I placed my hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the counter so we could place our orders. The contact seared into my skin, causing my breathing to quicken. I wondered if she was affected by the gesture, or if she even noticed.
“I’ve heard a few people talking about this place at the store, so I looked it up and thought it might be worth checking out.” I shrugged.
I didn’t dare tell her exactly how much research I had done, including coming in here myself to get the lay of the land and to talk with employees about their menu, convincing them to make a few tiny changes for one night.
When we finally made it to the counter, the employee greeted us and I motioned for Blair to order first. “Can I have the faerie blossom tea, please, and the pixie dust shortbread? Thank you.”
I didn’t want to examine the way my chest felt, seeing her bright eyes as she ordered, still looking around the cafe.
“Of course, and for you, miss?”
I turned to the man behind the counter, forcing my gaze away from the true beauty of the cafe. “I’ll have the violet petal tea and a thornberry scone, please.”
Blair gave me a questioning look, to which I shrugged. “They sounded interesting.”
She took out her wallet, but I stopped her with a hand. “I’ve got it.”
“You didn’t have to do that. I can pay my own way, you know,” she said as we found a table in the corner. It was a small wooden table shaped like a tree stump.
“I am well aware, Ms. Best-Selling Author.” I winked. “I asked you out tonight, as an apology, and part of that is paying for you.”
“I’m still waiting for that apology,” she teased as she took a bite of her bread, causing my throat to become dry when her eyes rolled back. “Oh my God, this is amazing!”
I definitely agree.“You’re really going to make me work for it, aren’t you? Can’t I just say bringing you here is an apology, you accept it, and we become the best of friends?” I laughed when she rolled her eyes.
I washed my smile away and turned serious. If I was going to apologize, I was going to do it right. “Fine, but tell anyone, and I’ll deny it,” I teased.
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of it. No one would believe me, anyway.” She grinned.
Relief flooded through my shoulders as I began to speak. “I’m sorry, Blair. Since our first time working together, which didn’t end in the best way, I’ve been nothing but rude and unprofessional toward you, and I know the feelings have been mutual. I’ve been holding onto that animosity for years, and considering my outburst from our first meeting this time around, it had only grown.”
I could have sworn that I saw a slight glitter forming in her eyes as a soft smile spread across her lips.
“I also want to apologize for forcing myself on you at the festival, and again in my office. That was inappropriate and should not have happened.”
“Drea, please stop apologizing about that night. If I hadn’t wanted it, you would’ve known about it. And seeing as how I came back into your office and forced myself onto you, that’s not the case.” She grinned sheepishly.
I blushed, remembering that day clearly. “Believe me, you didn’t force yourself. I have wanted that for a long time, probably longer than I care to admit. Anyway, I don’t expect things to just change overnight, but I hope you can accept my apology and maybe we can try to start over?”
She nodded while taking a sip of her tea. I had barely touched my drink or my scone besides the initial first tastes. I had my eye on something more delicious than anything they served at the cafe. Jesus, I sounded so lame!
“I’d like that. Hating you has been exhausting. I’m not saying I like you, but hate seems like a strong word these days.”
I frowned. “So do you just go around making out with people you don’t like? I’m intrigued to know what you do to people you do like.” I winked and chuckled when her face turned a shade of dark red.
“Funny. Too bad you’ll never find out.” She winked. “Are you about ready to go? It looks like they’re closing soon.
I looked around, noticing the workers cleaning up around the cafe; wiping tables and taking out trash. I hadn’t realized we’d been sitting there for over an hour. Time flew when you were having fun, or in beautiful company.
“Yeah, we should probably get going.”
We walked in silence until we got closer to my car.
“Did you like the cafe? It was cool how they had menu items that sounded like they belonged in one of your books, huh?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, what a coincidence. You didn’t have anything to do with that, did you?”
I smiled. “What? Me? No, not at all.”
