Page 10 of Espresso Your Love

I should be paying attention to the shops, but she’s mesmerizing, and I can’t stop from getting distracted by her.

“There’s Mason’s bookstore, maybe you’d like to go in there?”

“Sure, we’ll have to go some time.”

“Then there’s a flower shop, a small general store, and town hall is just over there.” She stops walking and turns toward me.

Her skin is glowing in the last bit of sunlight that’s peaking over the buildings, and her blue eyes are sparkling. The reflection off her hair makes her look like a golden goddess.

My thoughts are broken by her voice. I realize I’ve been staring at her for…well, I don’t know how long.

“Ryan?” she asks, a hint of concern in her tone.

“Hmm?”

“I asked if you needed anything while we’re here?” she asks, tilting her head.

“Yeah, how about dinner? What are our options?”

“Well, you can grab something from the general store or there’s a diner just down the street called The Rusty Spoon. It’s really good. They’re popular for their burgers.”

“A burger sounds good to me. Lead the way.”

“Just down that street, you won’t miss the sign. It’s a big rusty spoon.”

“How original,” I say with a chuckle.

She chuckles. “Well, enjoy your dinner.”

“You’re not going to show the way?”

“Well, I just figured—”

“You lead. I’ll follow,” I interrupt her with a grin.

She bites the inside of her cheek and hesitates for a moment like she’s unsure what to do. It’s actually really cute. And as a police officer, I commend it. I am a total stranger. I could be crazy for all she knows. I’ve unfortunately been on too many cases like that.

She starts walking forward then turns to face me as she walks backwards. “Are you coming, City Boy?”

“Right behind you,” I answer and take a few extra steps to catch up to her. It doesn’t take long because her full steps are like half steps to me. Benefits of being six foot one.

When I reach her, she keeps looking straight in front of her, but I see a smirk playing on her lips.

“So, are you team Max, Christopher, or Luke?”

She found me out.I sigh. “So you did hear me.”

“I wouldn’t have pegged you for aGilmore Girlsfan.”

“I have a little sister.”

“Mhm.”

“No, really! Her name is Sadie. She’s had me wrapped around her finger since the day she was born. I’d do anything for her.”

“That’s sweet. But until I meet her, I’ll just be convinced you’re a die-hard fan.”

“Okay, here.” I pull out my phone and find an old picture of my family. My mom insists on family pictures every year at Christmas. Of course, when you’re younger, you complain, but as I get older, I’m really grateful to have these memories. “There’s my mom, dad, me, and my little sister.”

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