One More Time

The barista returned to her work cleaning the espresso machine. The silence of the café pressed down around me, so I pulled my headphones from my bag and stuck them on my laptop. Soon, music filled my ears, and I sank into myself.

I spent what felt like hours researching online jobs. There were a million things out there, but I wanted to find the perfect position. Andrea was right. My book was too important to me. I’d let two years pass without any serious work on it. I couldn’t keep pushing it to the side, no matter what other things I had going on in my life.

When I checked the clock on my computer, I realized I’d only been at the café for an hour. It felt much longer and, yet, I still hadn’t found a job I wanted to apply for.

I took my headphones out of my ears and let the silent buzz overwhelm me again. Looking around, I saw that I was no longer alone in the café. A man was standing in front of the counter. I couldn’t see his face, just his dark hair, and strong build. He immediately caught my attention, but I looked away quickly.

Today wasn’t about men. I didn’t come to Ennis to find a new boyfriend. I came for a fresh start and for a little freedom.

“Thanks, Sarah.” The man’s deep voice rang out behind me, but I refused to turn around.

I stared at my computer screen, barely seeing it. My mind had already begun to wander, and when the man stepped up in front of my table, I felt my entire body react to his presence.

My shoulders tensed, and my forehead furrowed. I lifted my eyes to his face, prepared to politely tell him to go away. I was busy searching for jobs, and I didn’t need to be distracted.

“Hey there,” he said.

My breath caught in my throat when a handsome, well-built guy with dark brown hair stood before me with an air of confidence about him.

His muscles were outlined by the fitted shirt he wore, and I couldn’t help but notice the bulge in the front of his pants. It seemed like his arms weren’t the only thing he was working out. I wanted to snort at my joke but stopped myself.

His eyes were an ocean blue color. He was tall, and would easily tower over most people I knew. There was something both familiar and irresistible about him. I couldn’t pinpoint it besides that my stomach fluttered our eyes met.

There were small lines at the corner of each eye. He was older than me, but not by much. Just like that, my polite rejection faded away.

“Hi,” I said instead.

“Listen,” he said. “I know this is a little weird, but I saw you sitting here, and I just thought… Well, I thought maybe you’d like some company.”

“Sure,” I said without thinking. “That would be great.”

I gestured toward the empty chair across from me. The blue-eyed man lowered himself into it and smiled at me again. His eyes were enough to keep my attention, but that smile didn’t help matters. He was tall, w

ith broad shoulders and a muscular build. His jaw was angular and strong, and his blue eyes held mine like some sort of tractor beam.

“I’m Julie,” I said.

Very smooth.

I stuck out my hand for him to shake. “Julie Black.”

“Michael Smart,” he said. “It’s nice to meet you, Julie.”

I smiled. “You too.”

“So,” Michael said. “I haven’t seen you in here before, which must mean you’re new in town. Or maybe just visiting?”

“Just moved here,” I said. “Do you use that line on all the girls?”

“What’s that?” Michael asked, frowning slightly.

“You must be new in town,” I mimicked.

“Was I wrong?” he teased.

“Not at all,” I said, and I could tell he was every bit the playboy he seemed to be. “Well, I’m here every day,” Michael said. “Just ask Sarah. She’ll vouch for me.”

“I don’t doubt it.” I laughed softly.