High Test

by Elizabeth Noble

  Hayden cracked one eye open and caught a glimpse of the night through the large windows they were in front of. He saw ghosts of their reflection, and beyond that headlights turning up the long drive. It was drizzling rain, and the rivulets of water made little rainbows when hit by the light.

  The only vehicles that normally came along that particular drive were service vehicles for the university and public transportation.

  Lights from public transportation. Bus. My bus!

  Panic surged through Hayden. He had to get on that bus. If he didn’t, he would spend all night walking home. He’d be late for work tomorrow. He needed that job.

  Breaking their kiss, Hayden backed up. “I-I’m sorry. You’re a great guy. I have to go.”

  Neal wore a perplexed expression. “But I can—”

  Hayden ran toward the door but then stopped and turned around long enough to gasp out, “I’ll call you!”

  It barely registered when Neal responded, “But you don’t have my number.”

  Hayden bolted from the building. He knew a shortcut and dodged to the right as soon as he was clear of the door, running full out. As he took the turn that would put him at the bus stop, hopefully in time, he slipped on the wet pavement and barely regained his balance. The bus stopped, and its position would block anyone looking from the reception area of the building from seeing who was boarding.

  “Wait, wait!” Hayden waved and yelled and got his hand on the bus door with mere nanoseconds to spare. After showing the driver his pass, Hayden staggered down the aisle and collapsed into a seat. He slumped, gulping for air, and finally pulled out his phone.

  He stared at it in horror as Neal’s farewell words registered in his head. “I never gave him my number or got his.”

  Hayden was too tired and buzzed to punch the seat in front of him, but he sure wanted to.

  Chapter Two

  HAYDEN poured another giant cup of espresso, put a few shots of chocolate and cinnamon in it, and turned his attention to the show being put on in the seating area of A Latte Fun Coffeehouse.

  Briefcases, day planners, smartphones, tablets, and laptops sat on nearly every table. The patrons checked the time on their smartwatches, Rolexes, and other brands Hayden knew probably cost more than his yearly tuition. Nestled on one of the busier streets of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, the coffeehouse where Hayden worked was a popular stop for the many executives, lawyers, and who knew what else on their way to work.

  Hayden had named a few of the regular customers: Miss Snoot, Always Late Guy. The thought brought with it the mental image of another recent namee—Mr. Silver GQ. Neal. He sighed, “Forget him.”

  “Forget who?” Steffie worked with Hayden. She’d known him and Rick since the first day of orientation, when they’d all begun their academic careers at the same university. Now they were in advanced degree programs.

  “I met a man last night,” Hayden said in a low voice.

  Steffie stopped filling a bin of coffee beans and elbowed Hayden. “Details!”

  Hayden shrugged. He was manning the register and trapped in that spot. She’d keep asking until she had what she wanted. “One of the guests at the fundraiser last night. I think he thought I was another guest.”

  “And not a poor student,” Steffie teased. “I bet you didn’t set him straight, either.”

  “I meant to, but I was too busy—” Hayden cut himself off but knew it was too late.

  “Too busy doing what?”

  “It was just a kiss, Steffie.” He certainly wasn’t going to confess he’d been too stupid to get or give a phone number before he’d dashed from the party.

  He turned his attention forward, and their conversation stopped as new customers, Miss Snoot among them, walked through the door. While they browsed and stood gazing at the menu on the wall behind the counter, Steffie hurried back to her position in the prep area.

  Hayden wondered what it was like, not having to worry about every penny spent. These people dropped fifteen dollars on a half caffe, extra espresso shot with soy milk and nutmeg on top and another four on a cinnamon croissant. He dreamed of the day after he finished school when he could at least eat at a fast-food place without having his account overdrawn, let alone frequent a place like this several times a day. With the size of his student loans, he’d probably be in his seventies before that day arrived.

  The sound of knuckles rapping sharply on the counter in front of Hayden brought him back to the here and now.

  “My order,” Miss Snoot demanded. She made a big show of looking at her watch and tapping her foot. Every damn day she did the same thing.

  “I’m sorry.” He nodded to one of the pastry platters. “Would you like to add one of those to your order? No charge of course.”

  “How much longer?” The woman chose a cherry turnover, and Hayden put it into a bag for her.

  Glancing back at the prep area he said, “Just another minute. Looks like they’re putting the finishing touches on your latte now.” Miss Snoot slapped her credit card onto the counter and Hayden rang up her order. “It’ll be right out. The pickup area is at the end of the counter. Thank you for your business and have a good day.” He turned around and offered Steffie an eye roll while she prepared the order.

  He was busy enough for the next fifteen or so minutes to barely pay attention when another group of people walked in. It was getting to be that time of day when people on their way to work would come in groups. The faces started to blend together, and Hayden didn’t interact any more than he had to with the customers.

  Finally there was a lull in the rush. People were taking their expensive leather briefcases—packed with whatever they did for work—their bags of pastries, and their cups of coffee and heading out. Hayden took a rag and wandered among the tables, picking up garbage and wiping spills from the surfaces.

  As he worked he let his mind wander back to the night before. Maybe he could get a look at the list of who’d been invited and figure out a way to contact Neal. Steffie turned the radio on, and Hayden started singing under his breath.

  “You have a nice voice.”

  Hayden turned around, horrified. He hadn’t heard the bell over the door jingle. “I… um… th-thank… you.”

  Neal burst out laughing. He leaned against the closest table and folded his hands in front of him. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m sorry.”

  “N-no, you didn’t—” God, could he simply stop stuttering and maybe make some sense?

  “You really do have a lovely voice.” Neal paused and tilted his head, giving Hayden another appraising look. Somehow Hayden had the idea Neal approved of what he saw despite the crappy barista outfit. Nodding at Hayden’s polo shirt with the store logo on it, he asked, “Keeping an eye on the business the old-fashioned way? I approve. What do you have that’s good?”

  Hayden nearly swallowed his tongue. If he opened his mouth too soon, he’d stutter and stammer and nothing he said would make sense. Instead he ran his hands through his hair and pushed his glasses up his nose. For distraction he turned and took a few steps toward the glass case next to the counter. Steffie offered Hayden a silly little smile and went to work cleaning the coffee makers.

  “Well… um….” Stop with the um. You sound like an idiot! Deep breaths, Hayden reminded himself. This was simply a customer asking for assistance in making a purchase. “I guess it depends on how you feel about stimulating…. I mean, caffeine….”

  “Honestly, I can’t believe my good luck running into you here,” Neal continued. “We really are lucky. I’ll have to give extra thanks to Lakshmi.”

  “Who?” Hayden had heard the name, but wasn’t sure of its connection to Neal.

  Neal grinned. “She’s the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.” If he’d noticed Hayden’s panic, he never let on. He glanced around the shop. “These are very nice stores. I love all the merchandise for sale.” Neal meandered to the shelves near the counter. He examined some of the ite
ms and picked up a package of coffee beans. As his long fingers grasped the paper bag, he looked sideways right at Hayden.

  Hayden turned and retreated behind the counter, having to make a conscious effort not to sprint.

  Neal’s suit, Hayden noticed, was perfectly cut and showed off his build nicely. He still remembered how the material of Neal’s clothes felt against his fingertips. The color of his suit and shirt accentuated his hair and eyes in a way that Hayden thought was nothing short of stunning. Neal looked just as good in his business attire as he had the night before. He was a man with style and taste and had the body to show it off.

  Hayden looked away quickly, hoping he wasn’t caught staring. Then again, maybe being caught wouldn’t be the worst thing ever. Two other customers came into the store and beelined straight for the counter, forcing Hayden to shift his attention away from Neal.

  Neal took his place in line with a few selected items in one hand. He winked when Hayden smiled and asked, “May I take your order, sir?”

  Hayden wished he wasn’t so shy. It was one thing to talk to customers about their orders or people attending a fundraiser about the work he did. It was another entirely to try and carry on a conversation about other things. He’d danced with the man and kissed him last night. Talking to Neal now shouldn’t be so hard. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with him beyond taking his order.

  Ever since he was a child, Hayden had the habit of brushing one hand through his hair and pushing his bangs back when he was nervous. Neal’s eyes tracked Hayden’s movements. He dipped his head and met Hayden’s gaze, then smiled. Hayden loved how Neal’s eyes crinkled at the corners and was powerless to look away. He readjusted his glasses and stood there for a few long, agonizing seconds, feeling like a fool and unable to do anything else.

  Hayden rested his palms on the counter and focused on his fingers.

  “I think I’d like to try something different today. Usually I have tea, but today I’d like coffee,” Neal said with a nod. Hayden had the impression that statement was supposed to mean something important, and Neal said it as if they were sharing some sort of secret. “Have you tried the Italian roast?”

  Neal laid his hands on the counter close enough to Hayden’s they almost touched. Hayden felt the warmth given off by those elegant, strong hands. He liked the way the veins on Neal’s hands stood out slightly and formed a web that continued up his arm to disappear under his shirt.

  An image of those wonderful hands brushing down Hayden’s torso to rest on his naked hips flashed through his mind. Swallowing and clearing his throat, Hayden nodded and finally managed to get the words he wanted to say out of his mouth. “Yes. It’s… um… I like it… very much.”

  Neal tapped the back of Hayden’s hand with one finger. His smile broadened, making his eyes sparkle and his face light up. “Thank you. I’ll give that a try today. Extralarge, please.”

  “I’m sure.” The words slipped out of Hayden’s mouth before he could stop them.

  Raising his eyebrows, Neal smirked and chuckled.

  “I… uh… mean it’ll be up in a minute, sir.” Had he really just said that? Out loud?

  “I look forward to it.” Neal tapped Hayden’s hand again and offered his credit card with his other hand. “I should pay now.” His voice dropped a bit. It was smooth with a hint of coyness. His smile widened and the corners of his eyes crinkled even more. He had thick, dark lashes that accentuated his eyes nicely.

  Hayden couldn’t do anything but nod as he rang up the order and Neal swiped his card, completing the transaction. Then he stepped to the side to wait for his order. He nodded politely to an irritated woman who looked him up and down before he glanced back at Hayden, expression warm and friendly. His cheeks heating, Hayden fumbled through the next few orders. He managed a few covert glances at the section of the counter where people picked up their orders. More to the point, he was sneaking peeks at Neal. Each time he looked, Neal was turned in his direction, watching. It was disconcerting and exciting all at the same time. There was no way a poor, shy young college student would interest this man for anything beyond a stolen interlude in some hotel room. Or possibly arm candy for an out-of-town event. That didn’t stop Hayden from appreciating Neal or dreaming. Except Neal wasn’t treating Hayden as if he was a poor student. He was acting as if he thought Hayden owned this coffeehouse.

  When Hayden hit the button on the register to give out some change, his attention was drawn to a memo from the franchise owners. He must have known it at some point, but had forgotten. The family who owned this chain of shops was named Owens, just like Hayden. Neal’s remarks made more sense now.

  Once he received his order, Neal took a sip and turned to Hayden, holding up his coffee cup. “Excellent choice. Thank you. Sadly, it’s time I get to work. I’ll see you later—if that’s all right with you?”

  All Hayden could manage to do was stand there and nod. Neal twisted smoothly on his heels and walked to the coffeehouse door. Before he stepped outside, he turned, glanced over his shoulder, and nodded slightly to Hayden again.

  Hayden’s heart raced, and his imagination ran wild. Neal hadn’t exactly hit on him, not like the night before, but he’d certainly been flirty. Hayden wasn’t overly social and although he tried to be friendly as befit a coffeehouse employee, he didn’t flirt with the customers. Then again, few of them initiated anything, not that Hayden expected them to.

  “You forgot to get the phone number, didn’t you?” Steffie chided.

  Hayden jumped and turned around to see her standing there, arms crossed in front of her, wearing a very smug expression.

  “Uh.”

  Steffie laughed. “God you’re dumb.”

  “Steff, I think he—his name is Neal Kirchner—thinks I own this place, or my family does or….”

  “Kirchner?”

  “Yeah, you know that name? He told me last night he’s an architect.”

  “Well, of course he thinks you’re part of the Owens family that signs our paychecks. Do you know who Neal Kirchner is?” Steffie asked.

  “Uh, the guy I met last night who showed up here?”

  Steffie shook her head. “He might be an architect, but his family owns the Indian Rose Tea Company.”

  “How do you know this stuff?”

  “You might have your head stuck in a book, and Rick might be too busy creating, but I’m in a business program, remember?” Steffie pulled out her phone and, after a minute, turned it so Hayden could see the screen.

  “Oh” was all Hayden could manage to say.

  “He obviously looked for you.” Steffie grabbed hold of Hayden’s arm and gave it a shake. “He’s interested, so when you see—”

  “If I see him.”

  “When you see him again, don’t tell him any lies about your family if he asks. If I were a betting woman, I’d say he isn’t going to care two whits who your parents are—or are not. You’ll have a good laugh over the whole thing. And for God’s sake, get his number.”

  “What if he doesn’t like me, the real me?” Hayden wasn’t so sure about Steffie’s theory.

  “He met the real you. I’d also bet he’s smart enough to figure out you didn’t put him together with his family money. So go with that.”

  “That’s lying by omission,” Hayden pointed out.

  “Did he ask you about your family?”

  “No.”

  “Then whatever he thinks is on him, and you’re in the clear. I say he’s a hot man, if you’re interested, take it and run.”

  “If I’m interested. Are you kidding? He’s smart, funny, and I loved spending the little bit of time with him I have,” Hayden said.

  “Not once have you mentioned wealth. Hayden, that’s genuine and it comes through. Let him know more of you. How can he not be intrigued?”

  Chapter Three

  EVERY day at work Hayden watched people drive past the coffeehouse in cars he could only dream of affording. When he was at school, h
e was involved in prototype creation and the development of high-performance engines. That was how Hayden would realize his dream.

  But concentrating on his studies and projects was a challenge that day. He couldn’t get Neal’s smile out of his head. Every time he closed his eyes, the way Neal’s eyes twinkled came to the forefront of Hayden’s mind. The spot where Neal’s fingertip had touched the back of Hayden’s hand still felt warm and tingled.

  Over the next two days, he didn’t see Neal, but he certainly thought about him a lot. It was just as well, though, since Hayden needed to concentrate on his studies and his job. Without his job he wouldn’t be able to supplement his student loans enough to eat.

  By the third day he’d given up thinking he’d ever see Neal again. Though Hayden hadn’t lied, he hadn’t been completely honest, and it was likely Neal had discovered the truth.

  The coffeehouse closed at nine. Late in the evening, a slow period hit, and Hayden was wandering along the tables and booths tidying the area, humming under his breath as he worked.

  The bell over the door chimed, and before Hayden could turn around, he heard a familiar voice. “You really do have a very nice voice.”

  Oh God, what do I say?

  “Still working the floor, I see.” Neal nodded at Hayden’s chest and held out his hand. “It’s okay to stop in here to see you, I hope? Or did I just make a complete ass out of myself trying to be all smooth and cool?”

  “No… yes… I mean, no, you didn’t make a fool of yourself, and yes, of course it’s fine. In fact I love it when you drop in.” Hayden bit his lip. He shook Neal’s hand quickly. When he tried to draw his hand back, Neal held on for a few seconds more and gave Hayden’s hand a soft squeeze. “I’m not—” Hayden continued, or tried to.