“C-C-Coffee?” he stammered.
“Yeah,” I nodded. “You know, the hot bean water?”
“I know what coffee is.”
I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up. “Good to know. So, is that a yes?”
He bit his lower lip, and gods help me, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from that simple gesture. The shadows around his feet curled around mine, licking at my ankles. They almost felt… warm.
“Is this a joke? A dare from your football buddies?” he asked. “Did you lose a bet?”
“Ash,” I said firmly, leaning down close to him so our noses were almost touching. “I’ll be waiting at the cafe at three tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll see you there.”
I gave his shoulder one final squeeze before heading for the door. Behind me I heard him breathe out shakily and I couldn’t help but smile. It had been a long time since I’d had this effect on someone.
Chapter 7
Silver
Sitting at the cafe, I started to wonder if I’d set myself up for disappointment. Not because Ash wasn’t into me, because he clearly was. But because I’d never bothered to ask what his class schedule looked like. He could be in class for all I knew and unable to meet me at all.
A quick glance at the clock on the wall told me it was five minutes past three. Ash was already late. Maybe he really did have class. Or maybe… maybe he didn’t actually want to meet with me.
No. That couldn’t be it. My pride wouldn’t allow it. Everyone thought I was hot, right? I felt myself cringe internally.Right?!
“Hey,” a breathless voice said behind me. “Sorry I’m late. I had to run here from class.”
Thank the gods.
“Oh hey,” I replied, trying to sound like I wasn’t just on the precipice of an existential crisis. “Don’t worry. I didn’t even notice you were late!”
I watched Ash slide into the chair across from me, his cheeks flushed from running and his dark hair slightly disheveled. He looked adorably flustered, and I felt something warm settle in my chest at the sight of him.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d actually come,” I admitted, surprised by my own honesty.
“I wasn’t sure either,” Ash replied, glancing around nervously. “I kept thinking this might be some elaborate prank.”
“Do I seem like the kind of guy who’d do that?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ash shrugged, his sapphire eyes finally meeting mine. “I don’t really know what kind of guy you are, Silver. That’s kind of the point of coffee, right?”
I laughed, genuinely delighted by his response. “Fair enough. What can I get you?”
“Oh, um...” He fumbled with the menu, clearly uncomfortable. “Just a regular coffee is fine. Black.”
“You don’t strike me as a black coffee kind of guy,” I said, studying his face.
His cheeks reddened. “Fine. I like those ridiculous caramel things with extra whipped cream, but they’re expensive, and I’m trying not to?—”
“One ridiculous caramel thing coming up,” I interrupted, standing before he could protest. “My treat.”
As I waited in line to order, I kept glancing back at Ash. He sat stiffly in his chair, fidgeting with a napkin, looking like he might bolt at any moment. Something about his nervous energy was endearing in a way I couldn’t quite explain. Most guys I met up with were confident, sometimes bordering on cocky. Ash was… well… not that.
When I returned with our drinks, the caramel monstrosity for him and a simple latte for me. His face lit up like I’d just announced Christmas had come early.
“Thank you,” he said quietly, taking a sip and closing his eyes briefly in appreciation.
“So,” I began, settling back in my chair. “Tell me about yourself. Who is Ash Vale?”
