Page 192 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

His lips tilt in a small smile. I don’t have to ask to know what he’s thinking about.

“Yeah, but you and Poppy are one of those couples that should be in Hallmark movies. You’re almost too sweet to be around.”

“You know what I think you should do?”

Groaning, I let my head fall back and hope he gives me the short version.

“Dare I ask what, Dad?”

“Take that fella a brownie and a maple hot chocolate. Don’t stay to see if he likes it. Just bring it over, tell him your name, and that you’d like to get to know him. Short and sweet and see what he does.”

He’s right. I should. I want someone to kiss my nose and hold my hand like the couple that was just here. What if the book guy is just as shy as me? I could do both of us a favour. Or I could meet his terribly jealous spouse and end up with a broken nose.

But as loathe as I am to admit it, dad is right.

“If I take this risk and it ends terribly, will you run the shop without me? Promise me you’ll keep it going while I die of embarrassment for an undetermined amount of time.”

Because nothing is as mortifying as being turned down after mustering the courage to ask. But if I want someone kissing my nose and looking at me with hearts in their eyes, I need to make a move.

“You get your dramatics from Poppy. Of course I’ll run the shop. Stop procrastinating. The brownies are still warm. Seize the brownie, son.”

Seize the brownie, indeed.

But I do, along with a hot chocolate, and I walk across the street before I can change my mind.

Chapter 3

Malcolm

Ican’t believe I slept in!

Running through my apartment like the proverbial chicken with no head, I forgot to grab my lunch bag. Now that I’m in the shop and sipping my coffee, I have to consider ordering lunch in.

It’s not hard to order take out after all. Hell, I could call ahead to the pub and walk down to get it myself. I’d be away from the store for maybe twelve minutes, but the guilt of not being open for the customer that only has that same twelve minutes is strong.

Or…I could make today the day to dash across the road to the coffee shop and try their food. There’s always a sign on the sidewalk with the most beautiful handwriting advertising the day’s lunch offering.

If I go over I could say hello to the man with the great ass. Maybe even ask him out. Of course, then I’d never be able to enjoy the food there again if he says no. Or, I could just say fuck it, do it anyway and, worst-case scenario, I have lunch with no date.

Where’s a magic eight ball when you need to make a decision?

The bells on the shop door jingle and when I turn to greet the customer, my tongue sits like a useless plank in my mouth. It’s him.

Great-ass guy.

He’s much more attractive close up. Holy hot pockets, those arms are massive!

“Do you work out?”

Ass man cocks his head, confused. Inside, I die a little over my blurted words. When did I lose my social skills?

“Uh, yeah. Most evenings, actually. It passes the time. I don’t go out much. Well, why would I? I’m single.” His eyes widen and the pink rises up his neck. “I noticed you forgot your lunch today. Do you like brownies? I brought you one.” He holds up a small white bag. “I should go.”

The man places the bag on my counter after his adorable ramble, along with a take out cup that sloshes and my stomach rumbles.

“Wait.” I call before he reaches the door. “You said you noticed I forgot my lunch. How?”

The previous pink from his blush disappears, replaced with a shocking shade of pale and I rush to his side.

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