Page 66 of Espresso Your Love

Ah, I see what he’s doing here.

“No, actually they are a nuisance.” Max whines at me. “Oh, Max, come here, buddy. You’re not a nuisance, but your partner is.”

Ryan doggy-ears the book and closes it. I still hold that against him.

“I’m Ryan. This is Max.” He holds out his hand.

I roll my eyes. “Hi, I’m Cassie.” I shake his hand.

“So what brings you to Coffee Loft, besides tormenting my dog?”

“I’m supposed to be meeting my really handsome boyfriend, but he seems to be running late.”

A smile plays on his lips. “Does he keep you waiting often?”

“Only when he’s playing silly games.”

A chuckle escapes him. “Cassie.” He stands up, extending his hand out to me.

I take his hand, standing up, and he pulls me in close to him.

“Hi,” he whispers as he brings my hand to his lips and presses a soft kiss against it.

“Hi.”

“Will you do me the honor of going on a date with me tonight?” His voice is low and smooth.

“I thought you were working?”

“I put in some extra time while you were away so I could get some needed time with my girl.” He grins, causing my heart to skip a beat.

“Aw, you do like spending time with me,” I tease, unable to resist.

“Of course, I do. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

“I would be honored, Officer Hayes.”

“Then I will pick you up around 7 pm?”

“And not a minute later.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He presses his lips to mine.

“I’ll see you tonight.”

I watch him as he leaves, but before he walks out of Coffee Loft, he turns back to look at me and winks, just like he always does.

After a few hours of work, I go home to find a note taped to my door. It’s another tradition he’s continued.

Cassie,

Tonight, dress up! I‘m taking my girl out on the town.

-Ryan

Even after being together for several months, he still manages to surprise me with his date planning skills.

---