For some reason, seeing him here in what is basically my second home, warms something deep in my belly.
Luke isn’t in his usual suit. No today he’s in jeans that are worn in, as if he’s had them for a lifetime, when he walked away his ass was something to behold. He paired his dark wash denim with a white cotton tee shirt, nothing like what I was used to seeing him in, and I can’t decide which I like more.
“He’s a hottie,” Katie bumps my shoulder, grabbing my attention.
“I’m thinking Luke may be more than hot,” I fan myself, and we both giggle.
With the noise we’re making a few customers give us a look, but one handsome man is the only one I care about, his eyes are locked on mine. I feel myself blush, turning away I tell Kate, “We need to work on decorations for Valentine’s Day, the earlier the prep, the better off we’ll be.”
“We have some stuff leftover from last year, but I think we may need a few things new to liven it up,” she replies.
“I think I’m going to have an artist come out and paint the windows, that with some heart streamers, and a few other things you and I can pick up. It’ll look great, don’t you think?” I ask Kate.
In the back of my mind, I know it’s time to promote Kate to more of a managerial position, she’s shown her worth, and proven time and time again how amazing she is. But, her now ex-boyfriend was holding me back. I shouldn’t have allowed that to happen, but I saw how badly he was bringing Kate down. A promotion is a bigger pay in wages, and let’s be honest, he would have milked her for all her worth.
“Definitely, I’ll hit up the dollar spot inside Target on my way home, you want to tackle the craft store?” Kate asks.
“You mean the take all my money, screw up on the craft, and laugh about it later? Absolutely,” my smile is bright on my face. I love to celebrate every holiday there is, it doesn’t matter what it is.
“Oh! We need to come up with a coffee for Valentine’s Day. I’ll ask Sloane what she has up her sleeve, too.”
“I love that idea! Okay, I’m off for the day, see you Monday,” she takes her apron off, and then heads back to the stock room to grab her things.
I start thinking about something we can come up with for our drink menu option and get lost in my work.
6
Luke
I’ve been waiting for what feels like hours. I tried to hold back and let Kinsley make my coffee, wanting to see her handwriting on my cup. Every day this week there’s been something different, and every time it brings a smile to my face.
When I see her co-worker leave for the day, I make my way towards her. This is the time, I’m going in for the kill. Her sweet smile has pulled me in, it’s the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I envision before I go to bed, not to mention the shit I think of while I’m in the shower.
“Kinsley,” my voice low, but still demanding. My body craving her attention, I run my hand through my hair, fisting it at the nape of my neck. I need a damn haircut, something I’ll have to make time for and soon.
“Luke, can I get you something?” her soft and sweet smile is aimed at me. The only thing I want is her, in my arms for the rest of fucking time.
“A date, tonight?” I question. The blush that I saw on her earlier, comes back full force, her porcelain skin is overtaken by it.
“Me?” She questions, pointing at herself.
“Yes, Kinsley, you and me, a date. Maybe some dinner?” I reiterate.
“Um…I guess so, but are you sure?” She questions, like I’d change my mind. I get it, she doesn’t know me that well, yet. One thing for sure, she will after tonight.
“Positive, I’ll pick you up at seven” I tell her.
“You don’t even know where I live though,” she grabs her loose hair, pulling it to one side, trying to conceal her nervousness.
“Kinsley, I know you live upstairs, that you close at four o’clock tonight. So, seven tonight, we can go for sushi?”
“Sure, I’ll…uh, be ready and waiting,” she mumbles. I move in closer to her, her scent is surrounding me now, it’s light and airy with hints of vanilla. My body wants to bring her in more, to feel her wrapped around me, but I know it’s too soon, she’s too unsure. Instead, I kiss her forehead, step back, and say, “See you at seven.”
“See you soon,” her head is tipped up, her lips pressed together. It takes everything I have to walk away from her before I do something like kiss her stupid in front of everyone in the coffee shop.