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Goose bumps broke out on my skin. I’d always had a slight obsession with coffee machines in high school because I’d waitressed two afternoons a week.
I had no idea why the fact that he remembered those details about me meant so much. Did it mean he'd pined for me all these years? Or had the details resurfaced now that we’d seen each other? It didn’t really matter.
We walked at a slow pace, soaking in the energy of our neighborhood. I truly enjoyed it. The streets weren’t crowded, so it didn't even feel like Chicago. More like we were on vacation somewhere.
We arrived at the appropriately named The Coffee & Pie Shop a few minutes later. It was very cozy, with couches and armchairs spread around the room. They had an electric fireplace in the center. The way the flames danced could've fooled me into thinking it was real. It was early enough that there were still plenty of tables available.
"Sit down. I'll bring everything over," Sam said. I was getting a slice of pecan pie and coffee.
"You’ve gotfinemanners, Mr. Maxwell."
From behind, he touched both my shoulders, whispering in my ear, "Always. At least when we’re out of bed."
A shudder went through me, and I shimmied in my seat. Maybe I should've asked for us to definetime-outa little bit more. Last night, I thought the break would include skating and a little flirting. And then we'd completely crossed the line.
But today, I was totally overthinking.
Breathe in and out, Avery.
It was a cold but sunny day.
"You look so relaxed," he said, startling me.
"That was fast. And with so many treats," I nearly screeched. He had brought not only pecan pie and coffee, but also cheesecake with a strawberry topping andmousse au chocolat. "Oh, Sam. I think you're my favorite person right now."
"I like the sound of that." He winked, sitting down.
The three slices were enormous enough for both of us to share. And he hadn't lied about the coffee.
"This is good," I said. "Thank you for bringing me here."
"I love to please you, Avery."
I licked my lips, staring straight at him. "Okay, we need to define the parameters of this time-out.”
"Go on." His eyes were scrutinizing me, making me squirm.
"Sexy talk is allowed?"
"Sure. Why wouldn't it be?"
"I don't know. How are we supposed to go back to being roommates after the day's over if we keep flirting with each other?" I answered in a whisper.
His eyes turned hard. "We'll figure it out." He sounded cold, or maybe he was determined.
"I don't want to spoil the day."
"You aren't. But I don’t want us to worry about any of that right now."
"You're right," I said, taking a spoonful of the mousse. "You don't have plans with your family at all today?” I wanted to make sure, as I remembered him telling me that he used his time off between shifts to catch up with friends and family.
"I canceled everything I’d planned," he said with a straight face.
I gasped. "Because of me?"
"Hell yes."
"When did you do that?"
