Coffee Cup Confessions - Trish Williford Page 0,16

it.

His slight embarrassment is confirmed when he looks around the room and not at me when he begins to speak, “It’s been a while since I’ve smiled and laughed like this with someone. I, um …” He glances to the ground, and then with a shake of his head, he returns his gaze to me. “I—”

“Jake, order up!” someone yells from behind the counter, which separates us.

He backs away from me and chuckles uncomfortably. “How about we take the drinks upstairs? There’s some extra seating on the balcony that I normally don’t open to the public.”

Disappointed that the moment in our little bubble has passed, I throw a fake smile on. “Sounds perfect.”

The seated area upstairs is spacious and open, allowing us to still enjoy the music but giving us much more comfort and privacy from the crowd.

I sit on an oversize couch and practically melt into the leather. “This couch is so comfortable.” I sigh contentedly.

Jake turns on a lamp on the side table and grins. “I’ve taken many naps on that couch. It’s like it embraces you.”

“Yes, I feel like it’s snuggling me.” I laugh.

He sits beside me on the couch and sinks in as well. “I’m not sure why I haven’t moved this couch to my house instead of leaving it here. This area doesn’t get used much.”

The band plays a cover of a Fallen Shadows song, and I’m actually impressed. “They’re doing my boys justice.”

“You’re a Fallen Shadows fan?” Jake asks.

“Definitely. Drew and I are going to see them in Washington, DC, this summer at a really small theater. I’m so excited for it.”

He looks over at me in shock. “How did you manage to get tickets? It sold out so fast.”

“I was on the venue’s website, waiting for the tickets to go on sale. You’re a fan?”

He nods. “I think they’re one of the most underrated bands right now. And Bryson Henderson is a lyrical genius. He pumps out songs for the biggest names in music like a damn machine.”

“And his music has such a unique style. I can listen to a song and tell you within thirty seconds if Bryson wrote it. He’s amazing.”

Jake raises a brow with a knowing grin. “He’s not your celebrity crush by chance, is he?”

I take a drink of my latte and shrug. “You can call him whatever you’d like. My celebrity crush, my dream guy, the love of my life … it all works.”

“Yeah … you’re definitely crushing on him.” He laughs.

Jake and I talk until we realize the band is no longer playing, and the crowd is filing out of the shop. His employees are busy cleaning behind the counter, and I follow his lead when he stands.

“I guess we should take these cups to them, so they can wash them. Are you about ready to head out?”

“Sounds good.” Even though I’d be willing to stay out as late as he wanted.

I like talking to Jake—and not just in a romantic way. I really enjoy his company, and I don’t want the night to end yet.

But everything in life eventually comes to an end, and sometimes, it’s too soon.

8

Jake

The drive back to Misha’s apartment is short, and I’m not ready to say good-bye to her. In ten minutes, my obligation will be fulfilled, and Mandy will be waiting at the coffee shop with a check for the remaining sum I’m owed.

I’m so damn torn. I don’t want to say good-bye to Misha. She’s a great girl, the type that doesn’t come around often, and after I drop her off, I’ll send a bullshit text about not seeing this going anywhere. I’m going to lie to her.

Well, I have been the entire time I’ve known her.

When the truck comes to a stop, Misha takes her seat belt off and smiles at me. “I had a good time tonight. Thank you for dinner and coffee.”

I shut the engine off and unbuckle my seat belt as well. “I’m not saying good night in my truck, Misha. I’ll walk you to your door.”

Even in the dim cab of the truck, I can tell her cheeks are pink.

“Okay.”

I follow her up the stairs, and I can’t help but watch her round ass as it climbs each step. It’s the perfect shape and size, and all the things I want to do to it run through my head in warp speed.

Misha unlocks her door and puts her purse inside her apartment. “Thanks for walking me up.”

Her bottom lip is between her teeth, and