Page 97 of You've Got Male

“I’m pretty clear on the topic,” she breathed.

“Good.” He took her hand and brought it up to kiss her fingers, then he slid the corsage on. “It might be a little old-fashioned, but—”

“It’s beautiful.” She nervously toyed with the ribbon.

“You’re beautiful.” He held her hands out to the sides and looked her up and down and everywhere in between. “So fucking beautiful that if we didn’t have plans I’d take you right here against the door.”

Her legs trembled. “I’m sure a few minutes won’t hurt.”

His eyes darkened with interest, turning the color of waves crashing against sea cliffs. “What I want to do to you will take a hell of a lot longer than a few minutes.” He kissed her roughly. “Plus, I’m wooing you, remember?”

“What comes next in this wooing, if it’s not me?”

…

“I didn’t think wooing involved coming to work,” Evie said as they pulled up outside Grinder.

“I just have to run in and grab something really quick,” he said, but he sounded nervous. Not the uncertain kind but the excited kind—the kind that turned her inside out.

Before she could argue he hopped out of the driver’s side and she watched him walk his very fine ass around the front of the car and then he was at her door, holding it open. He reached in and took her hand, slowly easing her out and into his arms where he kissed her again. It was chaste and short—but it had passion. Toe-curling passion.

“I figured we’d start the day with one of those famous lattes I’ve heard about on LoveByte.”

“You watch LoveByte?”

“Every episode where they talk about you,” he said.

“You mean us,” she corrected. “Remember I dragged you and your very private life into the spotlight.”

“I remember,” he said. “Have I thanked you for that?”

She tried to listen for any trace of sarcasm but couldn’t find any. He was being serious. He was thanking her for bringing them together. At least that’s what she thought he was saying. Before she could gain any further clarification on the subject, he led her into the shop—

Where everyone she knew stood looking at her with anticipation. And by everyone, she meanteveryone.Her friends, her family, regulars, the You’ve Got Male-Mamas and You’ve Got Male-lorettes—even Tasha Hart, who was rolling tape as the event unfolded.

“Surprise!” they yelled in unison.

It was such a shock that Evie stepped back—right into a strong,supportive wall of muscle and yummy man. She looked at him over her shoulder. “What is this?”

“A celebration for all that you do for everyone,” he said, and her eyes grew moist.

“You did this?”

“It was a team effort,” he said modestly, downplaying his involvement like it was no big deal. But to her it was a gigantic deal.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

“Can I tell her?” Camila asked, and before she was given an answer, said, “We’ve made it to the top three of Denver’s Best!”

“What?” Evie looked at her parents for confirmation. “Is it true?”

“I just got the email yesterday,” Lenard said.

“You put this all together in a day?” she asked Jonah, who winked down at her.

“We’re the first LGBTQ-owned coffeehouse ever nominated,” Lenard added, and the crowd erupted into claps.

Evie walked over and gave him a hug. He held her tightly. “Dad, I’m so happy for you.”

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