Page 29 of A Perfect Fit

Contrary to what I told Isabelle last time, the coffee she made was surprisingly good. I’ve been avoiding going back there, but after trialing three other coffee shops around the area, I’m convinced that the coffee at The Daily Brew is the best within walking distance.

Aaron stabs the salad on his desk with his fork before stuffing lettuce inside his mouth. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

“You can finish eating later,” I say. “I’m looking forward to some coffee right now.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “You sure coffee’s the only thing you’re looking forward to?”

I’m beginning to regret asking him to join me. “What else would it be?”

Aaron places his fork down. “You know, for someone who aced English back in school, you sure don’t know what the word denial means.”

“I’m leaving,” I grumble, walking off.

“Wait for me!” Aaron cries from behind.

When we arrive at The Daily Brew five minutes later, Isabelle’s standing behind the counter. Her hair’s pulled up into her classic high ponytail, and a cream The Daily Brew apron is wrapped around her waist.

There aren’t any other customers in line, so we walk straight up to her.

“Look, it’s my favorite customer again,” she says to me. “And you brought a friend this time. Hey, Aaron. Long time no see.”

Aaron grins at her. “Hey, Isabelle.”

I place my hands on the counter. “Favorite customer? Does that mean I get a discount?”

“Discounts are only for nice people, honey,” Isabelle says in a sugary-sweet tone.

“Honey?” I say. “Now that’s an upgrade from jackass.”

Isabelle rolls her eyes. “Are you going to order or not?”

Since I’m here, I might as well make things interesting.

“Do you still have the black coffee with a flavor of arrogance and cockiness on top?”

Aaron stares at me in disbelief. “Is that actually a real thing on the menu?”

“Sorry, we ran out of flavoring,” Isabelle says. “I had to use too much for Jackson’s order last time.”

“How generous of you,” I deadpan. “You gave me more flavoring without charging extra. I really must be your favorite customer around here.”

Isabelle shakes her head. “God, you really are a source of pain in my life.”

“You know what they say—no pain, no gain.”

“Are you two trying to subtly flirt with each other?” Aaron pipes up.

“No,” Isabelle and I both say, crossing our arms at the same time. We turn to glare at each other.

For some reason, an image of me wrapping my arms around her from behind enters my head. I push the imagery aside.

Laughter bubbles in Aaron’s throat. “Wow. You two are literally in sync.”

Uncrossing my arms, I remind myself of the real reason we’re here—for coffee and coffee only.

“We’ll have one regular black coffee and one iced Americano to go,” I say to Isabelle, reciting my and Aaron’s usual orders.

Aaron takes out his card to pay, but I stop him. “I’ve got it.”