“Yeah. I can see that. Why don’t you try being nicer, or less grumpy? Find out what she likes and go from there.”
Sitting quietly in my SUV with him, I realize Rhett and Seth have already left. I’m tired, but I’m going to be here for Atlas. Not many people are. He tends to push people away.
“Do you think that’ll work?” he asks so softly that I almost miss it.
“Well, the alternative is cuffing her to you and getting to know her, while hoping she doesn’t go to the police,” I deadpan.
Huffing out a laugh, Atlas shakes his head, “I can’t tell whether you’re serious or joking sometimes, Kash.” He shoves the car door open and heads toward his car.
Giving myself a moment to think, I wonder if I’m kidding or not. If Mila refuses to accept the inevitable, I see no reason why I can’t cuff myself to her until she’s ready. I’m not usually one for bondage and tying people up, but suddenly I’m very interested in it. If it's with her, I want it all.
Waving goodbye to Atlas, I head straight home. I have a promise to keep.
Standing in front ofTwin Roasts, I consider my options. I waited a day to go see Mila, and I think I’ve shown enough restraint. I sent atext to Cora, but she won’t give me her number. Rude little Care Bear.
Walking into their shop, I take in the decor and case of baked treats. Pride fills my chest when I see the case is about half empty already. I’ve got appointments for most of the evening, but I want Mila to know that I’m thinking of her. I actually can’t get her out of my brain, and I’ve jerked off at least twice already. It’s probably not healthy, but oh well. Nothing healthy ever tastes good, and I just know Mila will.
“Hi there.” I give the girl working the counter my biggest smile. “Is Mila around?”
Pausing for a moment, she sizes me up. Fortunately, it’s not Mara, or I would have been shut down right away. I have to play this right.
“I wanted to talk to her about placing an order for my business.”
Judging by the way she looks me up and down, I can tell that was a wrong answer.
“Please, I was told she was the person to talk to. Is she in?”
Finally, the girl nods her head, then gestures toward the kitchen door. “She’s prepping for the afternoon, but I can grab her for you.”
Joy fills me. “Thank you. Can I order a drink while I wait? Just a medium caramel cappuccino.”
“Iced or hot?”
“Surprise me,” I offer. I don’t really care either way; I just need something to hold onto, so I don’t reach across the table and grab her into my arms and kiss the daylights out of her.Control, Kash.
“Would you like any muffins or croissants to go with it?”
Looking at the display, I take in all the pastries and baked goods that still line the case. “Does Mila make all of these herself?”
“Yep. Mila makes everything from scratch. Always fresh.”
“What’s her favorite?” I ask, scanning the contents, telling myself not to buy it all.
“Mila’s? Probably the chocolate croissant or the lemon scone.”
Interesting.I’ve never been big on chocolate, but if Mila makes it, I’m eating it. “Let me get one of each. Please.”
She nods, giving me my total. I tap my card and make sure to leave a tip. My Mila works hard; she deserves it. The girl pops into the back and comes back out less than a minute later. “She’ll be out in a second. I’ll grab your drink and pastries.”
Nodding, I step off to the side. I quickly take in my appearance and make sure I look presentable. I don’t know why I suddenly feel nervous. Hair in place?Check. Decent outfit? Dark henley with jeans and boots.Check. I even brushed my teeth twice this morning.
Their employee puts my drink and bag on the counter. Stealing a glance at her name tag, I see her name. “Thank you, Joelle. I appreciate it.”
Nodding in response, she points to a table toward the back. “She usually meets with people ordering at that table. She should be out soon.”
As I head toward the area she gestured to, I take a sip of my drink and nearly groan. Man, that is good coffee. It’s smooth and has just enough caramel taste without being too sweet. Pulling out the chocolate croissant, I take a bite and now I do groan. Holy shit, that is delicious. The pastry is warm, flakey and buttery, and the filling is rich. Suddenly, I’m a fan of chocolate.
“You want a minute alone with that?” a soft voice asks from behind me. I whirl around to see my Sunshine standing there, arms folded across her chest, and a smile on her face. She might be laughing at me, but I’ll still take it as me being the reason for her smile.
