“That is a man who knows how to fill out denim.” She tilts her head, studying him like a work of art. “So firm.”
“I bet he squats,” I say. “You don’t get glutes like that without serious dedication.”
Seth straightens up, wipes his forehead with the back of his hand, and I watch the movement with embarrassing intensity. The sun is warm today, and he’s clearly been working hard enough to build up a sweat.
“He can bend over for me anytime,” Hazel murmurs.
“Naked would be preferable.”
“Or maybe you bend over for him.”
“I am not having this conversation.”
Seth bends over again, and we both lean even closer to the window like plants toward sunlight.
“Oh, look at me with all these muscles,” a male voice says from directly beside us. “Sometimes it’s so hard carrying all this raw, masculine energy around. But I wear my jeans tight on purpose so everyone can admire my?—”
I turn around and shriek.
Hazel nearly knocks over her latte.
Kai is sitting at the end of our table, elbows propped up, chin resting on his hands, staring out the window at Seth with an exaggerated expression of longing.
“—admire my incredible work ethic,” he continues in a terrible imitation of Seth’s voice. “I’m Seth Benton. I brood professionally. My jawline could cut glass, and my ass was sculpted by angels.”
“How long have you been sitting there?” I demand, my heart hammering.
“Long enough to hear the ‘naked would be preferable’ part.” He grins, utterly unrepentant. “Which, for the record, I’ll be passing along to Seth later.”
“Don’t you dare,” I gasp.
“No promises.”
Hazel is doubled over, face buried in her hands, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.
Outside, Seth straightens up and rolls his shoulders.
“Oh, no,” Kai says in that fake-Seth voice. “I seem to have pulled a muscle from being too handsome. Better flex dramatically for the ladies watching through café windows.”
“Stop,” I wheeze. “That’s mean.”
“It’s accurate.” He switches to his normal voice. “The man poses in his sleep. I’ve seen it.”
Hazel lifts her head, tears streaming. “I officially approve. He’s a keeper.”
“You don’t get a vote,” I tell her.
“I’m taking one anyway.” She gathers her bag, still giggling. “And on that note, I’ve got a man tied to a bed who’s probably getting impatient.”
“Go. Be free. Traumatize your conquest.”
She blows me a kiss and disappears out the door, leaving me alone with Kai.
“Coffee,” he announces, standing up. “I need caffeine. Want anything else?”
I gesture at my mostly empty cup. “Another latte would be amazing. And…” I eye the display case. “Surprise me.”
His grin is blinding. “Challenge accepted.”
