And I’m not upset about that at all.
I start for my apartment again, feeling freer than I have in forever, the baggage of my life suddenly not so heavy.
Now that I’ve admitted Story might be more than a little fun, that there might be something more there than someone to spend a power outage with, how do I break the news to her that she came to my party and I’m the prick who tried to ruin her relationship?
11
Story
“A third cup, Lou? You usually stop after two coffees.”
He rubs a temple, glaring at the screen like it’s a mortal enemy. “Finals are killing me this semester.” When he looks up at me, he adds, “Pulled two all-nighters. How are yours going?”
I fill the cup. “Good.” I shrug. “Better than good actually. The extra day yesterday was helpful.”
He starts dumping loads of sugar into the black brew, his attention seemingly focused on the singular task. But then he says, “That guy who’s been hanging around the shop . . .” A quick peek up at me doesn’t lessen his nerves. I might have even added to them.
Now I catch his anxiety.
“I’ve seen him before.” He takes a sip, but by how it’s shaking in his hands, the act isn’t working to cover his curiosity.
“He was here the other night when we lost power.” Lou’s a sweet guy. A few years older than me, he transferred in two years ago and has been coming to Bean There ever since. He’s never asked me out, but the relationship has been pleasant and a constant. We may not spend time together outside this coffee shop’s walls, but I consider us friendly acquaintances.
“Around town and campus, I guess.”
“Why does this sound like you’re going somewhere with this? What is it, Lou? You can just tell me.”
The bell chimes above the door, and I turn to look. “Hi, I’ll be right—”
Cooper smiles. “Hey.”
Giddiness shoots up my spine. “Hi.” I can already feel my cheeks heating when I add, “Sit wherever you’d like. I’ll be right with you.”
When I turn back to Lou, I say, “Sorry. You were saying?”
“It’s nothing.” He shakes his head, his attention returning to his laptop. “Just be careful.”
I question the warning in his eyes by holding his gaze before nodding once. “I will.”
Setting the pot back on the coffee burner, I rush back around to Cooper’s table. I’m tempted to throw my arms around him, so excited to see him that I can barely contain it. I don’t, though. I’m at work and should probably act professionally, but he makes it hard when he looks so good.
He stands for me, his jacket hanging open in the front. No scarf or hat or gloves today, but the weather is unseasonably warm at fifty degrees. Unlike me, he doesn’t hold back. One large and strong hand takes hold of my waist while the other slides around my neck, tilting me back so he can kiss me.
I’m not usually one for such displays. But maybe it’s because I’ve never had anyone who made me want to break the rules. Until now.
I give in and kiss him, wrapping my arms around him while melting into him, our lips pressed together, rivaling any kiss I’ve ever read about in a romance novel.
I’m usually prepared for life to hit me sideways with surprises, but I can’t say that I saw this coming with Cooper. He holds his emotional cards close to his chest. I can respect that because I do, too.
Neither of us was caught up in nonsense that could throw us off track, but over the past two days . . . two days . . . How has it only been two days? It’s felt like so much more, from holding hands in the rain to inviting him to stay with me even though I didn’t know his last name.
Cooper Haywood has my mind going haywire. I giggle to myself over my ridiculousness. Disregarding my usual more serious stance, it feels good to just have fun with someone, to laugh, and I will never stop craving his kisses.
I have a feeling I’m not the first girl to go a little nutty over him. We stand, and even though I’m tempted to swoon just to kiss him all over again, the shattering of a glass has me jumping instead.
Lou is out of his seat and scrambling to pick up the broken pieces of his coffee cup. I glance at Cooper, wishing I could stay with him a minute longer. Reading my conflict, he nods. “Go. I understand.”
“Don’t touch the glass, Lou. I’ll get a broom.” I’m in and out of the back and start sweeping the wet pieces into the dustpan.
“Sorry, Story. I was rearranging my laptop.”
“It’s okay. No worries. I’ll be quick to clean it up and get you another cup. I know you’re stressed, so keep working. Don’t mind me.” Squatting down, I try to get more of the liquid near the base of the table, but I bend too far and lose my balance. Porcelain shards pierce my knee through my jeans and cause me to fall back in pain.