughing.

“What’s your coffee of choice?” I ask him.

“Americano. And this is my treat.”

“No way. I’m getting them.”

“Stevie.” His hand touches my forearm.

The third time we’ve touched since we met, and holy hell, haywire electrons are firing under my skin.

Just imagine how it would feel if he put that hand on other parts of your body.

“You just took time out of your day, not only to come rescue my ass from the side of the road”—I open my mouth to argue that it was technically work, but he cuts me off with a look—“but you also just drove me out here, so I could get some stuff—and don’t say you were coming here anyway.” It’s like he’s taking the words straight out of my head. “So, paying for your coffee is the least I can do.”

I press my lips together and pout. “Well, I was going to have something sweet too, maybe cake …” I let that pout turn into a smile.

His hand reaches out and tucks some stray tendrils of hair behind my ear. “I’m sure I can manage something sweet.”

His fingers linger a moment before moving away.

I don’t even think he realized that he did it. Did he?

But I’m realizing and … holy shiz!

The way he just touched me. That’s intimate, right? Or am I being a total numbnut and reading that wrong?

But the way he’s been looking at me …

And I know he was thinking about kissing me earlier, back at the B&B.

Maybe he likes me.

Or maybe he just wants to fuck you.

Probably the latter.

We’ve known each other for the smallest amount of time. He’s only passing through town. Nick is not here to stay.

And you don’t do one-nights.

Although I’m starting to revise my thoughts on that.

Shallow as it sounds … he’s really hot. But I like him too. He makes me laugh.