What I wouldn’t give to have my mom lecture me once more. She’d surely tell me that same advice, for the hundredth time, and maybe this time I’d actually listen.
“I’m serious,” Axel leans forward, clearly mistaking my silence for disagreement. “Any prick that stands you up doesn’t deserve you. I mean that.” He drags one of his oversized hands through his hair. “Fuck,” he growls, dropping his hand back down. “But if you have your heart set on meeting Brian, I won’t stand in your way. I couldn’t do that. To either of you.”
“What?! No!” My hands slap down on the table, and I instantly hunch my shoulders, not meaning to make so much noise. In a more controlled tone, I explain, “I mean, no offense to Brian or anything, but we’ve barely exchanged messages. It’s not like we really know each other. I was just…”
My favorite server in the whole wide world shows up right in time to save me, because I don’t know how I was going to finish that sentence, but it probably wasn’t gonna be good.
I was just saying yes to the first guy that showed interest.
I was just so desperate that I was willing to meet a man that was still a total stranger.
“Here you are, honey,” the server says, setting down another full-to-the-brim drink.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
When she angles towards Axel, I pick up the half-full glass I still had and down the contents.
Handing the empty to the server before she leaves. The woman smirks, knowing I’m well on my way to being totally drunk.
But I mean, come on. Can you really blame me? This situation is… a bit much.
Unexpectedly, my favorite scent hits me and I’m smiling before my eyes fall on the steaming mug sitting in front of Axel.
“Coffee?” I ask, even though I can see what it is for myself.
He nods, lifting the mug, “Coffee.”
He brings the edge of the mug up to his mouth, pressing his lips against the curved ceramic, and gently blows across the surface.
The move is entirely innocent, but also unbelievably sensual. And my body reacts as though his breath is cooling my bare skin instead of his coffee.
My teeth clamp down on my lower lip, trying to keep in a groan. When I close my eyes tonight, this is the exact scene that will greet me. And lord help me, my hand will probably be down my pajamas.
The mug tips, and he takes his first taste.
There’s no reaction on his face. No sense of pleasure. No eyes rolling back at the joy of coffee on his tongue.
“Is it good?” I ask before I can help myself.
One of his brows lifts, like he can’t believe I’d ask. “It’s coffee.”
“Well, yeah. But I mean, is itgood?” I emphasize the word this time, like maybe he didn’t get my question the first time.
Axel lowers the mug to the table and slides it towards me. “Tastes like coffee, but you’re welcome to try it.”
I know I shouldn’t. I don’t know this man, and I’m not in the habit of sharing drinks with total strangers. But… coffee.
Letting go of my glass, I slide my hand forward.
“You’re left-handed,” I blurt out the observation, when I realize the mug handle is already aimed perfectly for my right hand to reach out and grab it.
Axel’s lips quirk up the smallest amount, “I am.”
Making a small humming noise, I mimic his movements from a moment ago and lift the plain white ceramic. Only instead of blowing on it, I inhale, and my nose scrunches instantly.
Burnt.
I already know I won’t enjoy the flavor but…