The pink in her cheeks turned a deeper shade. Hunter had a sudden urge to stroke her. With his tongue. He ached to find out for himself if her skin was as deliciously soft as it appeared. He squelched the need and forced himself to relax back against the seat.
“I am sorry, but I do have to get back to work.” She smiled and played with the hem of her blouse. “Running this place keeps me hopping.”
“I can understand, but surely you can spare a few minutes for a paying customer.” He winked, hoping he didn’t sound pushy. He had a feeling if he used too much force, the shy coffee shop owner would run in the opposite direction. That wasn’t at all what he wanted.
Jeanette bit her lower lip and stared at him a few seconds. When she frowned, Hunter wondered how long it’d been since a man had taken the time to flirt with the woman. Finally the frown disappeared, leaving a brilliant smile in its wake. Hunter knew if he could bask in that smile for a few hours he’d feel like he could conquer the world.
“I can take a few minutes, I suppose.” As she slid a chair out and sat, Hunter wanted to shout in triumph.
“So, how long have you had this place?” Not that he cared much. He just wanted to hear her talk some mor
e. She had a soft, husky voice. A bedroom voice. He wanted to hear that voice shouting his name as he licked her to climax.
Jeanette crossed her legs and adjusted her skirt, the ponytail in her hair bobbing a little with each move she made. “For a year and a half. Most people hate their jobs, but I’m lucky enough to do something I love.”
“You run a good business. In the few months I’ve been coming in I’ve noticed an increase in customers.”
“Thanks. I know coffee shops are a dime a dozen, but it’s my hope that when you mix quality with friendly service word gets around.”
He pointed at the large menu hanging behind the counter. “I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never eaten here. Guess I’m not big on Danishes.”
“Ah, but I do more than Danishes. In fact you really should try my double-chocolate brownies. You’ll change your mind.”
He chuckled. “Not that you’re bragging or anything, right?”
Her chin lifted. “It’s not bragging if it’s the truth.”
Hunter folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. “I don’t know. Brownies don’t do much for me.”
“Double-chocolate,” she stated, as if he hadn’t heard her correctly the first time. “Everyone loves double-chocolate.”
“How about I come back at closing time?” He let his voice drop to a whisper. “You can show me what I’ve been missing.”
Her gaze drifted to his lips and stayed there. “You’re hitting on me,” she murmured. Her tongue swiped at her lower lip and Hunter’s cock flexed in his jeans.
Mmm, lick it, baby. “Yeah, I am,” he growled.
“I-I don’t even know you.”
Hunter noticed her stutter. She’d done the same thing when she’d introduced herself. The telltale sign of nerves. He thought it adorable as hell. He also thought her hard nipples pushing against the flimsy blouse were adorable. Damn, he wanted to eat her up.
“We can fix that little dilemma tonight.” A really shitty thought struck. “Unless you have a date?”
She shook her head. “I’m not seeing anyone right now.”
Thank God. “Me either.” He wrapped his hands around the warm coffee mug and lifted it to his lips. While he drank, Jeanette sat quietly and watched. He liked the way her eyes went drowsy as he sipped the hot liquid. Licking his lips, Hunter lowered the mug and asked, “So, are you going to educate me on the magnificent aspects of double-chocolate brownies or am I doomed to forever be in the dark?”
She tapped her fingers on the tabletop. “You know, you could just order one now.”
“And miss the tutorial?” He shook his head and grinned. “No way, sweetheart.”
“I really shouldn’t,” she whispered.
Hunter reached across the table and touched the back of her knuckles with his index finger. He couldn’t help himself, he had to know if her skin was as satiny as he’d imagined. Unfortunately, he only managed a single stroke before she jerked her hand away.
“You’re pretty bold, Mr. Trace.”
He laughed and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ve been coming here for six months, Jeanette. If I were bold I would’ve asked you out that first morning I came in and saw you trying to fill in for that waitress who quit with no notice.”