As soon as Charley stepped inside, she was met with the scent of roasted beans and something sweet, almost making her mouth water. She took in the cozy coffee shop. It was like a little sanctuary of warm lights and rich aroma of freshly ground beans. Soft soothing music added to its inviting atmosphere.
She quickly scanned the room, and it didn’t take long to spot Pierce. He was seated at a small table in the back with one armdraped casually over the chair beside him, and a coffee already in hand.
Of course, he sat with his back to the wall and near the exit. She recognized the habit.Typical, she thought to herself.
The sight of him sent a rush of warmth through her chest. The unease she’d carried with her on the walk faded, replaced by something steadier and excitement.
Her smile came easily as she headed toward him, the feeling settling deep in her bones.
As she approached, Pierce smiled and stood up, greeting her with a brief hug and a sweet kiss on the cheek. It was a small gesture, and she was sure that her cheeks were bright red.
“Hey, you,” he said with a grin, pulling the chair across from him out for her.
“Hey, yourself,” she replied, settling into the chair and placing her bag to the side of the table.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I already ordered you a French vanilla cappuccino with two extra sugars.”
Charley’s jaw dropped open. “How did you know?”
Her shocked expression must have really shown because he chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m not a creepy stalker. I heard you mention it at the cookout when you were talking with everyone.”
Of course, he did, because SEALs always knew everything going on around them. At least that was what she told herself. His thoughtfulness warmed Charley’s heart, just like the steaming cup of cappuccino that sat in front of her.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Of course,” he said and winked. “Figured I’d save us the trouble of waiting in line. Plus, it gives me more time with you to myself,” Pierce said with a chuckle, taking his seat across from Charley.
Charley laughed as she picked up the cup and took a sip. “This is so good.”
They spent the next few minutes catching up. Pierce asked her about work, and Charley filled him in on what was happening at the foundation.
“So, unless something catastrophic occurs, we open in a week,” she said, excitement creeping into her voice.
“That’s awesome,” Pierce said. “Bet you’re ready to open the doors.”
“You have no idea,” Charley replied. “How about you? How are things with you?”
Pierce leaned back, chuckling as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I think dealing with recruits is sometimes worse than facing the enemy. But I love it. Training the next group of SEALs is rewarding. Knowing those guys will go on to defend the country, it makes all the headaches worth it.”
Charley smiled, sipping her cappuccino. “Do you miss the action? Being deployed?”
Pierce looked thoughtful for a moment. “I have mixed feelings about it, honestly. There’s a part of me that misses the adrenaline and the purpose of a mission. But the other part of me likes the stability of being here, training others, and…” he grinned at Charley. “Having the opportunity to have moments like this.”
Charley grinned, her eyes warm and playful. “Moments like sitting in a coffee shop with me?”
“Exactly,” Pierce said, his gaze holding hers a second longer before they both laughed.
???
At first, Pierce had been a little nervous about his coffee date with Charley. He wasn’t sure how it would go, and he had been overthinking it all morning. And it didn’t help that Ray had been blowing up his phone all morning trying to give him pointers.It was like Ray thought Pierce had never been on a date before. However, it had been a while. But still.
Sitting across from Charley, watching her smile, he felt comfortable. She had this way about her. She was bright, funny, and beautiful. She could be serious when she needed to be, but there was this playful energy that made her even more attractive.
“Tell me about your family,” Pierce asked casually. But as soon as he saw Charley’s smile fade, he wanted to kick himself in the ass as he remembered the day they had met out on the water, she had mentioned she was out there spreading her dad and brother’s ashes.
Feeling like a total jackass, he set his coffee down and, without any hesitation, reached across the table and covered her hand with his.
“Charley, I’m so sorry. I just remembered you mentioning why you were on the water that day we met.”
