“I’m bad at this,” I say, never one to shy away from stating the obvious. “I didn’t realize what you were asking at first.”
“That’s okay,” he responds quickly.
He studies my face for a beat, then seems to understand I already gave my answer—just badly. The sparkle in his eyes dims.
I did that to him. I just switched off his inner light. I feel bad. He was supposed to order a coffee. Not a coffee and an Antonio on the side.
“It was worth asking.”
He turns toward the door, then looks back and offers a small, crooked grin.
“For what it’s worth, I don’t even like espresso.”
That makes me blush, because it only now dawns on me what he liked here.
Me. He liked… me.
CHAPTER 7 – CASPIAN
I always try to see Cole and Noah after spending time with my family. They’re the best antidote to the Stones. Cole texted that they’re at Baywood Beans, so that’s where I head. My shoulders lose their stiffness the moment I step inside.
I pour myself a coffee and linger at the counter for a minute, chatting with the owners.
“Xaden Bailey’s back in town,” Delilah whispers, fanning herself. “Is it getting hot in here?”
“You’re too old and feminine for him,” Dorothy points out, but her cheeks are flushed too.
I manage not to roll my eyes.
“Cole seemed sad when he came in,” Dorothy adds.
“He’s fine,” I say immediately.
“He’s very lucky to have you,” she says, studying me closely.
I look at her in exasperation. I know what she’s going to say.
“You two would make a lovely couple.”
“Stop it,” Delilah says, elbowing her twin. “I’m Team Xaden.”
“We could get team shirts,” Dorothy perks up.
“No teams or shirts,” I say. “Cole and Xaden’s relationship isn’t our business.”
“Fine.”
I take my coffee and go to the back where Cole always sits, away from the worst of the noise.
I can immediately tell he hasn’t slept. Damn that Bailey.
“Hi.” Cole’s face brightens when he sees me.
“Hey.”
I turn my attention to Noah, who is half-standing, half-kneeling on hischair, stirring his hot chocolate so aggressively it’s sloshing dangerously close to disaster.
“Look!” he announces proudly. “It’s a tornado.”
