With my heightened shifter senses, I smelled him from a distance. The scent of Angelo's floral shampoo mixed with his natural omega aroma, and of course, the marshmallow hot chocolate he'd sipped on.
A tingle ran through my body. I wanted Angelo in every possible way you could want someone.
For now, I'd settle forwantingto be his friend.
I strode behind him and asked, "Admiring your handiwork?"
Angelo yelped in surprise. Like a startled kitten, he nearly jumped a foot in the air. His hot chocolate flew out of his hands and the cup fell to the ground, spilling into the fresh snow.
"Karl! Oh gosh, I'm so clumsy," Angelo wailed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a scene..."
"No, it's my fault. I'm sorry for scaring you," I said with a sympathetic frown. "I thought you'd hear me coming. You know, boots and chains and all."
Angelo's cheeks turned deeper pink. "I was too distracted to notice..."
At the same time, we both leaned down to pick up the fallen cup. Our hands brushed together. Angelo made a soft sound of surprise before pulling his hand back. I grabbed the cup and stood up.
"Let me make it up to you," I offered. "I'll buy you a new one."
Angelo's wide eyes blinked at me. "B-but I was the one who dropped it."
I smiled. "Only because of me. C'mon. I'll buy extra marshmallows this time."
Angelo tilted his head. "How did you know it had marshmallows in it? I already ate them."
Shit. I forgot I had to disguise my shifter abilities around humans.
"Just a hunch," I said casually. "Let's go beat the line before morning shoppers show up."
Angelo followed me to the nearby cafe. Soft jazz played on the speakers and the smell of baked pastries and freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
"What would you like, Angelo?" I asked.
He gave me a shy smile. "Um... A small hot chocolate with marshmallows is fine."
I raised a brow. "The drink you had earlier didn't look like a small."
"R-really, you don't need to spend so much on me," Angelo argued meekly.
I scoffed, already pulling out my leather wallet. "What kind of marshmallows do you like? Big or small? White or multicolored?"
Angelo looked like he wanted to melt into the floor. Why did he seem so embarrassed? I wondered if it wasn't often people did him a favor just for the hell of it. Or was there a different reason?
I regarded Angelo, waiting for his reply, until he finally sighed and admitted, "I like the big multicolored ones..."
I chuckled and slid a twenty dollar bill across the counter. "See, Angelo? That wasn't so hard. Yes, two large hot chocolates with big colorful marshmallows, please. Keep the change."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Angelo blush and skitter meekly to the end counter where the drinks would end up. As I strode next to him, I noticed our height difference. The top of his blond head reached my collarbone. I wondered what his body looked like beneath the Christmas sweater and wool coat.
Angelo stared at the counter, avoiding my gaze. Was I coming on too strong? Or was my gruff, leather-clad putting him off?
"I'm sorry," I said. "Have I made you uncomfortable?"
Instantly, Angelo's gaze locked on mine as he sputtered, "N-no! Not at all!" The blush spread across his cheeks to his ears. His face resembled a ripe summer peach. "I'm the one being awkward. It's not often a—" He paused abruptly. "Um, it's not often someone buys me a hot chocolate. Or gives me a gift at all."
I smiled wryly. "You work at the Christmas event and nobody gives you gifts? That's ironic."
Angelo perked up when talking about his job. "Well, we're the ones giving gifts to children. The only thing we want in return is to see their happiness."
