Page 22 of Vicious Little Darling

“You wanna grab a coffee?” I blurt out before realizing what the fuck I’m saying. “There’s a nice place just up the street.”

Her brows shoot skyward, as if she’s surprised. “Really?”

All the sirens about me doing something wrong are going off in my head, but there I am, ignoring them.

“Unless you’re supposed to be at work,” I say carefully, halfway digging intowhyshe’s not there.

“I called in sick,” she laughs, raking her fingers through her hair. “I had a bit of a long night.”

I bet you did.

“Mm, I get that,” I respond, fighting the urge to ask for details. “Must be why you’re on the other side of the city.”

“Nailed it,” she laughs, her smile reaching her eyes this time. “And I could go for some coffee—if you have time, of course.”

Who needs therapy?

“Yeah, I was just heading there,” I say coolly, nodding in the direction I was traveling. Luckily for me thereisa coffee shop a few blocks down from the therapist’s office. Ember gives me the sweetest fucking grin, and falls into step beside me, stealing glances in my direction.

She’s attracted to me, even maskless me.

“So,” I clear my throat, gazing down at her and ignoring the ache of my cock. “Why a bookstore?”

“I don’t know,” she says with a sigh. “I’m actually fixing to take on a second job as a bartender.”

For brawny boy, Josh.

“Ah, I see,” I answer. “Me too, actually. I just interviewed for a position.”

“Oh? Where?”

“The Golden Dog,” I answer, already knowing her reaction.

“Seriously?!”she exclaims. “That’s where I’m working!”

“No shit?” I feign total surprise. “That’s crazy. I just spend a lot of time in the area, so I thought it would be cool.”

“I hope Josh hires you.” She giggles like a little kid, and I’m not sure what to think about it—mostly because it rattles my fucking chest. She’ssonaïve right now, and I find it…cute.

“Yeah, we’ll see.” Never mind the fact that I’ve already accepted the position. I need to know this Josh guy better, and this was by far the easiest way to do it—though I was hoping that Emberwouldn’tbe around for that. I didn’t know she was going to work for him, too.

I grab the door handle and pull the door open, holding it for her.

“After you.” I gesture for her to enter and I take in her ass as she steps into the hipster coffee shop. I appreciate the round shape, smiling to myself as I knowexactlywhat it looks like without the denim covering it. I blow out a sharp breath.

Be normal. Be cool. Play this right.

I’m careful not to touch Ember as we step up to the counter to order. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have as much contact as possible, but there’s also the issue that I’mnotsure how close I want to get to her this way.

“What can I get you?” the barista asks the two of us.

“I’ll have a caramel macchiato,” she answers, and then looks up at me.

“Just a small black coffee.” I ignore the way she raises her brows at me. I step up to pay for the drinks, swiping my card.

“Thanks,” Ember says, her voice meek for whatever reason.

“Yeah, only fair when I’m the one who asked,” I tell her, shooting her a lopsided grin.

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