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I worry my lip.Again.
Seriously, if I keep up this level of anxiety, I’m gonna need lip injections.
It’s been – I glance at the clock behind the counter – hours. It’s been freaking hours and Axel’s just been sitting here.
Granted he’s in one of the big, overstuffed chairs that I have over by the fireplace. The fire isn’t on, since it’s summer and hot enough on its own, but I like to think that it’s still a cozy spot.
He’s in my favorite chair, looking mouth-watering, lounging back, with one foot propped on the opposite knee. And I want nothing more than to walk over there and plant myself on his lap.
I’ve never sat on a man’s lap until this morning, but I liked it. I liked it a lot and I’d like to do it again.
Maybe with less crying this time.
Looking around I confirm we’re caught up with the rush and I let out a sigh of relief.
Being in Darling Lake we don’t get slammed like some of the stores in bigger towns do. But a smaller town means smaller staff, so a stream of steady customers is plenty of work for the two of us.
“You can go take a break if you’d like,” I tell Griff.
He presses his hands together in front of his chest and mouthsthank you.
As he disappears into the office – the only real place to sit down – I turn to the employee mug cupboard.
A few minutes later, I’m carefully carrying a steaming mug over to Axel.
My approach catches his attention when I’m still a few feet away.
I watch as his eyes lift, trailing over my form like a physical touch, and I see the exact moment when he recognizes his sweatshirt.
I’d left it here on accident yesterday, which worked out since tonight I was feeling a little cold – and a little exposed – in my strappy dress.
“It looks better on you.” Axel’s voice is low and growly, and I love it.
“Thanks,” I press my lips together to keep from grinning like a fool.
“Come to take a break with me?” He gestures towards the drink in my hands.
“No, this is for you.”
Axel lifts a brow and uncrosses his legs, planting both feet on the ground. “What is it?”
My fingers start to tremble with sudden nervousness, so I quickly lower the mug to the small side table next to Axel’s chair.
“It’s, um, it’s a salted caramel latte.” I practically choke on the words. “I just thought you might like something, since it’s been so long. And I made it decaf. I know you sometimes drink coffee late,” I say, referencing the first night we met, “but I thought this would be safer.” He picks up the mug and my pulse jolts. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to finish it. I know you’re usually a black coffee kind of guy. And well, if you don’t like it…”
Good god, why can’t I stop talking?
Axel lifts the mug to his lips and my words finally trail off.
I shove my hands into the pockets of the giant hoodie, feeling like I’m waiting for some bad news.
I just want him to like it. I want to give Axel back some of the happiness that he’s given me today. And this is the best way I know how.
His expression doesn’t change as he takes a second sip.
My leg starts to bounce so I shift my weight to keep it steady.
“Maddie.” Axel locks eyes with me. “Come here.”
