Page 5 of Fox in Plain Sight

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He’d called her pretty, and that made her smile. After the day Michelle had had so far, the stranger’s compliment felt like soothing lotion on a sunburn. Her meeting with her blackmailer—yes, blackmailer, because that’s what he really was, no matter what government agency he was working for—had left her rattled. The pressure was on. Either she produced, or she would land in jail, and that was a place she didn’t want to go to.

She’d much rather be in the company of a cute stranger, even if said stranger was a bit clumsy. At least the guy was no threat to her. The only danger she faced from the brown-haired hunk who was smiling at her, was being doused with coffee. And that was something she could easily survive.

Michelle watched as he dumped the soiled paper napkins in the trash bin and grabbed a new lid for his half-spilled coffee, securing it on the cup.

“I don’t mean to be pushy or anything,” he suddenly said, “but can I buy you a biscotti or a muffin to go with your latte?”

Michelle shook her head. “That’s really not necessary. Besides, it’s not like I need the extra calories.” Keeping a trim figure was hard enough since she spent most of her days and nights in front of her computer. She needed no sugar to jeopardize her health and weight.

A charming smirk, accompanied by a long look up and down her person, was his answer. “I’m sure you’ll burn them off in no time.”

She opened her mouth, not really knowing how to reply to that, when the barista interrupted.

“Michelle, your drink is ready.”

Michelle nodded to the stranger and reached past him. “Thanks, Elise.”

“Let me pay for that,” the hunk insisted once more, pulling his wallet from his pocket.

“Not necessary,” the barista replied. “Spills happen all the time. Besides, Michelle’s a regular.”

“Well then,” he said, “thanks, and sorry again.” He took a step away from the counter to let her pass.

Michelle took her drink and brought it to her lips, taking a first sip.

“Uh, Michelle.”

She lifted her eyes above the coffee cup and looked at him, curious what else he wanted. “Yes?”

“I’m Nick, by the way. I’m new to the neighborhood.” He offered his hand.

Hesitantly, Michelle shook it. “Hi, Nick. I’m Michelle, but then you already know that.”

A broad grin made his face look younger than he seemed at first sight. She allowed herself to look at him more thoroughly now. He had a stubble beard, the kind a man who didn’t have time to shave for two or three days would sport. It made him look rugged. His hair was medium-brown, but not dull. There was a healthy sheen to it. His eyes were green-brown, his skin on the light side as if he spent lots of time indoors. He wore a short-sleeved light-blue polo shirt and black cargo pants. Despite their loose fit, it was evident that his legs were muscular, just like his arms, though he didn’t look like a bodybuilder. He was lean.

“Listen, I get it if you don’t want to be seen with me.” Nick motioned to his shirt. “Stains and all, you know.” He grinned disarmingly. “But considering you made me spill my drink, maybe you could make it up to me by keeping me company while I finish what’s left of my mocha?”

“Now I made you spill your drink?” She had to laugh at that.

“Yep. The moment I saw you, I lost all control over my body.”

Michelle rolled her eyes and walked toward her favorite spot, a large armchair in one corner. Was Nick coming on to her, or was he just being overly friendly? “The way I remember it is that you didn’t even see me. That’s why you spilled your coffee.”

He winked. “Darn, you got me.” Then he suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice. “Normally that line works, you know, but I guess you’re too smart for that.”

Michelle laughed. She had no defenses against his boy-next-door charm. It was disarming. And non-threatening, and that’s what she needed right now. Some normalcy in her life.

She motioned to the second armchair, while she slunk down in her favorite spot and set her computer bag down. “Guess I’m not getting rid of you that easily.”

Nick sat opposite her and lowered his backpack to his feet. “I’m kind of like caramel, sticky but sweet.”

She chuckled. “So that pick-up line… Has it actually ever worked for you?”

He shrugged. “I’m still refining it. Rome wasn’t built in a day either.”

“So that’s a no then.”