“Okay, well, I’ll see you Friday night. Goodnight, Dad.”
There’s a pause before he speaks again. “Goodnight, Tessa.”
He’s always so formal with me. It drives me absolutely insane, at least when I let it. Typically I try not to let him get to me, but today has been all over the place so it completely fits in with everything else. Between seeing Andrew, making a coffee non-date, my utter humiliation in the parking garage and finally some sort of affection from my father, it’s just too much. I fall asleep, still fully clothed on top of my sheets and not caring one bit about it.
IT’S STILL DARK OUTSIDE AS I pull myself off the floor once again, my usual morning habit. This whole early rising thing had best not be an everyday thing. If it is, I’ll have to learn how to go to bed earlier at night. On the plus side, I am going to a coffee shop so that should aid in my quest to not be a zombie for the day.
Coffee.
Michael.
It still feels strange that I’m doing this, considering the few times Michael and I have seen each other I’ve managed to make a complete fool of myself. First there was the whole purse thing in the deli and then the incident yesterday where my car decided to eat my jacket. So he knows I’m nothing more than a clumsy fool. But what do I really know about him? He’s obviously smart (just look at his alma maters and the fact that he’s a lawyer), well dressed and has a charming personality. Plus he has a penchant for saving damsels in distress. Or just me. All I can hope for today is just to be normal and not be completely lame by cracking stupid jokes or spilling coffee all over myself.
And on that note, I put the white sweater back in my closet, opting for something maybe in a darker color. Just in case.
The nice thing about arriving this early to the parking garage is you get your pick of prime parking spots. Most normal people aren’t at work yet and the ones who are, they’re the workaholics that practically live in their office. And since Caribou is just down the block I don’t have to deal with finding a parking spot there as well. I exit my car and take extra caution to make sure my new coat doesn’t get caught in the door. I don’t need to be rescued again today. At least not yet.
The bell chimes above the door as I enter and instantly I’m assaulted with the intense smell of roasted coffee. Such a delightful smell, ranking high on my list of favorite scents. I’ve seen people keep coffee beans in a jar on their desk, using it as a pencil holder, letting the aroma float around them subtly all day long. That may not be a bad idea for when I move into my new office.
My office.
That still sounds so weird to me.
A table opens up toward the back so I quickly grab it. It’s busy for this early in the morning, but then again it is a coffee shop. I think early mornings and coffee just go hand in hand.
I smooth my hands down the dark purple sweater dress I finally decided on this morning while I nervously wait for Michael to show up. There’s no reason for me to be nervous, though. We’re just two people meeting for coffee.
The bell chimes again and my head turns to the sound. That’s when I see him standing there in his neatly pressed light gray suit, paired with a yellow tie that beautifully compliments his expressive brown eyes. Those same eyes look around the shop until they finally land on mine, allowing a smile to form on his face. My palms begin to sweat and my black knee high boots nervously tap against the leg of the table.
He strides to my table, ignoring several glances from women as he passes by. Not that I blame them for looking. He is a rather striking man.
“Good morning,” I say a little too brightly.
“Good morning. You look beautiful.” He occupies the chair across from me, folding his hands in front of him while silently staring at me.
“Thank you. You look beautiful as well. Handsome,” I quickly correct myself. “I mean, you look handsome as well.” Come on brain, catch up with me here.
He swipes his hand down his tie before unbuttoning his suit coat. My fingers twist in my lap and I resist the urge to touch my hair.
“I’ll take beautiful, as long as it’s coming from you.” I flush at his compliment and look up at him through my lashes. He really isn’t bad on the eyes. And he’s sweet “Did I keep you long?”
“Oh, um, no. I just got here a few minutes ago. I wasn’t really expecting you for another ten minutes or so.”
“To be honest, I was here a few minutes earlier. I saw you sitting there through the window and I just couldn’t help but look at you.”
Did you hear the loud thud? That was my subconscious falling over in complete and utter shock and awe. How did he know just the perfect thing to say at that moment? Here I was nervous about meeting him, arriving early and looking like a fool only to find out he had seen me and was staring at me, unable to go inside. My eyes travel over him again and it’s like I’m actually seeing him for the first time. His full lips that are turned up with his shy smile, his slightly crooked nose which must have been broken at some point in his younger years. And those dark brown eyes of melted chocolate with flecks of gold sprinkled around the edges, catching the light from above us.
My eyes travel further and take note of the athletic build underneath his perfect suit. My fingertips tingle with a sudden curiosity about what lies underneath. I bite my lip, needing to drive those wayward thoughts from my mind. People don’t think of their friends like that. And Michael is a friend. A hot and gorgeous friend, but still a friend. My eyes pause briefly on his lips before meeting his eyes again.
“You did? Really?” I somehow manage to squeak out; yet I can’t help the smile that crosses my face. It is definitely a boost to my self-esteem considering the hundreds, no, thousands of women who are far more beautiful than me.
He looks down and clears his throat quietly. “I hope you don’t find that creepy.”
“No, not at all. Actually, I find it rather sweet,” I say, placing my hand on the top of his. “You were really just looking at me?”
His eyes meet mine again and I’m rewarded with that beautiful smile. “Of course. You are easily the most beautiful woman in here.”
I look around and realize the crowd has dwindled, leaving only about a dozen people sitting around tables and talking to each other or reading their books.
I laugh. “That’s not saying much since there’s hardly anyone here.”
He laughs with me and I watch as his cheeks pink up slightly. He looks positively adorable when he’s embarrassed. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who gets embarrassed easily.
“You know what I mean. If this place were filled to capacity, I would still find you the most beautiful woman here.”
“Even if a bus full of Victoria’s Secret supermodels came traipsing in, all scantily clad in their angel wings and whatnot?” Now it’s my turn to blush.
“Why, are they here?” Michael says, frantically looking around and then wiping his hand across his forehead in mock relief, making me laugh. “Well, thank God they’re not here. I don’t think I could handle them being so jealous of your good looks.”
He gives my hand a squeeze, causing warmth to spread through my chest. He really is a nice guy. I wonder why we’ve never met before.
“Would you like some coffee?” I nod my head and start to stand up from my chair, but he motions for me to remain in my seat as he stands from his. “No, you sit. I’ll get it. What would you like?”
It’s been a while since I’ve had coffee that wasn’t made in my tiny kitchen, but I do remember the only thing on this menu that I enjoyed.
“A small Northern Lite Caramel High Rise, no whip.”
“Any muffins? Oatmeal? Breakfast sandwich?”
I shake my head and giggle. His hand rests on the back of his chair and leans forward slightly. “Just the coffee will be good enough for me.”
Michael turns towards the counter with a smile plastered across his face and eyes bouncing with amusement. I watch as he waits in line, one hand shoved in his pocket as he reads
the menu hanging above the barista. A few girls walk through the door, giggling loudly and looking him up and down as they stand behind him. He doesn’t even acknowledge their presence, which makes me smile. I lean my cheek into my propped up hand and admire him. The view from behind is almost as good as the front.
Almost.
Okay, so I like him, attracted to him even. How could anyone not be? There’s just an ease between us that’s effortless and I feel myself relaxing more and more with him. It’s not awkward or pushing, just comfortable. Safe.
Michael returns with a tray holding both our coffees and a bowl of oatmeal.
“Where were you just then? Daydreaming?”
Damn, I got caught. I flush and spin the coffee cup in my hand, unable to meet his eyes. He laughs, probably knowing exactly what I was doing but nice enough not to bring it to attention. His fingers loosen the button of his coat as he sinks back into his chair, pulling it marginally closer to me this time. My poor senses are on overdrive with the combined smells of his cologne, our coffees and the maple in his oatmeal. Each smells delicious in their own right, but making me slightly dizzy when joined together.
He takes a bite of his oatmeal and wipes the corners of his mouth with a napkin. “Tell me, anything new with you? We didn’t exactly have the opportunity to talk much yesterday.”
I laugh, recalling the reason why and take a sip of my coffee. “I suppose not since you were busy playing the part of my rescuer.” He smiles and it warms me more than the coffee I’m drinking right now. “Actually, I got a promotion Monday afternoon.”
I’m still giddy about the whole thing and I feel ridiculous about it. People get promotions every day and I’m sure none of them act like I am right now.
“Congratulations. That’s definitely something new then. What’s your new position?”
“Junior account executive. They needed to add another spot with all the clients we’ve acquired and some of the larger accounts will be taking up more time than anticipated. I’m kind of nervous about it because I really don’t think I have the experience or the degree to do this sort of thing.”
His warm smile eases my fears slightly. “If they didn’t have confidence in your abilities they wouldn’t have picked you. You should trust their judgment on this. How long have you worked there?”
“Four years, but only as an assistant.” I try to look down again, but he brings his head down with mine, drawing my gaze back up.
“But you must have paid attention to everything your boss was doing. Who was it that recommended you?”
“It was Kara, my boss. She always had me drawing up the contracts for each account, sit in every meeting with her clients and watch as she closed each deal.”
He nods. “See. Then they definitely picked the right person for the job. A degree is just a piece of paper saying you spent a lot of money on an education that doesn’t quite prepare you for the working world. Trust me. The best way to gain experience is by actually doing it.”
That’s what Chris told me too. And now with Michael telling me the same thing I’m feeling much better about it. Just hearing that someone else believes in me means more than he could ever possibly know.
“I don’t know. I’m still pretty nervous about it and I’m afraid I’ll never live up to their expectations.”
He leans forward and gives me a reassuring smile. “I have confidence in you. You’ll be great, I just know it.”
I tilt my head to the side. “How do you know? We barely know each other.”
Michael takes a sip of his coffee and smirks. “Call it a hunch. I don’t see someone like you letting things get the best of you at work. You seem like the type who does everything by the letter. A problem-solver of sorts.”
“You’re pretty good at reading people,” I remark.
“It’s what I get paid to do.”
The tension I was previously feeling regarding my promotion lifts even more now that someone else has confidence in my abilities. We spend the next half hour laughing and exchanging work horror stories. I’m wiping away tears and gripping my stomach from laughing so hard. When I look at Michael, who’s doubled over with laughter, I notice the small dimples that appear when he smiles. And I like the way his eyes crinkle in the corners, making him look distinguished and carefree at the same time. The knot in my stomach loosens a little, letting me relax a bit more.
“Well, if we’re not careful we’re both going to be late for work, even though I would much rather sit here laughing with you than spend my day in court.”
We stand together and Michael grabs our empty cups from the table, tossing them and his oatmeal bowl in the trash. I struggle to get my new jacket on, but he comes up behind me and holds it open for me so I can easily slip my arms into the sleeves. He’s quite the gentleman. Does he have any flaws?
Slinging my purse over my shoulder, I walk up next to him and wait while he buttons his suit coat. He flashes me a quick smile, then picks up my hand and gently kisses the back of it. His lips are warm from the coffee although I’m sure they’d be warm without it too.
“Ready?” he asks.
I nod. “As I’ll ever be.”
Michael threads my arm into his as he escorts me out the door and down the sidewalk to our building. The cool, crisp October air hits us as we walk the short distance to our building. I can feel Michael’s body heat through my jacket, warming up my goose bumped skin instantly. Idly, I wonder if it’s more than just his heat that’s warming me up. Whatever it is I don’t want to dwell on it too much. We’re friends. Friends who walk down the street arm in arm and have coffee dates before work. Regular friend stuff, right?
We continue our journey of discovery with each other on the elevator ride up, laughing and comparing stories once again. It’s then I realize that he hasn’t let go of me since we left the coffee shop. I’m not entirely sure what to make of it or how I should act. But I push the strange new feelings aside, not wanting to make them more than what they really are or could be. I’ve done that once. I won’t do it again.
The doors open and Michael reluctantly lets me go. He walks me into the lobby area of my office and places his hands in his coat pockets. It’s quiet for a moment because we’re still trying to get to know each other and don’t know how we should say goodbye. So I decide to give him an awkward wave and smile, which he returns, making us both laugh.
“I’m glad you invited me out for coffee. It was fun.”
He smiles and pushes the call button for the elevator. “Same time again tomorrow?”
I nod. “Sure. I’d like that. Have fun in court today.”
Michael groans and pretends to hang himself with his tie, his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth playfully. I clasp my hand over my mouth to stifle the giggle. He waves to me and I wave back before the doors close.
I slowly turn and begin walking toward my desk when a stern sounding voice yells at me as I turn the corner.
“Tessa Marie, you wait right there!”
Kara is practically sprinting behind me, her long blond ponytail swinging behind her. I glance at my watch and note that I’m on time, early even. What could she possibly be yelling at me about?
I turn and face her, thinking maybe this has something to do with seeing Michael by the elevator with me. I can feel the redness creep up my neck as I cock an eyebrow at her, hoping to throw her off balance.
“Really? Is the middle name necessary?”
Kara grabs my hand and practically drags me into her office, shutting the door behind her.
“It is absolutely necessary. Was that Michael I saw with you by the elevator?”
I nod. “Yes, that was him.”
Kara surprises me by letting out a whistle and waving a hand in front of her face.
“Wow, he’s kind of hot. Not Chris hot or Andrew hot, but he’s a damn close third.”
I roll my eyes and start to stand from the chair I was thrown into.
“Okay,” I say, dragging the word ou
t slowly. “I don’t want to sit here and discuss my crazy life right now so I’m going to go to my desk and get some work done.”
Kara laughs and holds me back by my arm. “Come on, say it with me. Your love life. You know that thing you actually have now? I feel like a proud momma. Two guys fighting over you. Ah, every girl’s fantasy.”
She cannot be serious. I slap her arm and she rubs the spot, pretending to be hurt.
“First of all, no one is fighting over me. They don’t even know about each other and they don’t need to. Nothing is going on with either of them. Last time I checked I was still single. And second, I’m not looking for anything right now. Look what happened the last time I decided to word vomit all over a guy.”
Kara rolls her eyes and throws an arm over my shoulder, walking me back to my desk.
“You didn’t word vomit all over him so knock that shit off. Just be happy. That’s all I want for you right now.” She flashes a grin, showing me her less than honorable intentions behind it.
My eyes narrow in suspicion at her. “What are you planning you conniving little vixen?”
She bats her long eyelashes at me, putting on her most innocent looking face, which is comical enough as it is.
“Me? Conniving? Why Tessa I’m hurt. Shocked, even, that you would think I have something up my sleeve. Just for that I’m going back to my office to wallow in self-pity.”
“I know you. You have something planned. Spill it, Thomas, now.”
Kara sticks her tongue out at me and waves over her shoulder as she heads back to her office. Frustrating woman. She’s lucky I love her.
My morning flies by as I drown myself in work, getting things prepared for next week. Kara has been in and out of my cube, digging for details on my morning, which I refuse to give to fuel the fire. She’s up to no good. I just know it.
Around noon, a delivery guy appears around the corner carrying a vase filled with beautiful red roses and a clipboard.
“Miss Tessa Martin?”
I turn in my chair and nod. “Yes, I’m Tessa.”
Fated to be Mine Page 7