Garrick has me all flustered, and there’s a teeny part of me questioning whether I shouldn’t just go out with him.
Averting my eyes, I glance down at my lap as I struggle to regain my usual composure. When I feel in control, I lift my head and look at him. Garrick has straightened to his full height, and he’s leaning his arm against the top of my open door, patiently waiting for me to reject him again.
“You seem like a nice guy, Garrick. If the timing was different, maybe I would agree. But it’s not. I can’t go out with you, and you need to accept my decision.”
His smile fades as he slowly nods, taking a step back. “Okay.”
“Okay?” I blurt, unconvinced he would give up that easy. Then again, why would he chase someone who keeps rejecting him? A guy like Garrick has no problem scoring dates. He’s hardly going to pursue someone who keeps shooting him down. A pang of disappointment slaps me in the face, which is ridiculous.
I want him to give up.
This is a good thing.
I should be happy he’s backing off.
So why aren’t I?
“You know how I feel. Should you change your mind, let me know.” He taps the top of my car. “Drive safe, Stevie.”
ChapterSix
Stevie
The enticing smell of coffee lures me from my bedroom on Monday morning. Delicious scents of caramel and nuts reels me into the kitchen, and that can only mean one thing— Ellen grabbed takeout from Bumble Bees.
Have I mentioned how much I love my college bestie?
I float into the kitchen with a massive smile on my face, and it blossoms into a full-blown cheesy grin when I discover Ellen and her boyfriend in a charged embrace. My roomie is in love, for real this time, and I love seeing her so happy. Will has Ellen caged against the counter, and the look on his face is downright feral.
“Don’t mind me,” I say, moving seamlessly around them. “I’m just here for the coffee.”
Reaching for the paper holder containing four takeout coffees, I remove the cup with a large S on top. “If this is a caramel macchiato, I will love you forever and ever, babe,” I say, grinning at my bestie.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” someone with a rich, deep, decidedly male voice says from behind me.
All the fine hairs on the back of my neck lift as warmth hits my spine. I already know who I’m going to find before I turn around—the hot, charming guy occupying prime real estate in my head and holding a recurring role in my stubborn dreams these past few nights.
There is no ignoring the swarm of butterflies that swoops into my chest as I spin around and face him. Fuck, why does he have to be so irresistible? “What are you doing here?” I blurt, trying my best not to drool as my gaze skims quickly over Garrick.
His chin-length hair is hanging in tousled strands around his chiseled jawline, and a thin layer of dark hair adorns his chin and cheeks. Those mesmerizing hazel eyes simmer with pleasure and amusement as he fixes them on my face. Plush lips I amnotdaydreaming about tasting part as a trickle of air seeps from his mouth.
Ripped dark-rinse slim-fitting jeans mold to his long legs. A black designer hoodie with a splash pattern on the front emphasizes his broad shoulders, defined arms, and toned chest and abs. A worn pair of black and white Nike Dunks covers his large feet, and some kind of Garmin sports watch is strapped around his wrist.
It's clear the guy has money, but he doesn’t appear to flaunt it. His look is casual and effortless, and he exudes confidence. Garrick owns who he is, and that’s the most attractive thing about him.
I hate I’m finding more reasons to like him, but it’s the truth.
No matter how much I want to evict him from my thoughts and my dreams, he has hijacked my mind and ensnared me.
“Garrick and Will grabbed coffees on their way over,” Ellen pipes up, looking slightly sheepish as she stares at me with pleading eyes. “Isn’t that super nice of them?”
“It is,” I acknowledge, lifting the cup under my nose. They obviously checked what we liked, and that kind of thoughtfulness speaks volumes.
If Garrick is trying to impress me, great coffee is a good start. I eyeball him with sincerity. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Closing my eyes, I softly moan as the delicious aromas of one of my favorite coffees tickles my nostrils, making my mouth water in anticipation. I lick my lips before raising the cup to my mouth and taking the first reverent sip.
