Page 60 of The Closed Off Captain

Chapter 28

Chloe

My attention snags on what he’s holding in his hands. How I didn’t notice it before now is beyond me. “Is that coffee?”

“It is,” he says easily. He picks up one and hands it to me. “I got you a salted caramel latte with oatmilk.”

If there was any doubt about my falling for this guy, it would have been decided at this very moment. “Thank you,” I breathe and take it from him. I take a small sip and close my eyes.

“I take it you like it.”

I can hear the humor in his voice. “It’s so good. Thank you. I looked all over your mom’s kitchen but couldn’t find anything.”

“Yeah, my mom is an avid tea drinker.”

“Ah, that explains it.” I take another sip and let the caffeine help clear my head. “And Greyson doesn’t drink coffee either?”

“He does, but he’s too lazy to make his own when he’s here.”

Greyson comes around the corner. “Why would I make my own when I can buy the good stuff right around the corner. Besides, nobody’s coffee at home tastes this good.”

I meet Gunner’s eyes. “He does have a point.”

Gunner shakes his head. “Don’t encourage him.”

“Come on; let’s eat. I’m starved,” Greyson says as he heads back into the kitchen.

“What about your mom?” I ask Gunner.

“Oh, she’s gone already. She has a standing date every Saturday morning with her friends and Mahjong at Panera.”

“Really? Isn’t that the Chinese tile game?”

He nods. “Yep.”

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to play that; it looks so fun. Do you know how to play?”

He shrugs. “I’ve played a few times with my mom.”

“Oh, my word. You are so teaching me to play, Coftman.”

He cocks an eyebrow. “I am?”

“Yes.”

“Come on,” Greyson whines from the kitchen. “I’m hungry.” We both head that way.

“I don’t know why you’re bothering to wait for us to eat; you never do any other time,” Gunner says as we enter the kitchen.

“I’m trying to be polite to our guest,” Greyson nearly whines.

“Oh, please, don’t wait for me,” I wave him on and not a second too soon. He digs into his breakfast sandwich. I smirk. “Is it good, Greyson?”

He nods and continues chewing. “It’s amazing and call me Grey. All my friends do.”

My lips turn up. “Oh, so we’re friends now?”

He nods. “Yep.”

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