Page 20 of Love You A Latte

“You gonna be okay, sweets?” Frankie asks. Their strong hand is gentle as they sweep flyaway hairs away from myface.

“Yeah, I’ll be okay.”

“Will you come to the coffee house tomorrow?”

“Do you want me to?”

I’m letting my baggage get the best of me, but I don’t have the strength in this moment to push back against it. Ever since my parents died when I was twenty and my sister and I lost touch for eight years, I’ve noticed the self-doubt and insecure thoughts gaining more of a foothold. Everly and I both withdrew into ourselves, hiding from each other and the grief associated with facing family. It was the loneliest time of my life, so when Benji started giving me the attention and affection I’d been denying myself… well. I stayed. Even when it turned into a super toxic—possibly abusive—relationship, and my confidence plummeted even more.

After that disaster, I finally found someone who treated me right that I thought was my person, only for Sabrina to cheat on me for months with my first toxic ex. It’s safe to say my abandonment issues are thriving these days.

“I absolutely do,” Frankie replies. “I always look for you, even though I know I can’t expect you to get up before nine, let alone with the sun like I do.”

I tuck my chin to hide the bashful grin upon realizing they already know I’m not a morning person.

“So yes,” they continue, “please come to the coffee house tomorrow. I probably won’t get any work done until you do, since I’ll be glancing at the door every two seconds.”

“And…” I look up, a spark of mischief entering my tone as my lips curve into a sly smile. “Youwillget work done once I get there?”

Frankie narrows their eyes playfully as their lips tilt into an answering smile.

“Cheeky little thing, aren’t you?” they murmur, and my smile turns into a full grin, lighting a warmth in my chest behind my breastbone.

“I’m taller than you,” I point out.

“Barely, and that doesn’t mean you’re not little,” they say, backing me into my front door, then grasping the backs of my thighs and lifting me off my feet. My legs twistaround their waist as my hands fly to their shoulders, but they’re holding me steady. Frankie’s hands grip my backside and their mouth finds my neck, sucking the soft skin between their lips.

“Oh,” I gasp, rolling my hips into them for an endless moment until they release my neck with a soft nip, then a gentle kiss.

They pull back and lower me to the ground, looking at the crook of my neck with satisfaction.

“There,” they say, “proof. Now you have no reason to doubt me.”

“Did you just give me a hickey?” I say, incredulous.

“Sure did.” Their smug gaze flicks from my neck to meet my eyes.

“What is that supposed to prove?” I ask.

Frankie just shrugs and takes a step back. “Whatever you want it to prove.”

They take another step back, tucking their hands in their pockets.

“Goodnight, Addison.”

I’m left gaping as they turn and saunter back to the truck. I’m still staring when the driver door creaks closed and they raise an eyebrow, then nod their head behind me. They’re waiting until I get inside, and I shake my head, a bemused smile twitching on my lips as I unlock the door. One last glimpse through the cracked door as I shut it shows a tattooed forearm propped on the steering wheel, hazel eyes glowing in the light from the porch, and a sultry, satisfied tilt of lips as they watch the door close securely behind me.

CHAPTER NINE

ADDISON

“I know exactly what we’re going to do,” Frankie says, practically jumping me as soon as I step into Roasted the next morning. Far too early in the morning, if you ask me.

“Um.” I blink, taking in the bustle of the coffee shop and noting there’s only one table open. Is this what the world is always like before nine a.m.?

“What?” I say, blinking again as Frankie bounces on their toes in front of me.

“Glitter bombs.”

---