His grin gets mischievous, and he grumbles out a laugh, his face showing every one of his eighty-three years.
“She reminds me of my beautiful Rachel. So full of life, she was. That little girl is going to take the world by storm one day. Mark my words.”
“I don’t doubt that for one second. You’ll let me know if you need anything, okay? No rowdy for you today, Mr. W.”
He gives me another one of his famous winks and goes back to his morning paper. I don’t miss the bottle of Jameson tucked at his hip, the one I keep behind the counter just for him. What can I say? I’m a sucker for his beautiful soul and stories of a life well lived. There isn’t much I wouldn’t keep hidden for him if it keeps him here for hours on end. And Grace, bless her heart, can use the break from her full-time charge.
“The rush came just as soon as I hung up with you.” Ella sighs, leaning against the counter and tossing the towel over her shoulder that she had been using to wipe off the counter next to the vintage register.
“Was it bad?”
“No. Just a little more crazy than normal. It must have been a party night for every damn college kid around us. I’m convinced those Ivy League brats who come in here just to talk about which boy they’re going to sleep with that night pay for their passing grades. No way they can be passing if they party as hard as they talk. One of them looked like she had been ridden by the entire MIT senior class, and if her words were true, she was damn well close to it.”
“Someone’s in a good mood,” I respond, not even touching the rest. She isn’t wrong for the most part. A few groups of girls are regulars after a long night of partying, and it drives me nuts when they loudly boast about their “conquests” when I have Riley here.
“I’m good. Just didn’t sleep well last night.”
“You want to talk about it?” I ask, focusing on my friend.
“Nothing to talk about, just the usual.” She lifts off the counter and straightens her back. “Anyway, look alive. Incoming.”
I don’t even need to look toward the windows to know what she’s talking about. My body acts instinctively, too. My back straightens, I brush my hands down the front of my camel-colored blouse and slip off the cardigan I pulled on to keep the chill away on my walk to work. Ella laughs under her breath but takes it from me.
I grab a white apron from the hook, drop it over my head, and move to the coffee machine, the large monstrosity that looks like a work of art. Even as I hear the door chime, my movements don’t stall as I continue the task I set myself to complete. My heart picks up with each heavy-booted step. Even through the low hum of people enjoying their time around the room, I can hear them.
I feel his energy the moment he’s near. It hits me like a battering ram. If he’s ever felt it, he’s never let on. If he ever noticed my reaction, he’s never let on to that either, though.
Today, it feels different.
I peek out of the corner of my eye, using the veiled curtain of my hair, and see he isn’t alone. The order may change occasionally, but it isn’t uncommon for him to have someone else with him. Three men seem to cycle out periodically, but today, it’s Evan. Well, damn. Ella must not have seen him at first. Ella has affectionately nicknamed him the Latin lover. My never-shy friend, she can’t hold her tongue around him either. It helps calm my nerves to watch her around him and to keep from focusing so much on the giant at his side, that’s for sure.
I finish the coffee, putting the lid in place, and turn to the counter where they’re both standing side by side with Ella. My eyes connect to his dark-green orbs instantly. I’m used to his silence, and I stopped expecting anything, but today, it looks like a storm brews behind them. My hand shakes as I hold out his drink, the one he hasn’t had to order in over six months. There’s another reason I’m never late, and it has everything to do with the blond Viking in front of me.
He gives his usual nod but doesn’t speak. More normal behavior, but still those eyes rage their silent storm. His fingertips brush mine, and I feel a zap of electricity snake down my spine.
“You want anything, hunk?” Ella asks Evan.
“Don’t I always, princesa.”
“You want anything other than a drink and a muffin?” She leans over the counter, and I feel my lip twitch.
“Ella,” I warn.
“What?” she responds firmly but still playful.
“What did I tell you about offering yourself as part of the menu?” I question, moving my gaze to Evan as he has his own issues holding back his laughter.
“That it’s illegal if I accept money for sexual services.”
“Or that maybe it isn’t appropriate?”
“Oh, yes. That one.” I look at her, knowing what’s coming because it’s the same every time—almost daily. “I quit.” She smiles, and her eyes are back on Evan. “Wanna go upstairs, hunk?”
His wide, toothy smile comes out, and bright white teeth bite into his thick bottom lip. I hear Ella make a sound and I elbow her before she can continue.
“Would you like anything, Evan?” I ask.
“Just a black coffee, darlin’, and one of those blueberry muffins.”
“You got it.” I look at Ella. “You wouldn’t quit because you love me too much. Now, go get Evan’s order ready.”
“Anything else for you guys?”
“We’re good. Do you mind if we use one of the rooms today?”
It takes me a second to realize he means one of the two private rooms we have here. Well, private isn’t the best term since the double doors and much of the room’s wall—carved perfectly into the brick surrounding the room—are made of glass. You can see in to the main floor, but they’re perfect for larger groups that need a quiet space for conversation. They’re typically booked during the day by study groups, but luckily for them, they’re both empty today.
“Of course. I’ll fill up a carafe for you. Anything else?”
“The other guys will be here soon. They’ll let you know. Thank you, darlin’.”
“No problem, Evan.”
I look back up at the silent Viking—Drew—I’ve heard him called. His hair is up today, which is shocking since I’m so used to seeing his shoulder-length dark-blond hair and not the shaved parts on each side of his scalp. You would never know he had such beautiful straw-colored hair if he didn’t keep the top long. His normal wardrobe of all black is in place, his thick muscles carved under his skin making him look not just giant but carved from stone as well. The intricate black tattoos decorate every bit of skin that isn’t covered from the neck down.
My eyes land on his full pink lips between the blond beard and mustache hairs, willing him to speak. When he doesn’t, I look over at Evan.
“Let us know if you need anything. With the iPad next to the door, you can send us a text with anything you want to order. We’ll bring it in, or you can have someone come out to get it. Just make sure to settle your bill before you leave. You can pay for these drinks later if you have friends coming. That way, they can just add theirs to the room. Easy as pie.”
“Thank you, darlin’. We’ll do that if we need anything. Send the boys in when they come?”