AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nervously, I tuck my hair behind my ear as I feel my cheeks flush a little. I didn’t think I overdid it, but maybe I did. I want to look nice in case James is there and wants to sketch me again.
I couldn’t stop thinking about it all week. The beautiful art he’d drawn took my breath away when I saw it. I’ve been thinking about how perfectly he’d captured me. I may have only seen it for a few seconds, but it was enough to draw me in.
“I don’t. They’re just clothes, Grace.”
“Bullshit! You have more than just nice clothes on. You did your hair and makeup today.”
Rolling my eyes, I tuck all my things into my bag, shouldering it as I make my way to the door.
“Vanna was mad when she left because we ran out of ham, so I had to make her a PB&J for lunch. So, be ready for that attack when she gets home,” I deflect, telling her about the kids.
“Alright,” she says snidely, turning her attention to Aiden and Katy, who are playing in the living room.
“I’ll see you later. Call if you need anything,” I yell over my shoulder, opening the door to the garage to leave.
“Yeah, yeah...” She brushes me off.
I start to feel butterflies in my stomach as I near the Burned Bean. Taking in a breath to calm my foolish nerves, I park and enter the café.
“What’ll it be today?” the barista who’s used to seeing me asks when I walk to the counter.
“Hmm… lemon poppyseed muffin and a…” I trail off, thinking over my choice in pairing my treats.
“I think you might have to go with a basic coffee with that one,” a deep voice sounds behind me.
Peering over my shoulder, I smile at him. “You might be right. It’s a boring choice, huh?”
He scratches at his stubbled chin. “Kind of, yeah.” A laugh falls from my lips at his candor.
“We have a new black forest muffin that’s so good,” the barista chimes in.
“I’ll have that,” James tells her from behind me, his closeness sending foreign tingles through me. “And a mocha with an extra shot of espresso.”
“Good choice!” the barista praises him, ringing up his order.
“I’ll have the same!” I blurt out, hearing James chuckle under his breath at my expense.
Reaching for my wallet, he puts a hand over mine. “I got you.”
Electricity.
My lips part. My heart hammers. My eyes meet his.
The zing that shoots through me is something I’ve missed for a long time. Our hands barely touching has sent me into a tailspin of feelings.
Biting my lip, I nod, unable to say anything. His lips twitch at the corner, and I know he’s feeling the same thing I am.
My teeth rake over my lip as they release the flesh. His eyes watch the movement, growing darker as he looks mesmerized.
“I’m going to go sit down,” I manage to say, pulling my hand away from his. Turning, I walk to the table where I left my bag and sit. My hands shake as I put my wallet away. Sitting there, I wait for him to join me, all of it feeling so right and wrong all at once.
“You look beautiful,” he says behind me, his arm brushing mine as he places my coffee down in front of me. Goosebumps erupt down my arm and body from the touch.
“Thank you,” I say softly. “For the compliment and for treating me.”
Sitting across from me, he smiles. “My pleasure.”
We’re both halfway finished with our coffee before we speak again.
