Page 37 of Creep

It wasn’t just me.

His huge body already demanded attention, but then there was his beautiful face and his tall frame encased in a tight black thermal shirt that seemed to cling to his muscles, with black pants and black boots to complete the ensemble.

My mouth felt parched.

I moved up to the counter and put on a smile that I hoped would hide my nervousness. “What can I get you?”

“A date,” he answered.

I blinked in surprise. “I’m sorry?”

“I would like a date with you.”

I didn’t say anything for a moment, shifting on my feet, whereas he remained a picture of calm.

“You’re serious?”

He nodded. “I wouldn’t joke about this. Not when it comes to you.”

Not when it comes to me?I was sure he didn’t mean for that to sound so… serious. We hardly knew each other.

“I meant, what would you like to drink?” I said, trying to direct the conversation back to where I felt like I had, at least, some control.

“I know what you meant, Lia. And you know what I mean.”

I shook my head. “I’m… I’m at work.”

He shot me a small, bemused smile. “So?”

“I shouldn’t be having this conversation with a paying customer.”

His smile widened. “Haven’t paid for anything yet.”

“Then you should probably leave if you don’t plan on buying anything,” I said.

Those eyes glinted. “An Americano. And a date.”

“I…” I shook my head. “I’m sorry. It’s a no. And it’ll be six twenty-five for the coffee.”

I moved away as soon as the screen prompted him to pay, cutting off whatever he was going to say. I didn’t want to hear it. Even if my life didn’t feel like such a mess right now, Mael made me nervous.

And that just wasn’t good.

It left me feeling at a disadvantage—as if he could ask me anything and I would give in, and there wasn’t a line I wouldn’t let him cross with me—and that just wasn’t how I wanted my relationship with any man to go. Especially not with someone who looked like a fallen angel, ready to take on the fires of hell for me.

* * *

He stayedfor a good portion of my shift.

Long enough that the other employees were starting to talk, and that was the last thing I needed, to be fodder for gossip.

I could already hear the whispers, leaving my skin feeling hot, and feel the curious glances and the unasked questions.

“He’s been here for hours,” I overheard Sophia say to Emily. “Do you think he’s waiting for Lia's shift to end?” They giggled, which quickly cut off when they noticed I was standing behind them.

Great.

I gritted my teeth in annoyance, willing myself not to look in Mael’s direction. But despite my best efforts, I failed… multiple times. And he wasn’t doing anything but watching me as I worked, his long-cold Americano cup lay neglected on the table.

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