Page 1 of Hot Man

Chapter One

Chloe

“You’re a natural,” Nicole says as she watches me steam milk and pour it into a tiny white latte mug. Even though it’s my first day, I manage to create the foam hearts exactly the way she taught me. “Are you sure you’ve never worked at a cafe before?”

“No,” I say with a grin, setting aside the mug and carafe. “I’m just really passionate about coffee.”

It’s not exactly the truth, but I wouldn’t say it’s a lie. I’m passionate about one kind of coffee – the kind of coffee that Dax, the very handsome firefighter, likes. He’s actually the only reason I applied for this job. And Ihadto get this job. Halcyon Coffee Shop is his favorite cafe, so working here means I might finally have a reason to talk to him.

So, even though my passion for coffee is selfish and ultra-specific, I studied hard, learning everything I could about working in a shop like this. And all that hard work paid off. This job was mine as soon as I walked into the interview.

“Well,” Nicole says, glancing at the watch on her wrist, “it’s about time for me to go on my break. How about you help out on the register? If you need any help, Marley can answer questions.”

“Sounds good,” I say, unable to quell my excitement.

Dax should be coming in today. It’s one of his days away from the station, and he doesn’t have a coffee maker at home. So, if he wants his caffeine fix, he’ll show up. And he always wants his caffeine fix.

I know it’s wrong of me to have his entire schedule memorized like this, to know what he keeps in his house. It’s just that I’ve never been able to quell my obsession with him. Ever since he came into the group home that I live in to talk to all of us about career options, I’ve known he’s the one for me. He seemed so kind and caring that I tried to talk to him afterwards, just to be in his presence a little bit longer. Unfortunately, the younger boys all crowded around him to hear about his job, and the older girls hung around to flirt with him. I’ve always hated crowds, so I made myself scarce, then watched him as he left. I followed him outside, telling myself it was just to ask some more questions when we were alone. Before I built up the nerve to say anything, though, he got into his car and drove away. I was sure I’d never see him again, but I was helping out in the administrative office the next day, I caught a glimpse of the thank-you note that the group home sent him. Without quite knowing why at the time, I wrote down his address, an address I’ve been to many times since.

As I take my place at the register, anticipation bubbles just below the surface. Not only will I be able to see him the exact moment he walks in, there’s a high chance that I’ll get to talk to him for the first time since that fateful day four years ago.

I’m not expecting him to walk in the door the second I unlock the Point of Sale system screen.

My heart pounds in my chest, and the entire world seems to narrow to just me and Dax. His brown eyes lock onto me, and his mouth tugs upward. My gaze is drawn to the scar on his lip, an injury I know he got while working.

I suck in a breath as he starts walking toward me. His tall, muscular form navigates the tables and chairs with a kind of grace that seems almost unnatural. I tuck a loose strand of my black hair behind my ear nervously, hoping that I don’t embarrass myself in front of him.

When he gets up close, there's an electric current flowing between us. I almost forget that we’re at a coffee shop, that I’m at work. But then Marley clears her throat next to me, and I remember I’m supposed to be doing my job.

“Hi,” I say, my knees feeling weak when the smile on his face gets wider. I’m already punching his order into the computer as I ask, “What can I get for you today?”

Just like I knew he would, Dax says, “A latte with an extra shot of espresso. Two percent milk.”

“Perfect,” I say, sending the order and taking the bank card that he’s already offering to me. Our fingers brush together, and goosebumps erupt up my arm. When I glance at his expression, I can tell he felt it too. “Um–”

“Will you be calling out my order?” he asks, his deep voice warming my chest.

“I will,” I confirm before I can even think about it. Beside me, Marley makes a noise like she sees right through me.

Oh no… Am I being too obvious?

“Good,” Dax says, immediately quelling my concerns. He glances down at my name tag before returning his gaze to my face. “Thank you, Chloe.”

I stand there, feeling a little dazed for a moment, before my coworker scoffs and shakes her head. When I jerk my thumb in the direction of the espresso machine, she nods, giving me permission to make his drink.

I’ve been practicing this recipe since I learned that it was his regular order. I could make it in my sleep. As a result, I’m quick, moving with the speed and precision of a seasoned barista and not a new hire.

“One latte with an extra shot of espresso and two percent milk for Dax,” I call out, the phrase one that I’ve practiced a hundred times before. It’s a little less sexy and a little more hurried and breathless than when I rehearsed it in front of the mirror, but at least I don’t embarrass myself completely.

“You already know my name?” he asks as he accepts the drink from my outstretched hand.

Shoot. I didn’t ask for his name when I took his order, did I? I have to think fast or I might expose myself.

“Oh, um,” I say, my cheeks burning even though I will them not to. “Your name was on your card.”

Dax looks at me for a moment, something I don’t recognize flashing over his features. Then his face breaks out into a handsome grin and he says, “That makes sense. I thought you might just be one of those intuitive types.”

“No,” I say breathlessly, relieved that my story worked. “Nothing quite as interesting as that.”

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