Page 8 of By Any Beans Necessary

Michelle felt her heart skip a beat at the mention of Jeff. She tried to appear nonchalant as she continued her work, but inwardly she was shocked and, if she admitted it, a bit thrilled that they were discussing him.

Just as Miss Betty and Miss Wilma were about to continue their discussion, the door opened again. This time, it was Jeff himself who walked in with Winston right by his side.

"Speak of the devil," Miss Betty whispered excitedly to Miss Wilma.

Jeff smiled at them both and made his way over to the counter, where Michelle stood frozen in surprise.

"Hey there," he said with a charming smile. "Can I get an iced coffee please?"

Michelle's mind raced as she tried to compose herself before responding. She quickly grabbed a cup and started filling it with ice. "Of course," she replied smoothly. "On break from the academy?"

Jeff nodded. "I had just enough time to get down here and grab a coffee before I need to head back."

"You're becoming a regular around here," she observed as she placed the lid on his cup.

"What can I say? I'm addicted to your coffee," Jeff replied, his eyes meeting Michelle's for just a moment longer than necessary.

Michelle felt a blush creeping up her cheeks as she handed him his drink, and he flashed her a grin that made her heart race. "Well, I'm glad to hear that," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Jeff took a sip, his brown eyes never leaving hers. "Mmm, just as good as always," he murmured, his voice low and sultry.

Michelle couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious under his gaze. She glanced over at Miss Betty and Miss Wilma, whowere both watching the exchange with wide eyes. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.

"W-well, I hope you enjoy," she said, turning back to the counter.

Jeff chuckled, handing her some money and then placing a hand on her arm. "Oh, I will. Trust me."

A bolt of electricity shot through Michelle's body as his fingers brushed against her skin. She couldn't help but look up at him, her eyes locking onto his deep, captivating gaze as her heart skipped a beat at the feel of his touch.

Jeff gave her a final knowing grin before turning around to saunter out of the shop, leaving Michelle to stand behind the counter with a confused look on her face.

Her chest was heaving as she tried to catch her breath. She knew she couldn't let herself get too carried away, but she couldn't deny the flutter in her chest and the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her eyes shifted to Miss Betty and Miss Wilma, who were still staring at her with eager anticipation. She flashed them a small grin before refocusing on the espresso machine, grateful for the distraction it provided from their attention.

The bell above the shop door jingled as another customer walked in, breaking the tension in the room. Michelle took a deep breath, shaking off the lingering effects of Jeff's touch. She greeted the newcomer with a warm smile, grateful for the interruption.

As she expertly crafted the customer's drink, her mind was still racing with thoughts of Jeff. Her cheeks flushed a rosy hue as she recalled their conversation and his charming smile. She couldn't help but feel flustered and slightly breathless, even after he had left. The way his deep voice resonated in her ears and the way his piercing brown eyes locked onto hers had left a lasting impression.

Miss Betty and Miss Wilma were still watching her, their expressions curious and expectant. Michelle couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking. Were they imagining a future date on the horizon the way she was? Michelle felt her cheeks grow warm at the thought as she smiled to herself, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for the next time Jeff came into her shop for a cup of coffee.

Chapter Four

The neon sign buzzed like a trapped fly against the window, casting an otherworldly glow over Jeff's brooding figure. His third rough day in a row had muddled into a haze of lukewarm beer and the distant cheers from a football game he couldn't muster the energy to care about.

"Rough day, huh?" the voice slithered through Jeff's fog of self-pity, accompanied by the cloying scent of too-sweet perfume.

"Something like that," he muttered, not bothering to look up from his glass.

"Want some company?" the barfly perched on a neighboring stool, her red lipstick a slash of defiance against the dinginess of the bar.

Jeff finally glanced at her, taking in the too-tight black dress and hopeful glint in her blue eyes. "Thanks, but no thanks." His voice was a gravel road—short and likely to jostle a person if they weren't careful.

"Your loss, handsome." She huffed, her disappointment puffing around her like a disappointed cloud as she wobbled off to find another mark.

He watched her go, the familiar tug of temptation gnawing at his resolve. Old Jeff would've said yes before she'd even finished her sentence. The new Jeff didn't want to wake up one morning, staring down the barrel of what-could-have-been with nothing but stale memories for company.

"Still determined to turn over a new leaf?" Greg's voice came from behind the bar, a smirk audible in his words.

"Something like that," Jeff grumbled again, spinning the beer coaster between his fingers.

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