Priceless, and I have no sympathy to give at all.
I toss the ball to Jeremy. "I'm out of here. I'll see you back at the house later."
He slaps me on the shoulder before walking back to the team. I go back to the locker rooms and take a quick shower. I'm glad I brought a change of clothes with me in case we got lunch after practice. I don't care how soon it is. I need to see Charlotte. Not to make sure she'd go for a douchebag like John, only because I know seeing her will calm me down. I texted her this morning before going to practice, knowing she was already at work from seven am until three today.
Driving to her job doesn't take me very long as it's right off campus. I park next to her jeep and jump out. I still need to calm down some before seeing her. I lean against the hood of my jeep and act like a creeper, watching her for a few moments while she's inside. I'm calmer than I have been all morning. She looks incredible today, wearing dark jeans that mold to those sexy as sin legs and a tight royal blue polo with her hair in a high ponytail showing off that delicious-looking neck. I want to fucking nibble up and down that neck, tasting every sweet inch of her to avoid going insane with blue balls. Last night was not enough to even come close to satisfying the needs I have for her. If the rest of her tastes anything like her lips, I could die a happy man right here and now.
I watch her face break out into a heart-stopping smile. Her eyes dart around the cafe like she didn't want to be caught with red cheeks and a goofy smile, which makes me wonder if she's thinking about our kiss as much as I am. Watching her in a state of relaxation and comfort brings a hope over me that she will someday feel the same way with me.
Kissing her was solidification for me. I had to fight every urge to drag her to my jeep and stretch my limits. I know I want to be with her. The look she gave me before pulling out of the parking lot was it. I was hooked.
Ah fuck, I can't take it anymore. I have to hold her and kiss the shit out of her.
I’ve been on cloud nine all morning.
My cheeks are starting to hurt from all of the smiling, but I can't seem to stop.
When I got home from my date with Matt last night, Kylie was up waiting for me like my mom used to do. Since I didn't 911 her, she assumed everything went well and wanted all of the details. I recounted all of the hobbies and interests that Matt and I had in common. My gut tells me he's not a bad guy. Unfortunately, my gut has been wrong before.
My head and heart are still racing from that kiss. My whole body keeps getting an overwhelming sense of want. I've pretty much memorized every feature of his face. He may look perfect on the outside, but he has some flaws when you look closer. Even with a broken nose and a scar on his chin, he is godlike. I never thought he was truly perfect when I first saw him, just out of my reach.
I had to hold onto him during our kiss to avoid falling down or hitting my head against my car. My knees turned to useless mush the second I felt his lips come close to mine, and I wanted him to kiss me more than anything. I felt nothing but muscles and his poking excitement. Just thinking about the kiss is putting a goofy grin back on my face. I barely slept all night trying to make a decision, and I've finally come to a conclusion. If he asks me out again, and that's a big if, I will definitely say yes. He texted me good morning and to have a good day at work, which I thought was quite thoughtful.
What I wouldn't give to kiss him again. Those strong, commanding, delicious, and addicting lips. I have to watch that I don't get flustered at work. I'm sure the customers think I've lost my mind with how often I'm smiling at anything around me. It's been a crazy morning, and thankfully, I haven't had any wrong orders or accidents. It's only eleven, and our lunch crowd is about to start any minute. I have to get everything reset.
I've been an assistant manager at the café for almost three years much to my boss' dismay. Rob is not a morning person, so I volunteered to be the opener most of the time. His black eyes always seem angry and him only being two inches taller doesn't make him the least bit intimidating. He's skinny with caramel colored skin and long black hair pulled into a small ponytail. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in being a Grade-A jerk. If you look up the definition of overcompensating in the dictionary, Roberto Salinas' face will be next to it.
He micromanages to the point of stalking and tries to find stuff to berate people about constantly. We have had three people quit in the last two months because he yelled at them within their first few days even though he hired them himself. I don't blame them. I've tried to stay off his radar, usually unsuccessfully. I still can't figure out why he hasn't fired me if he hates me that much. He and I usually work opposite shifts with maybe an hour or two overlap. I know my mama taught me to mind my manners, and I'm not one to start any trouble, but sometimes that man makes me want to cut his ponytail off.
A perk to being an assistant manager is that I pretty much pick my shifts. It helps with my school schedule, too. Mornings are usually seven am until three, and most of my classes don't start until five or six and end at nine on my latest class. I get plenty of time to study and get my work done while getting good hours.
I'm trying to get everything done before Rob gets here around 12:30. As general manager he comes in from 12:30-9:30, sometimes earlier on weekends, and always interrogates me about morning shift. Customers have never complained about me, and I keep this place spotless. We're one of those fast casual cafés. When you walk in the door, on the right, there's a marked off walkway made of wood as cut-off railing with digital menus framed inside of barrels along the wall to look at before ordering.
We seat forty-five people inside and twenty outside. It's a mix of cushioned booths and wooden tables all holding a rustic southern theme. There's a lot of foot traffic that comes through the cafe. The company that owns the chain of cafés tries to keep the decorations to a minimum to discourage constant hanging out, but still look inviting at the same time.
Rob always says we are not Starbucks. We're here to feed all the people passing through, show them the simple things Aiken has to offer, and the college students who are too lazy to cook.
A lot of the weekend crowds are people my mom knows through the community center, which is why I haven't quit here yet. A few of them casually mention how excited they are for me to open my own place someday.
I know I don't need a master's degree to run a restaurant. My MBA is just a backup plan. I admit I'm terrified of failing. I pray that when I apply for my small business loans, the banks will see that I'm a dedicated person for going after my master's degree. Cooking and baking are my passions, and I want to share that passion with my community.
I've already sent the morning crew home after settling up their tips and doing general cleaning. I'm still folding napkins when I see Matt rush through the doors. He looks to be on some sort of mission and practically throws the glass door off of its hinges. I know he had basketball practice this morning, but must have changed before coming here. He's wearing a black long sleeved Chicago Blackhawks shirt and cargo pants. His hair is under a black beanie and looks slightly wet from a shower. It's sticking out of the beanie in all directions, which is a sexy change from his normally styled hair. That dark scruff is still prominent on his chin making him look a little like a lumberjack.
I swear the aching I have is ninety percent due to his sexiness and ten percent from being over a year of self-satisfying myself.
He tunnel-visions on me standing behind the counter. Instead of going through the walkway, he cuts through the main floor. He's breathing heavily, and his eyes have turned a dark espresso that is doing nothing but making my mouth water.
Walking around from the behind the counter, I say, "I wasn't expecting to see you today. Is everything all right? How was practice?"
It only takes a second for his whole body to relax. "It was okay. I just wanted to see you."
He walks closer to me and opens his arms. I have no problem going into them. I dreamed about being wrapped in his arms all night. It's becoming increasingly h
arder to take all of this slowly. Even with his words over the last few weeks and our conversations last night, some of my past confidence issues probably won't go away. Nothing can change overnight.
Laying my head on his shoulder, I wrap my arms around his waist and take note of the defined six-pack across his abdomen. He nuzzles into my neck and takes a few deep breaths. I can feel his heart pounding and well, hello again, large cock. I swear this instant sexual attraction is probably going to make my body combust at some point.
I'm getting lost in this embrace when there is familiar yelling in a thick Spanish accent. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE? SHOULDN'T YOU BE WORKING, CHARLOTTE?"
I jump out of Matt's hug, smacking my hip into the counter. Crap on a cracker that's gonna bruise. I can't believe I got caught up at work. Damn it. Rob has bad timing and especially showing up early. I really didn't want Matt to meet Rob.
Matt is still holding onto my shoulders, and I watch as his handsome face turns blood red. His eyes turn black, and his brows angle down angrily. I'm glad I’m not on the receiving end of that look.
Jeez, he's beyond angry.
Turning around to face Rob, his voice sounding deadly scary. "Excuse me, but who are you?"
"My name is Roberto Salinas. I'm the manager here and Charlie's boss. Who are you?"
Matt has me standing behind him. "Matt Reynolds. I'm a friend of Charlie's. I came to see her for a few minutes."
Marching up to us, he lowers his voice and points a finger up in Matt's face. "This is a place of business, not social hour or speed dating. Charlie can either talk to you on her break or after her shift."
Placating Rob by putting his hands in a small surrender, Matt offers, "I'm sorry, man, I forgot to ask her when her break was today. I apologize for the disruption."
Rob looks at me with an angry face over Matt's shoulder. "Take your break now, and don't let it happen again or we will have some serious problems."
I go and clock out for my break before I drag Matt outside to his jeep. "I'm so sorry about him. I forgot to warn you that he is a major jerk about my friends coming in to visit. Usually, he walks in around 12:30 so that I can go on my break before the lunch rush really starts."
Cupping my face, he gives me a long, life-stealing kiss. Mmmmm. Just as mind-blowing as yesterday. He pulls back. "I didn't mean to cause any problems for you. I wanted to come talk to you about our second date."
I hide my face in his chest and snuggle into his arms to get warm. I forgot my jacket inside, and there are goose bumps everywhere. His body heat feels amazing against my chilled skin.
I keep my arms around his waist and lean back to look into his dancing forest eyes.
Flashing him a sly grin, I challenge, "You didn't even ask for one."
He gives me another bruising kiss. "I think my chances are pretty good of a yes this time. I have something in the works for us next weekend."
"Haha. Full of yourself there, mister? I would have said yes had you actually asked. What did you plan?"
Tapping my nose, he replies, "You'll find out in a few days. I promise not to barge in tomorrow while you work. I will see you Monday before class. I'll let you get back in before your boss calls the cops on me." He pulls me back into his arms and leans down for one more kiss.
Still on cloud nine over here. Not even Rob can ruin the rest of my shift for me.
By the end of my shift, I've gotten at least two lectures on proper management behavior. There is nothing in the rulebook about people stopping by to visit. If Matt does visit again, and I hope he does, I'll make sure it's around my break times.
I get done a little after two and head straight home to do some studying. Kylie's working until five tonight, and I want to test out a new dish on her to add to my café menu. I may invite my brother, too. The man will eat anything you put in front of him. I'm surprised he doesn't weigh 300 pounds even if he does work out daily.
I plan on keeping my menu classic but incorporate a modern twist. I follow recipes to their general sense, but then add my own ideas and take inspiration from my family. Like my homemade pasta sauces and stick to your ribs southern dinners. I have so many desserts in my head that Kylie and Aaron are surprised I don't just stick with a bakery. Although, I might start with just a bakery at first to gain a little momentum. We don't have a boutique bakery in Aiken. Most people either buy cakes at the grocery store or make it themselves. I just want a place where the community can come and have a relaxing atmosphere while indulging in a delicious treat. They can stay for five minutes or five hours. As long as they enjoy what I make, they could move in for all I care.
I may not be the greatest with public speaking or new people but at the same time, I can be whoever I want to be with customers. I've either known them my whole life or they're complete strangers. I don't have to worry about going beyond superficial small talk.
Either way, at the end of the day, I enjoy watching them leave with a full stomach and a smile on their faces.
Dropping my keys and purse onto the table by the door, I yell out, "Kylliieeee!"
Quickly emerging from her room on the other side of the condo, "Where's the fire?"
Plopping onto our super big and soft couch face first, I melt into the cushions and turn my head toward her. "Matt showed up at the café this morning, and Rob caught us mid-hug."
She jumps onto our love seat and bounces a couple times before getting comfy. "Are you serious? You're still smiling, so I guess Rob's temper didn't go overboard?"
"Oh, he yelled at both of us. He was so mad he almost snapped in half like a twig trying to stare up at Matt."
Her Calico cat, Waffles, wanders into the room and jumps into her lap. "What did Matt do?"
"I swear I've only ever seen Aaron get that mad before. Is it strange that watching him in protector mode was sexy? After Matt had left, I hid in the bathroom the rest of my break and splashed cold water on my face."
"That's crazy, girl. First, the fact that he showed up to visit you gives him brownie points. Second, the fact that he got mad at Rob makes me wish I had been there. That little prick needs to be knocked about a thousand pegs."
I laugh, "Rob could have peed his pants after we went outside for a minute for all I know"—taking a deep breath—"Matt told me he was taking me on a second date, but he won't tell me where."
Propping her legs on the coffee table, she says, "Well, that's a little strange yet sweet. Don't you think he's earned a little bit of your trust after last night? And coming to see you today? That means he wanted to see you earlier than waiting until classes on Monday."
"It was something different, that's for sure. Usually, guys just try to use me for free food."
Giving me a stern look, she chides, "Don't think about the other guys anymore. Don't compare them to Matt either. You have to give it a separate chance from any guy you've ever met in the past."
Smacking my head against the headrest of the couch, I reply, "Jeez my brain hurts, and we're only a month into the New Year."
Her stern look turns into a sly grin. "Well then, this just might be your year, girl."
I slap the cushions before getting up. "I need to get some homework done. Drag me out in a few hours to eat please."
Before I turn into the small hallway that leads into my room, I hear her voice. "Nah. I think I'm gonna drag you out for wine night. I'll call Bree to come over later once your brain is completely fried. We'll have a little drunken wine and cookie night."
Thinking of a relaxing night puts another smile on my face. I like going out to concerts and town events with my friends, but on days like today, I like being a hermit.
I retreat into my studying cave to read a few case studies. A few hours later, with more studying under my belt, I've absorbed as much as I can for the night.
After a couple of bottles of wine between the three of us, my brain can't seem to control my fingers on my cell phone keyboard. I never changed Matt's name in my phone after the concert because it remind
ed me of our dance. While sitting on my bed, fuzziness has filled my judgment as I poorly attempt to flirt over text.
To: Your New Best Friend
Are you sure you won't tell me where we're going next week?
From: Your New Best Friend
Impatient little thing, aren't ya? Don't worry; you won't end up in a ditch.
To: Your New Best Friend
Can you blame me? There are a lot of woods around here. You gave me zero information to go on :'(
My phone rings in my hand. Before I can say anything, I hear his deep, gravelly, and beyond sexy slightly accented voice.
"Okay. I give. It’s something that will hopefully make you more comfortable around me and earn your trust a little more."
Shocked that he’s called, but still frustrated with the lack of details, I argue, "That's not information! Goodness me, you are stubborn."
The jerk starts laughing, "Never said I wasn't, babe. Just take a leap of faith. I promise if you don't have fun, we can leave. I will never make you do something you don’t wanna do."
My mouth can't help but blurt the honesty, "I really appreciate that, Matt. I'm glad you stopped by this morning, even if Rob interrupted. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow."
His voice drops to a timbre that makes my nipples pucker. "It was my pleasure. If he gives you any more trouble, you come to me okay?"
I try to get me words out without slurring. "I think it’s safe to say your big muscles scared the crap out of him. I should probably get to sleep. I wouldn't want him to make comments about how sluggish I am on or busiest day of the week."
"Well, then all I can tell you is go dream of me, angel."
The word vomit doesn't hold back, "Oh trust me. I don't think my brain would have it any other way."
He chuckles, "I'm gonna remember that. I'll text you tomorrow."
"G'night, Matt."
As I check my alarm and then chug a glass of water, I think about how true the statement I made to Matt is. I don't think my brain would have it any other way these days than to dream of Matt. Ruckus climbs up next to my shoulders and settles in on the pillow.
The Eyes That Own Me (Timing is Everything Book 1) Page 10