Roasting Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 6)

“Valerie,” I whispered through my clenched jaw, “We should–”

She silenced me with her tongue, exploring my mouth as her splayed fingers caressed my chest. I’d never been this hot for a woman in my life, and gently pushing her away may have been the hardest thing I’d ever done.

“Sorry,” she whispered.

“Mmm, don’t be.” I nuzzled her ear. “But, you know... Work.”

Her grin was more relaxed, much more confident. “I’ll get another round done on your site, and see you tomorrow?” she asked, standing up.

A buzzer sounded in the roasting room, making me laugh. “Perfect. And we can work on both projects together?”

Valerie nodded, and I stood up, holding her against my chest. She looked up at me, blinking as if she were coming out of a spell, before grabbing her things.

“Text me if you need anything,” I said.

“Thanks, I think I have everything,” she said with the cutest little smile. “See you tomorrow.”

I couldn’t help staring at those swinging hips as she walked out to the front, still not quite believing what had just happened.

CHAPTER FIVE

* Valerie *

The next day, I almost wondered whether I should go to the cafe to work, almost embarrassed by what had happened in Dave’s office. But I realized it would be rude not to go. I did have to finish his website, and working on it there made sense in case I had any questions.

I couldn’t be too certain how serious he was about wanting to be a couple. Wasn’t that too soon? But he’d been clear about it before that amazing, steamy makeout that was like a dream, but so inappropriate. Something about his touch changed me completely, and I desperately wanted more. Shutting off my mind and letting my body take over had been such a rush, and I needed more.

I made sure to wear a nicer shirt and skirt again, rather than my usual hoodie and jeans, and I took the time for a bit more makeup. I didn’t want to look too glammed up first thing in the morning, but I wanted to look nice for my new boyfriend, if that’s actually what he was.

It was all so new and unusual that it was taking a little time to roll around in my mind properly.

As I entered the shop, it wasn’t very busy, and I was relieved that my favorite table was free. After unloading my coat and laptop bag, I noticed that Dave wasn’t there, but another barista race

d to serve me.

“Good morning, Valerie,” he said with a broad smile. “What can I get for you today?”

I wondered how on earth he knew my name. “Hi. Just an Americano, please.”

I began to dig into my wallet. “It’s on the house,” he said quickly. “Dave said that we’re to keep you in all of the coffee and food you’d like. May I get you a muffin as well? The apple and carrot ones are amazing.”

“Sure, um, thanks.”

Arranging my laptop in the corner, the server flashed a grin as he brought me my coffee and muffin. “Dave had a meeting at another location this morning, but he should be back around ten. I’m Kevin. Please just holler if you need anything else.”

“Okay, thanks.”

His staff knew about me. Or at least, knew that some girl was to get free coffee. Was that strange? It felt odd. But on the other hand, I sort of felt… cared for. Pampered.

I’d never had a boyfriend before, and had only dreamed of being with a guy someday as an abstract wish for the future. Now that it was actually happening, I didn’t quite know how to behave.

I liked what Dave had said about treating this as a project. It was touching that he was trying to figure out how I operated, to make things easier on me.

Concentrating on my work while I enjoyed my coffee, I lost myself completely. Since Kevin already knew that Dave knows me, I took out my camera and stalked the space, taking a bunch of photos while carefully cropping out customers, or only showing the backs of their heads.

Then I downloaded the pics and arranged them quickly on the site. The colors in the coffee shop were so perfect that I barely had to adjust anything, preferring to leave things as natural as possible.

I had no idea how much time had passed when I heard Dave’s voice. “Hey there, gorgeous.”