Page 38 of Not So Very Sensible

Why was this man so kind? She nodded and sipped her coffee. Then made a face.

“Not the best, huh?”

“I hate to sound like a café snob, but those kinds of instant machines never are as good as when a barista makes it. Well, a barista who knows how to make good coffee.”

“I’m not a coffee snob, but I do appreciate the difference between those who don’t and those who do know what they’re doing.”

“You’ll have to come visit us at my family’s café one day and see what you think.” As soon as the words popped out she wanted to stuff them in again.

He smiled and leaned closer. “Let me guess: You make a good coffee too.”

“I do.”

He grinned. “I like the sound of that.”

“Of me saying ‘I do’?”

He chuckled. “I meant coming to see you and good coffee making, but we can go with that too.”

Her cheeks fired with new heat, and she was awfully glad that nobody else was around to hear or see. Why did she have to have quite so many moments she’d rather forget? It was enough that she continually embarrassed herself with this man, let alone in front of any others. And she was especially glad that Katie wasn’t here to say—

“Well, look who just so happened to be here.”

Ellie glanced up to see her sister as Ethan said, “Good morning, Katie.”

“Katie! I thought you wanted to sleep.” Judging from those puffy eyes, she’d still prefer to be in bed. “If you’re hungry, there might still be something left at the buffet—but they’re closing it now, so you need to hurry.”

“I’m not hungry,” she muttered, slumping into a nearby chair.

“Would you like me to get you a tea or a coffee?” Ethan asked.

Katie peered at him. “Are you doing that because you want to be in my good books or hers?”

He shook his head. “I might be doing this because I want one, and I can make you one too. If you like.” He glanced at Ellie. “Do you need a top-up?”

“I’m fine, but thank you.”

His smile sent another quiver of awareness through her soul. Oh, he seemed like a really nice man.

“So, how about you, Katie?”

“Thanks. I’d like a green tea.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back.” He winked at Ellie and moved to the coffee and tea station.

Katie sighed. “So your knight in shining armour is here still, huh?”

She shrugged. “He’s not my knight in shining armour.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Katie glanced at the plate that still had the pastries and fruit Ellie had salvaged earlier.

Ellie pushed the plate towards her. “I got this for you.”

“Thanks.” She ate one pain au chocolate, then quickly scarfed down the apple fritter too.

Ellie bit back a smile. So much for not being hungry. “So, what do you want to do today?”

Katie yawned, and Ellie caught an unfortunate glimpse of unmasticated food. “I don’t know. Do we have to go back? Can we see if there’s a spare room so we can stay tonight too?”