“Fine,” Dawson bit out.
Josh sighed. “I was just asking how Dawson’s Christmas was.”
James held in his wince. Yeah, that was not a good question. Dawson hadn’t shared much about his family but James did know that he was currently no-contact with them.
Luca moved behind him to pat Dawson on the shoulder.
When Dawson had first applied to work at the coffee shop, he’d been couch surfing with a friend while attending school. Luca had taken Dawson under his wing, including letting him stay in his spare bedroom. As manager of the Coffee Cove, Luca’s position came with access to the apartment above the store. Luca did things like that. Just adopted them, James included.
Josh hunched his shoulders. “Obviously I said or did something wrong. I apologize.”
“It’s fine,” Dawson growled. He stomped off toward the espresso machine.
“Your usual?” James offered.
Josh’s eyes went back to Dawson. “Yes. I’m a man who knows what I want.”
Okay, that was obviously not directed at him. Josh had gone out of his way to befriend Dawson, but other than Luca and sometime him, Dawson didn’t talk to a lot of people. Never any of the customers. “You got it.”
Dawson grunted. “I’m making it.”
“Thanks, Dawson,” Josh said with a wide grin. “You know I like your coffees best.”
Really? Josh was still flirting with Dawson? Hadn’t he learned yet? James glanced over at Luca, who smirked as he watched the scene.
Josh set the book in his hands down on the counter as he reached for his wallet in his back pocket. James moved forward to ring in his order and take his payment.
Luca gasped dramatically before throwing himself forward and snatching the book off the counter.
“Oh uh…” Josh reached for the book.
“How did you get this?” Luca demanded as he held the book to his chest.
For the first time since James had met Josh, his friend was blushing as he rubbed his palm over the back of his neck.
“What book is that?” James asked curiously.
“It’s nothing. I spent Christmas with the author. He gave me an advance copy.” Josh was still reaching for the book. Luca danced from his reach as he held on tight to the book. Yeah, Josh was going to have trouble getting that book back.
“It’s not nothing!” Luca declared. “I’ve been waiting for this book in the series. It doesn’t release to the public for another three months! And you know Liam Groves? Like, personally?”
Josh sighed while finally dropping his hand. “He’s the partner of one of my ex-teammates. They’re who I spent Christmas with.”
Luca’s eyes were huge. He was holding the book like it was the most precious thing ever.
Dawson stepped over to place Josh’s drink on the counter. “What’s it about?”
Josh’s face turned redder.
“It’s the best series ever!” Luca declared. “It’s about this group of friends who are all littles!”
James felt the blood rush away from his face. “Littles?” he choked out. What were the fucking chances? He even lifted his hand to his collar to make sure that he had indeed removed the cape even though he knew he’d hidden it in the top drawer of his dresser.
“Yes!” Luca exclaimed. “The books are gay as hell, kinky, and just the best ever! This series is my favorite. And this story is supposed to be about a hot bodyguard.”
“He’s not that hot,” Josh muttered.
“You read about gay littles?” Dawson asked Josh bluntly.
