Everly
I can still feelhis lips on mine. The burn of his scruff on my cheeks and chin. I can’t believe I went there. Crossed that line, no, not even crossed. I friggin’ twerked my ass so far past that line. And at the office…and then got caught.What am I doing?
“I’m thinking this year my pop-up shop should be like a date night theme. I can send out invites for tattoos and tacos or something with your partner. What do you think?” G asks as she digs her phone out from her bag.
The Strutt’s Peak Film Festival is one of, if notthebiggest, pre-season tourist draws in Colorado. It happens in advance of the big snowfalls and brings a certain vibe to town that I look forward to every year. The town takes it seriously with an accompanying vendor fair, all the local restaurants arrange specialty menus, and the small businesses in our downtown village thrive off of the foot traffic.
My phone buzzes in my back pocket. I’m currently in that place where I’m excited when my phone goes off. It could be Jack. I didn’t give him my number, but I’m almost certain that wouldn’t keep him from getting it. Usually, I groan at the buzz since it’s more often than not a fire to put out at work, or a brother asking for more budget.
Unknown Number:I can’t stop thinking that maybe you should be the one with the player reputation. Good girls don’t kiss like that, Miss Riggs. It was too good.
Jack.Looks like he found my number. I can’t help but smile like an idiot at my phone.
“You didn’t hear anything I just said, did you?” She caught me and rolls her eyes.
We’re in line at Brews & Books, and the smell of coffee and caramel is making my mouth water. Ignoring her comment, I look around and say, “I’ve never seen a line this long. This place is a brilliant idea. On a random day, it’s such a great spot, but the idea to host romance authors for meet and greets during the film festival is just good business.”
“Fucking smart, right? Wish I thought of it.”
That gives me an idea. “You should talk to the owner and see if they would want to do a little partner pop-up for the vendor fair. Make it a date night with coffee, romance, and tattoos.”
“Oooooo! I love that, Ev. Maybe we can project some classic romance movies on the building outside to draw people in. I’m going to run with this and find the owner, Kathryn, when this crowd dies down a little bit.”
G’s phone buzzes, and before she clicks it open, I spot Henry’s name. “Why is my brother texting you?”
We move farther up in line, and while I’m reading the menu, I’m also trying to work out why two of the people I love the most, and that hate each other, could be texting one another. At one point, I thought G was interested in Henry. In fact, she helped him get out of an unhealthy situation with his ex, but they’re at each other's throats every time they’re in the same room.
She instantly goes on the defense. “How the fuck should I know? I just got the text. One of his douchebag athletes probably decided they want a tattoo after a day of bro-ing out.”
I text Jack back.
Everly:Jack, what ever made you assume I was a good girl?
I smile at my phone. What I wouldn’t give to see his face with that response. I have this need to flirt and push him right back. If I’m being honest, I really want to just push him into a dark corner and have my way with him. It’s almost a crime not to think about the hard bulge that pressed into me.
A deep, gravelly voice that I’ve gotten used to enjoying the sound of grabs my attention, and I whip my head up to look around the few people in front of me. Behind the counter, sporting a red apron, is the man I’m currently texting and have been fantasizing about for the past few nights. While I hoped he would have come into the house and sought me out after our kiss, he didn’t. I wasn’t going to read into it. I’m so tired of overanalyzing and planning. With Jack, I want to just go for it and not overthink anything.
“Everly, why is your famous photographer working behind the counter at a coffee shop?” Giselle asks as she checks him out.
Without being able to look away, I mumble, “I have no idea.”
Taking an order from three flirtatious college girls, I use that minute to appreciate this beautiful man. His short black hair peeks from underneath a loosely fitted black ski hat, and a black long-sleeved Henley thermal frames the muscles of his broad shoulders and sculpted biceps. The sleeves are pushed up, showing off his corded forearms, one decorated with tattoos while the other is art-free and adorned with a leather cuff. He looks like the hipster artist he likely was when he was in his early twenties. I haven’t been able to close my mouth, and realize I’m parched. I swallow hard.
“There’s my hot barista! Or is it a baristo?” G shouts and pulls both Jack’s and Benny’s attention to us.
That fucking smile of his is dangerous. One kiss with that man and the crush I already had has now turned into a slight infatuation. I never feel like this, interested, enamored, and hot. Too damn hot. I’m constantly flushed. Falling over myself as soon as his dimples are directed my way. But I also don’t remember ever being kissed like that. And a kiss like that is one you remember. It was as if he wanted to learn what I liked while teaching me what made him feel good, creating something perfect and original and delicious with each other. God, I want more.
As the person in front of us moves off to the side to collect her drink, G and I step up to the counter. Jack reaches forward and grabs my hand, kissing my palm. I wasn’t expecting the comfort of a public display of affection. But now that it's happened, I’m not mad about it. That small move just traveled its way through my entire body. I feel his lips everywhere I want them. I want to be drunk on them.
“What are you doing here?” I manage to squeak out.
“What, did you move into town and have to get a part-time job, Jack? I thought they paid you pretty well with this whole celeb-level photography thing,” Giselle comments sarcastically.
“My sister owns this place. She needed some help because of the author meet and greet tonight. I was in town, so here I am,” Jack says.
“Uncle Jack, we’re out of almond milk. You need to push the oat milk instead.” Benny comes up next to Jack and flashes a smile at both G and me.
“Uncle Jack?” I ask.