Page 35 of Espresso Your Love

“This is my first, actually. I didn’t start running until this last year.”

“What made you start?”

“Well, last year my dad retired, and my parents decided to travel full time. Around the same time, my event planningbusiness started to take off, and while I love what I do, it can be stressful at times. So I turned to running.”

Ryan nods. “I understand that.”

“Compared to what you do, my job is a walk in the park. You’re a true hero, Ryan. Every day you put yourself in dangerous situations to protect complete strangers. I just make things look pretty.”

He starts to interrupt me, but I hold up my hand. “I’m just saying, your responsibilities far surpass mine. It takes a special kind of person to do what you do. My brother is in the military; I’ve seen the sacrifice it takes—the missed holidays, the physical and emotional toll.”

“Ahh, that explains the hat. I thought you just had something for men in uniform.” He winks at me.

“Very funny.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ears.

He looks up at me now with his piercing green eyes. “I have to say, I’ve never met anyone like you, Thompson.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment or payback for my insult earlier?”

He stands, wiping his hands on a rag. He now towers over me. “I’d never insult you.” He smirks then whispers, “It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for.”

I roll my eyes at him.

He continues, “You really are something else, Cassie. I knew you were different from the moment I met you. Which leads me to my next question.” He pauses but doesn’t break eye contact with me. “Cassie Thompson, will you go out with me?”

I freeze. My heart is pounding hard in my chest and a lump has formed in my throat. Did he just ask me out? I had to have heard him wrong. It must have been in my head. I’m dreaming up the perfect man and the perfect scenario.

“Um…what did you say?”

“Would you do me the honor of going out with me?” he says again.

Yep, I heard him right. It wasn’t my imagination.Summon confidence and coolness, Cass.

“Yes.” That’s all I manage to get out, but it was cool, calm, collected. Internally, on the other hand, I’m screaming like a teenage girl being asked to the prom by the football star that she’s had a crush on since elementary school.

“Yes?” he asks with his brows raised.

“I’d love to, Ryan Hayes.”

A smile widens across his face. “Does tomorrow night work for you?”

“Sounds perfect.” I try not to let out a squeal.

“Cool. Your light is all fixed, and I look forward to tomorrow.” He picks up his toolbox.

“Me too.” I smile and wave as he walks out of my garage.

I silently begin to celebrate by dancing. Ryan Hayes asked me out! Me! And I said yes. Ashey will be so proud of me. I twirl around when I bump into something hard. I slowly turn around to see Ryan with his lips pressed together.

“I, uh, forgot to give you your driver’s license.” He holds it out to me, a knowing grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I snatch my license from him, heat rising to my cheeks from embarrassment.

“You saw nothing.” I point at him.

He raises his hands in defense. “I saw nothing.”

I nod.

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