Chapter 2
Jeremy was beat, and it was only two in the afternoon. Another four hours stretched in front of him and he’d never get through them without a caffeine jolt. His part-timer, Kat, was still manning theFandomstall, along with a friend she’d roped into helping out. He’d have to give them both a bonus after all the hard work they’d put in this weekend. Together, the three of them had made a small fortune in sales over the two-day event and he never could have managed that kind of success without the two women’s help.
He’d lined up at the makeshift cafe when he saw the security guard from that morning sitting at a nearby table. The man sat back in his chair with one leg up, the ankle hooked over the opposing knee, and he had what looked like a large chalkboard propped on his lap. He was drawing something on it, his brow furrowed in concentration. Jeremy lingered, using the opportunity to inspect him unobserved. From the top of his lightly curled, dark-blond hair, down over the built body, then back up to his large masculine hands. They looked like strong, sure hands, and yet there was a lightness to them as they moved across the board with an artist’s flair. He was the epitome of hotness with a touch of whimsy thrown in. The combination was enough to make Jeremy’s mouth water.
The sound of a throat being cleared caught his attention and he dragged his eyes away from the security guard before stepping up to the now empty counter. The young woman who was serving gave him a knowing smile. “What can I get you?”
“A large flat white, to go please.”
“Just the one?” she asked, her eyes flickering almost imperceptibly toward the guard before returning to him.
Jeremy grinned. Hehadbeen an arsehole to the man. It was only right he apologise. “Make it two.”
The woman gave a little high-pitched squeal and bounced lightly on her heels. “My pleasure,” she said, before adding in a stage whisper, “I happen to know he’s one of the good ones.”
Smiling at her enthusiasm, Jeremy said, “Thanks for the tip.” After paying, he stood back to let the next customer through as he waited for the coffees to be made. His heart rate picked up as he watched the guard out of the corner of his eye, wondering what the other man’s reaction would be when he approached the table. Hopefully, he’d behave better than Jeremy himself had that morning.
The convention had been packed to the point moving was difficult at the time. He’d been run off his feet serving customers, his focus on getting through as many sales as possible while the going was good. He hadn’t even noticed the security guard until he looked up and locked onto those brown eyes. In that one moment the whole fucking world had stopped revolving. His heart skipped multiple beats, his feet froze to the spot. Hell, he’d done everything but drool. The reaction hadn’t been welcome. After spending the last couple of months actively convincing himself he was perfectly content to be alone, one look from this guy had made him ache all the way down to his toes.
Then came the wink, and Jeremy fucking lost it. Panic streaked through him and he bolted like a big, fat, feathery chicken.
After that, his concentration had gone to shit and his good mood quickly followed. He couldn’t keep his eyes off the guard and every time their gazes touched he became more flustered, not to mention horny as all freaking hell. It reminded him of everything he’d been missing out on since he’d made the decision to stay single. Like sex. God damn, he missed sex.
Before he knew what he was doing, he’d stormed up to the man and all but told him to back the hell off. It worked a little too well. The guard had disappeared within a minute of the words leaving his mouth and Jeremy hadn’t seen him since—until now.
The barista called his name and Jeremy collected the two cups of coffee before making his way over to the table where the guard was busy examining his chalkboard with pride enough to put any kindergartner to shame. Finding out what he was up to would be worth the price of the coffee alone.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked as he stepped up to the table. The guard lifted his head and his lips parted on a slight intake of breath. The moment dragged out and Jeremy wondered if perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea after all. “It’s no big deal if you’re busy with… whatever that is,” he said, gesturing to the chalkboard. “I wanted to apologise for being a grumpy bastard earlier. So, this is for you.” He placed one of the takeaway cups down on the table. “I overreacted, I guess. It’s been a while since someone looked at me the way you were looking.”
The man’s eyes skimmed his body before narrowing sceptically. “I’m not sure I believe that.”
Jeremy shrugged. “Okay then, maybe it’s been a while since I cared to notice.” And there was no denying he’d well and truly noticed this man.
Full lips twisted in a chagrined expression. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
Snorting a laugh, Jeremy shook his head. “You made me something all right, but I don’t think uncomfortable is the right word.” There was another beat of heavy staring before he decided to cut his losses. “Anyway, I should let you get back to it.”
“No need. I’m done.” The man straightened in his chair before offering his hand. “I’m Harrison Winters.”
“Jeremy Hayden.” Harrison’s hand was warm, and kind of dusty, as they shook. When he pulled away, Jeremy saw his own palm was now coated in a fine layer of blue chalk.
“Sorry about that,” Harrison murmured. “Occupational hazard.” He gestured to the seat on his right. “Pull up a chair.”
“Occupational,” Jeremy repeated as he sat down. “I take it there’s more to you than your security guard persona.”
There was a nod in response. “Security is my main job, but I do hand lettering on the side.” He started packing the various pieces of coloured chalk that were scattered across the table into a plastic container. “Signs for cafes, restaurants, wedding receptions, that kind of thing.”
“What were you doing there?” Jeremy asked, curious to see the result of the work Harrison had been so intent on.
“I was here on my break when a caped crusader stumbled against the counter and smudged the board. I offered to fix it.” Harrison turned the board so Jeremy could see it. “It had a basic cup of coffee before but, I decided this theme is more fitting for the current location.”
A detailed picture of a Dalek covered most of the chalkboard. The familiar metal robot had a takeaway coffee cup attached to its suction cup, and instead of the usualExterminate!it was known for inDoctor Who, the wordCaffeinate!curved above the domed top.
Jeremy had to hold a hand over his mouth to prevent coffee from spraying onto the board as he laughed. “I love it,” he said once he’d managed to swallow. “The Doctor would be proud.”
Harrison seemed pleased with the compliment. “Thank you.” Reaching out, he picked up the coffee Jeremy had given him and took a sip before putting it back on the table. “And thanks for the coffee. I’ll be back in a second.”
Jeremy nodded, and Harrison took the board and container of chalk back to the counter. He watched as the matchmaker who had encouraged him to add the second coffee to his order accepted them with a grateful smile. The effusive praise she gave after checking out the board brought a nod of appreciation from Harrison, but only the vaguest hint of a smile in return. He soon returned to the table with a handful of sugar packets and a plastic spoon. Popping the lid off the coffee, he started ripping open the little packets and dumping the contents into the cup.
