17. Stallone

seventeen

Stallone

I clear my throat for the second time as I stand outside the coffee shop. The sign has already been switched to closed for the night. Through the window, I can see El is alone again, but for the life of me I can’t go inside.

With her hair up in one of the wild messy buns, that always leaves a few wispy strands to fall down to frame her face, she floats around the coffee bar, wiping off the counter. Her expression is soft, and under the muted Coffee Loft lights, her skin has a soft glow. I catch my breath in the back of my throat as I marvel at how she’s absolutely ravishing.

Never in my life did I think a woman like her would have eyes for someone like me. I reach out to grab the door handle but freeze again. This is so different than the other days I met El at work. Before it was a mere flirtation. Something changed yesterday. Now I feel like I have something to lose. It’s so early in this situationship for me to ask for her to give anything up. We hardly know each other. Yet, the magnetism has only grown stronger. My palms tremble as I finally find the bravery and pull open the door. I heave a sigh of relief that she left it unlocked. She was clearly waiting for me.

At least, I hope.

Her gaze locks on mine, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say it’s a tad frantic. “Stallone.”

Man, I love the way my name sounds when it falls from her lips. Her one-word greeting is enough to make my heart slam against my rib cage. “Hey, gorgeous.”

Her palms find the coffee bar in front of her, and she playfully leans forward while batting those gorgeous dark lashes at me. “What can I get you?”

“You know what I want.” I stride forward, my steps growing longer the closer I get to her. “I came for one of your sweet kisses.”

She doesn’t flinch or pretend to not understand. Her gaze softens even more as she steps out from behind the bar, and she rushes forward to meet me halfway. I scoop her up in one swift motion, lifting her off the ground, and her lips find mine with perfect rhythm. The coffee shop could implode into a giant fire, and I wouldn’t even notice as my eyes turn into literal hearts, and the only thing I’m able to focus on is her.

When I set her down, her eyes stay locked on me. She teasingly smiles and says, “Is that what you had in mind?”

“That’ll do.” Pushing my lower lip out, I nod. “But I might need seconds in a little bit.”

Her soft giggles cushion my heart, and she pivots on her heel back to the bar. “Did you actually want a coffee too? I’d love to spend some time together.”

“If you have time.” It’s an uncertain reply, and my voice cracks as I feel nauseous just coming flat out and asking her if she’s leaving. She has a whole life outside of this place, and she told me from the start that she wasn’t looking for anything.

She turns toward me, grabs both of my hands, and stares up at me. The lighter hue of blue fires sparkles out of her eyes. “I have time. I told Christian I was staying for at least a little while. I definitely want to see where this goes.” Her tone is plumb full of certainty. “Unless you’re busy.” Her gaze hovers over mine, and nervous reflections shine back at me.

Was she afraid I didn’t want her to stay anymore?

“El,” I speak as boldly as I can, “I have all the time in the world for you. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” I move in close, wrapping my arms all the way around her into a tight embrace, and slowly lower my face down to her, ready for another kiss.

Thud.

Thud.

Ugh . I moan in my head.

I don’t even have to look to know who’s there, but both our gazes pull to the front window. Someone is watching us—or should I say—watching El. Lucky has jumped out of my truck again, and his nose is pressed against the glass, eyes locked on El. “Not again,” I whine.

I swipe my hand through my hair and look back at El. “I think someone else is happy you’re staying too.”

Her eyes pump so much power over me, I am frozen when she says, “So we agree? We’re going to see what happens. One day at a time . . .”

So that’s how this goes…slowly, but promises of heaven just by being near her.

“I’ll give you any day you want, but I think we need to do it a little differently.”

She swallows before she replies with a now shaky breath, “What do you mean?”

I take a grandiose step forward, leaving no space between us and no room for doubting. “I think we should take this one sweet kiss at a time.”

My hand finds her hip. She rises to the tip of her toes, clenches my shirt in a way that steals my breath, and she tugs on it, pulling me down. We find each other with perfect timing, and I close my eyes, melting into her softness. There isn’t any way for this situationship to get better than this. I’m going to spend each day proving to her she made the best decision to stay here by showering her with all the kisses and affection she could ever want.

My lips pull tight as they tease a smile, but I don’t break our lip-lock.

Thud

Thud.

El breaks out into a giggle, and pulls back, “Let Lucky in. I’m sure I can find him a pup cup.”

I give her a pointed stare, as I’m not sure she has any idea what she’s started here with Lucky. This could surely turn into a habit. “Are you sure you really want to do that?”

“Yeah.” She nods a slow confirmation, adding a wink. “We have something to celebrate.”

“Okay, coffees for everyone, but don’t you dare give him caffeine.” I stride back to the door, bracing it open for Lucky. He doesn’t wait for the invite as he barrels through the door and goes right to El.