Page 13 of Burning Obsession

“Not happening today. I’m getting coffee.” With a heavy sigh, I stand upright and head to the living room. I grab my keys off the hook by the door and my phone, ordering an Uber to come and pick me up immediately to get my truck.

Looks like I'm going out.

With my truck back in my possession, it’s time to get coffee. The drive through town is quieter than usual, or maybe it’s because I never turned the radio on when I got to my truck. It’s a noise that wasn’t needed. My headache feels ten times worse after riding in the Uber. The driver was a lover of heavy metal, and had the music louder than was needed. He’s definitely getting a bad review for that. He’s lucky I still tipped him.

I’m just around the corner from Fifi’s shop when I catch myself as my fingers turn on my turn signal. My stomach twists into knots as I begin to think of what might be waiting there for me. Something from my admirer. Just saying the word makes bile rise in my throat. I love Fifi, like she was a sister, and her shop is my favorite. But why won’t she tell me anything about this person? Why doesn’t she tell them how much it bothers me and to stop?

Nope, not happening today. I’m in no physical or mental condition for it. Instead of turning, I continue down Main Street. There’s another spot I like just a few blocks down. Their coffee isn't nearly as good, but I never have an anonymous gift waiting there for me. And right now, caffeine is caffeine.

It takes me a minute to find a parking spot; it seems the place is popular this morning. But finally I catch someone backing out, and wait patiently for them to leave. I turn off the ignition and climb out, making my way inside where the smell hits me instantly. Fresh coffee. Pastries. Salvation.

Honestly? I almost moan. Not a quiet one, but an obnoxiously loud and awkward one in front of every patron.

I make my way over to the counter and get in line behind a younger couple who can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. As the line moves, I shuffle forward with everyone else. By the time I reach the counter, I’m ready to take whatever incorrect order they’ve made already just so I don’t have to wait any longer.

“Good morning. Welcome to Jamie’s. What can I make for you?”

"Large black coffee," I say. “And give me a blueberry muffin with it.”

“Would you like it warmed?”

“Please.”

She tells me the total with a smile, and I pay before stepping over to the side. A few minutes later, I'm carrying my coffee and muffin over to the last unoccupied table in the place. It’s at the far end of the café, right by the window.

I practically collapse into the chair, then take my first sip. Almost Heaven. Definitely not as good as Fifi’s. But it'll do to curb the craving. I demolish half the muffin in three bites before pulling out my phone. One cup won’t be enough, so I decide to play a game a bit before ordering another. Double-fisting drinks is one thing, but coffee is another. And I don’t need that kind of judgment this morning.

I’m so invested in matching the gems game I’m playing that I don’t notice someone has stepped up to my table.

Until they clear their throat, which pulls my attention.

I glance up. The air rushes from my lungs, and I can’t form a coherent thought.

Standing beside my table is quite possibly the most handsome man I've ever seen. Tall – well my height, technically. He’s lean, but still muscular enough that you can tell he works out. Sunlight spills through the window of the café, illuminating his blond hair that's just messy enough to look effortlessly suave. A neatly trimmed goatee frames a mouth that I’d give my right kidney to have my lips on.

"Uh..." He rubs the back of his neck with his free hand. "Is this seat taken?" Pale blue eyes meet mine, then dart toward the empty chair.

Normally, I’d say yes, wanting to keep my space to myself. But when I open my mouth, that’s not what comes out.

“No, it’s free.” I clear my throat. “Have a seat.” I gesture toward the chair.

Five seconds ago, I was thrilled that I'd managed to find a table for myself. Now I can't imagine wanting anyone else sitting here, beside me, but him.

"Thanks." He sets his coffee cup on the table and takes hold of the chair, pulling it away from the table, and sits down. "I didn't realize it'd be this packed this morning.”

"Neither did I," I laugh, keeping my eyes anywhere but on him.

"The last time I was here, there were only a couple of people. When I walked in today, I almost turned around and left." My eyes drift up to gaze at him, only to see him looking back at me. “I’m glad I didn’t.”

I swear to God, he winks at me when he says it. Or did I imagine that? I replay what he said, how he looked at me, and nope, he definitely winked.

Is this guy flirting with me?

"I almost cried when I found the only empty table.” I respond quickly when I realize he’s waiting for me to say something.

"I considered offering someone fifty bucks for their seat," he jokes.

"I would've accepted," flies from my mouth. My awkward attempt at being cute and flirty. I’m mortified the instant I’m done speaking, though, because I think it came off any way but that.