by Layla Frost
As soon as the door closed, I turned the lock. I bit back my smile as I thought about Theo.
Outside of employees who had to call off, I couldn’t remember the last time someone wanted me to know where they were. More importantly, I couldn’t remember the last time I wanted to know.
But Theo thought it was important enough to send Luc. Maybe he thought I was freaking out about him not calling. And maybe I had a little.
Whatever the reason, it was sweet and thoughtful.
Not for the first time, I found myself looking forward to getting to know him better.
It helped he wasn’t a total walnut.
···
Clutching my umbrella, I fought against the whipping wind as I made my way to Java Brew. The umbrella was pointless, the wind pushing the rain right under the barrier and into my face. Still, I took what protection I could. It hadn’t rained in weeks, and it was definitely making up for it.
Between the horrid weather and the ridiculously early time, the skies were still dark. So much so, in fact, I didn’t see anyone else until I crashed into them in front of the café.
“Whoa, you okay?” a deep voice asked, his hands circling my waist to steady me.
With a yelp, I lost my hold on my umbrella. A strong gust of wind took it, and I was already mentally saying goodbye when the man’s hand shot out and grabbed it.
Handing it back to me, I finally got an unobstructed view of his face.
“Theo?”
If I’d thought Luc had looked exhausted at the beginning of the week, it was nothing compared to Theo at the end of it. He was soaked. The bags under his dark eyes had their own full set of luggage. The tension in his expression only relaxed as his gaze travelled my face.
“Cazzo, I’m happy to see you.” His voice was low and intense. Before I could say anything, his mouth dropped to mine.
There was no gentle easing into the kiss. There was nothing gentle about it, period. One of his large hands covered the side of my face, his thumb pressing my jaw up as his fingertips dug in. His other arm wrapped around me, his hand stroking my back.
I stood frozen for a moment, taken off guard. A week before, he’d been warm and sweet at dinner, but he hadn’t even hugged me goodbye. Suddenly, after no contact since, he was back and kissing me.
In the pouring rain.
As if we commonly made out.
Once the shock wore off, I wrapped my soaking arms around his shoulders, nearly losing the umbrella again in the process.
Even through the noise of the falling rain, I could hear his low groan. His tongue danced with mine as he tightened his hold, shifting me closer before suddenly stopping.
Just as abruptly as it’d started, Theo pulled away and ended the kiss. He rested his forehead against mine, his sharp inhale followed by a slow exhale.
“Been wanting to do that since the first time I saw you,” he rumbled.
“More coffee beans would’ve been spilled, but I’d have still let you.”
He grinned as he stood upright.
“You look exhausted,” I blurted.
“Such flattery.”
“No, you… I mean, you look great. Well, better than great, but—”
His deep chuckle interrupted me, for which I was thankful. Both because I loved hearing the sound, and also because my foot wasn’t tasting so good.
“I’m exhausted,” he confirmed. “It’s been the week from hell, and all I thought about was when I’d get to see you.” My heart was pounding in my chest, but before I could say anything, he continued. “You have to get out of the rain. Are you working tonight?”
“Yeah.”
“Will you text when you’re done?”
“It’ll be really late.”
“That’s okay, still text. You work tomorrow?”
“Not the morning here, but in the afternoon at Weggies until late again. I’d try to switch shifts, but the store manager tomorrow is a jerk.”
Theo shook his head. “That’s okay, I obviously get it. Text, okay?” His mouth dropped to mine again, his tongue sweeping inside just enough to tease.
Releasing me, he began to shift away before I tightened my grip on his arms.
“Are you sure you’re okay to get home?” I gestured over my shoulder. “There’s a couch in the back employee room if you want to rest for a while. Or my place is close, if you want to go there.”
His eyes heated, his own grip tightening on my waist. “I’m okay.” With one last kiss, he moved away from me. “Get out of the rain, Dahlia.”
“Right.” I unlocked the door.
“Text, no matter what time.” Once I was inside, Theo started toward the street. A black SUV pulled up to the curb, and he got in, thankfully not driving.
As it pulled away, I walked to the employee breakroom and checked my locker for a spare shirt. Coming up empty, I launched into my morning routine and tried to ignore my chattering teeth.
It wasn’t going well.
Less than a half hour later, my phone dinged.
Theo: Let me know if something doesn’t fit.
My brows lowered as I tried to figure out what he was talking about.
Maybe the message was meant for someone else…
Jealousy niggled at the back of my mind, taking me by surprise.
Me: Did you text the wrong number?
A knock on the glass door echoed through the silent café, making me jump.
“Sorry, we aren’t open yet,” I called out.
“Mr. Amato sent me.” The man held up a bag.
Theo: Who else would I be texting? Get the bag from Ben, Dahlia. Otherwise the dry clothes will end up soaked, too. Plus, Ben will bitch and complain all day about standing in the rain.
I unlocked the door and opened it. “Sorry, I didn’t know who you were.”
“That’s okay,” the man said, lowering his umbrella and handing me a paper bag from a store I’d never heard of. “From Mr. Amato.”
I took the outstretched bag, my curiosity demanding I peek inside. Fighting the urge, I looked at the man instead.
Tall and lean, he was probably only a few years older than me. His brownish hair was soaked and stuck to his head. Even though it wasn’t even six in the morning, he was dressed in slacks, a nice shirt, and a black tie.
“Ben, right?” I asked. At his nod, I smiled. “Thanks, Ben. I’d offer you a coffee, but it isn’t made yet. I can make a hot chocolate or tea if you want, though.”
Ben grimaced before his lip quirked up in a lopsided smile. “No, thanks. Mr. Ricci did mention something about muffins, though.” At my obviously confused expression, he added, “Luc Ricci.”
“Ah. Are you seeing him today?” At his nod, I walked behind the counter, setting the bag on a chair as I went. Using one of the empty delivery boxes, I packaged up some of the pastries and handed it over to Ben.
“I was only expecting one,” he said, yet he made no move to hand any back.
“I’m sure Luc is intending on having some, too.”
“Good point. Thank you.” Getting his umbrella ready, Ben headed for the door. “Mr. Amato said to let him know right away if something doesn’t fit so it can be replaced. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Thanks, you too,” I said distractedly, glancing toward the mystery bag.
“Lock this after me.”
After securing the lock, I grabbed the bag and peeked inside. A shoebox blocked the top. Removing the box, I opened it to find a pair of ultra-comfy looking slip-on canvas shoes. I set them to the side and picked up a small pile of dark clothes.
I began separating the items before thinking better of it. Dumping them back into the bag, I grabbed it and the shoebox and went into the bathroom. My teeth-chattering-chills increased as I stripped the still damp clothes from my body. In only my underwear and bra, I quickly pulled the items back out of the bag.
The black, stretchy pants were beyond soft and warm. I wanted a full body suit and hat made of the material. Hesitati
ng for a second, I ditched my still rain dampened underwear and pulled the new pants on. Since going braless wasn’t an option, I tried using a paper towel to dry off, but it did little. Giving up, I picked up the new shirt and found a tank top. The tank had a very secure looking built in support. Adding my bra to my ditched panties, I pulled on the top.
Check out my cleavage!
This thing is like a million times better than my bra. It lifts. It separates.
And nothing is digging in!
I double-checked that everything was securely in place before pulling on the fitted short sleeved tee. There was a lightweight hoodie that I almost didn’t want to wear and risk ruining.
Almost.
Tugging it on, I sighed at the feel of the soft inner fabric as I transferred my phone into the pocket. I swapped my wet shoes for the new ones, the arch support nearly making me weep. Hurriedly dumping all the wet stuff into the bag, I dropped it off in the breakroom.
I rushed to unlock the door and start coffee. I barely had my apron tied before a long, steady line formed.
After nearly two hours of smiles, nods, and what seemed like an ocean’s worth of coffee, the morning rush slowed. I took advantage of the break and grabbed my phone.
Me: I hope I’m not waking you. Everything fit perfectly. Thank you.
Theo: Not waking me, but I wouldn’t have minded if you were. I’m glad it fits. Are you warm?
Me: Very. I may never remove this hoodie.
When there was no reply, I returned my phone to my pocket. I fixed a cup of hot coffee and dug into my banana muffin. Only then, when I had time to think, did a couple thoughts strike me.
How much should it have bothered me that, down to my shoes, Theo knew my sizing and my style?
And how bad was it that it didn’t bother me?
Like, at all.
···
“Dahlia, do you have a second?”
My official shift had ended two hours before, but inventory had kept everyone late. My new shoes were infinitely more comfortable than my old ones, but eighteen hours on my feet still took its toll.
Thank goodness tomorrow is my day to sleep in.
Hiding my disappointment at the hold up, I turned around to face the grocery store manager, Jerry. “Sure, what’s up?”
He ran a hand over his balding head as he looked down at the clipboard. “You’ve worked late every night this week. I was looking at tomorrow’s schedule, and I’m going to have Sophie jump over to cover your department. Take the day off.”
I could see Theo.
And sleep.
“Are you sure?” I stupidly asked.
Good going, now he’s going to change his mind.
I knew better than to tempt things when luck was in my favor.
“Yes, Bill overstaffed half the departments anyway, so this will actually help me lower the labor cost.” Looking up at me, he smiled. “Take the whole weekend. Have fun. Be young. Just don’t be late on Monday because he understaffed.” He returned his attention to the clipboard as he walked away, muttering something I couldn’t make out.
If my feet didn’t feel like they could fall off, I’d have skipped out the door. There was a definite pep in my trudging, though. I took out my phone as I moved. There was a message waiting for me from earlier in the evening.
Theo: I get the feeling I’ll be snoring on the couch in my office soon, so call if you need something.
As I had each time I’d thought about his thoughtfulness during the day, I grinned and stroked my fingertips up my thighs, loving the softness of the fabric.
Almost all my wardrobe came from thrift stores. It was a rare treat to find something still with the original tags on it. An even rarer one to find something on a clearance rack at an actual store.
The soft, newness of the fabric was usually long gone by the time I got it.
I never minded. Growing up in foster care, I got what I got. Usually that meant ill-fitting, faded, and butt ugly. It was like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one if the clothes fit properly and I liked the style.
A few times, I’d had clothes that I’d loved. New ones. Pretty ones with bows and frills, making me feel like a real princess.
But things would always change. Almost like being on a rollercoaster, I’d be flying high before my stomach would drop and I was plummeting back to hand-me-downs and resource center ‘gifts’ that came in paper bags with discount soap and boxes of almost expired Tuna Helper.
After the third time experiencing that jolt, I’d stopped bothering with the new clothes. It’d been easier to leave them behind if I’d never even let myself wear them.
I’d been seven when I’d learned that lesson.
The cold wind blew around me, bringing the smell of recent rain and construction, and snapping me from my memories. I pulled the hoodie tighter around me.
Me: Hi. I’m just leaving work. Did you get any rest?
Theo: Another late night for you. Yes, I slept longer than I should have.
Me: My boss just gave me the entire weekend off, and I think sleep is going to be a big part of it.
Pressing send, I hesitated for a second before quickly typing another message.
Me: Plus, seeing you, if you’re still available.
Theo: Do you think I made plans since this morning? I’m available. Does seven work?
Sleeping in way late and a date with Theo?
Best. Weekend. Ever.
Me: That’d be perfect.
Since Mrs. Giovanni had started complaining about people on their phones ‘lighting up the lobby like Aurora Borealis’, I put mine into my pocket as I approached my building. Punching in the passcode and easing the lobby door closed behind me, I crept to the elevator, successfully avoiding her wrath.
When I got up to my apartment, I removed my hoodie and hung it up. I was tempted to just sleep in my clothes, but I didn’t want to ruin them. I stripped before pulling on an oversized shirt. Rushing through my nighttime routine, I climbed into bed and grabbed my cell.
I plugged in my phone to charge and nearly fell asleep with my head hanging off the bed. Forcing myself awake, I turned off my alarms and checked my messages.
Theo: I’ll text you in the afternoon with the address. Get some sleep.
I smiled sleepily at the message. There was no hinting, snarky comments, or pressure to ride with him.
Me: I’m looking forward to seeing you. Good night.
I set the phone down and curled up, drifting off with Theo on my mind.
Again.
Chapter Four
Efficiently Bossy
Theo
Tapping my toe, I checked my watch for the twentieth time. She was late.
By almost an hour.
I hated when people were late. Even worse when they didn’t even bother to send a message or call. It was inconsiderate and self-centered.
At work, I usually gave a twenty-minute window before moving on with my day, requiring them to reschedule the meeting. With friends, the window was half that.
Yet there I was, waiting for her. And, more surprisingly, I wasn’t irritated.
I was worried.
There was a lot that could happen in the city. Especially with her taking the subway everywhere.
My jaw clenched.
As much as I wanted to play it off that all my concern was for her safety, that wasn’t true.
It’d occurred to me after about a half hour that she may have been standing me up. Which, if that was the case, it was cute she thought I’d give her up that easily.
Between the early morning kiss and having Ben drop off new clothes to her, I knew I was coming on a little… strong.
Not that I’d do anything differently, but I was aware of it.
I tried calling her a second time, but like before, it went straight to voicemail.
A few more minutes passed before I turned toward my car. I was already thinking of ways to explain how I knew her address when I looked up and saw
her round the corner.
Staring down at her phone, Dahlia tucked her hair behind her ear. She was walking quickly, and the closer she got, the easier it was to see the tension on her face. Her cheeks were red, and her hoodie was undone, as if she’d been on an evening jog.
She glanced up for a moment before doing a double take when her eyes landed on me. Her full, fuckable lips curved into the sexiest grin I’d ever seen.
My cock hardened instantly, jerking with a need to have those lips wrapped around it.
My brain, however, was busy trying to memorize the expression on her face. She was happy to see me, and she didn’t try to hide the fact.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” she huffed as soon as she was within speaking distance. “I was early but the train was late. And then it was stopped because there was something on the track. I tried texting, but my phone died before I could hit send. I don’t think it charged right. I had to get off three exits—”
My mouth took hers, cutting off her words. I couldn’t say it didn’t make me happy to hear she hadn’t just been flakey about the timing. But the important thing was she was there, and she obviously wasn’t attempting to end things before they had a chance to begin.
I deepened the kiss, the taste of her and sweet mints making me lose my head. Gripping her ass, I pulled her tight to me. If her gasp was any indication, her body was pressed close enough for her to feel the thick length of my cock. Using my hold on her ass, I lifted her slightly in a vain attempt to get closer still. The only way that would happen would be if we were naked with my dick deep inside her.
Cazzo.
A horn blared suddenly, making Dahlia jump back. Her eyes were wide, her already full lips swollen. She tucked her hair behind her ear, the piece falling right back into place. “Startled me,” she whispered.
“The kiss or the horn?”
“Both.”
As much as I wanted to take her home, or at least to my SUV since that was the furthest I thought I could make it, I released my hold on her and moved away. “You ready to eat?”
She pushed the length of her hair over her shoulder before tucking the front of her white tee back into her dark jeans. Unless she had very similar clothes, she was wearing both the hoodie and the shoes I sent. “Will they still have a table? I’m really sorry again.”