Roasting Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 6)

Over the next fifteen minutes, I made sure that everyone had coffee, tea, and a cookie. By the time the host arrived and started the show, my shop looked like a real Bohemian coffeehouse, which made me chuckle.

Valerie had sat in the back, with an empty chair beside her for me to slip into. She instantly reached out to hold my hand and give it a squeeze. “You’re amazing,” she said softly.

&nb

sp; “Helping the neighborhood,” I said.

She shook her head, then leaned in to whisper in my ear, “It feels like you’re doing this for me, and I think you’re very sweet.”

She was absolutely right, and I leaned down to give her a swift kiss before we straightened up and listened to the poets.

CHAPTER SEVEN

* Valerie *

Dave seemed perfectly content sitting quietly with me. Although I had no experience with men, my friends in college had all complained about their boyfriends being unable to sit still unless they were playing video games. Perhaps that was a bonus to my apparent new boyfriend being a bit older.

I snuck a peek over to his deep eyes, and he returned my smile. There was something about him that made me feel more comfortable than I ever would have imagined.

It was strange as I realized I liked the version of myself when he was with me. It was so much easier to speak with him, to touch him. It was like suddenly learning a new language.

The way his thumb stroked my hand, the way he looked at me as if he really liked me... it was a bit much. I felt like I should be overwhelmed, but my body felt so grounded near his that I was somehow able to handle it.

Having him with me made me feel so cared for. Protected. I wasn’t used to having someone with me on the off chance I needed a hand.

It was tricky to focus on the poets performing, but I tried to concentrate more on them than the feeling of Dave’s fingers entwined with mine. They read pieces about the city, nature, past relationships, and a cat that was apparently more clever than everyone in the room put together. One very talented reader recited a piece about the difference of time flowing depending on who you were with. It was a wonderful experience laughing, and thinking, and nodding with the crowd.

Afterward, people mingled for a little bit while Dave served more coffee. The organizer was incredibly grateful, and the group seemed surprised that someone would just offer their venue for no charge. But Dave insisted that he was just helping out the neighborhood.

A woman named Tina whom I’d spoken with a few times at these readings popped over to me. “Hey, Valerie. Is that guy your boyfriend?”

Glancing over to where Dave was speaking with Philip, a wave of pride washed through me. “Yeah. It’s very new, but, yeah. I think so.”

She grinned. “He was very sweet to offer us this space. Also, he’s gorgeous.” She elbowed me gently, waggling her eyebrows. “Well done.” I felt myself blushing as she laughed her way out the door.

I helped put the chairs and tables back in place while Dave tidied up, and soon we were walking back to my apartment with his arm around me. I felt a slight shiver roll through me just from thinking about the potential of a goodnight kiss. Or more.

As if he felt it too, Dave stopped us, turning to hold me as we waited for a streetlight, bringing his lips to mine.

When we finally paused for breath, I whispered, “Thank you. That was very sweet of you to help tonight.”

“You wanted to listen to a poetry reading,” he shrugged. “I’ll do anything and everything I can to make you happy, Valerie.”

His lips met mine gently, the scorching heat building again as I felt my heart racing and my mind turn down to a dull whisper. I loved the way I felt around him. I was eager to learn more about this different side of myself.

CHAPTER EIGHT

* Dave *

It was fascinating that Valerie seemed timid until we touched. It was as if she could speak clearly through physical communication more than verbal. That was fine with me.

We both deepened the kiss, arms wrapping around each other until it was becoming a little too racy for a sidewalk.

“I should get you home,” I finally whispered.

She looked up at me and nodded, and I tried to read her expression. Valerie’s eyes were so beautiful, but I often had no idea what she might be thinking. As we walked to her apartment, her hands gripped mine tightly, and I wondered whether I should take a chance.

As we got to her apartment building, I walked her into the lobby. Then I paused, unsure. “Valerie, would you like me to come up and walk you to your door?” I asked cautiously.