Page 124 of Make Me Yours
Ashley nods. “Good for you. Keep in touch, okay?”
“I will,” I promise.
With nothing more to say, I walk out with my box. Myshoulders feel a little lighter than when I arrived. On a whim, I detour a few blocks and pull into a metered space outside a small coffee shop I used to haunt back when I still thought my corner office dreams would make me happy.
The moment I push through the door, I’m hit with the warm scent of espresso and toasted almond. It’s like a hug I didn’t know I needed.
“Hey, stranger.” One of the baristas I used to chat with smiles wide. “Long time no see.”
“Yeah,” I say, smiling back. “Life’s been busy.”
“Want your usual?”
I nod. “That would be amazing, thanks.”
She gestures toward the pastry case. “Croissant?”
I eye the chocolate-filled one like it’s flirting with me. “You twisted my arm. I’ll take one.”
“Coming right up.”
My phone buzzes just as I pull it from my pocket.
Steele:
I’m having withdrawals. Any chance of a repeat performance tonight?
Me:
I don’t know… depends. What’s in it for me?
Steele:
Me. Naked and grateful while worshipping every inch of you.
My lips twitch. I can practically hear his cajoling tone.
Me:
Tempting. But I’m gonna need a better sales pitch.
Steele:
I’ll even feed you after. You like blueberry pancakes, right?
Me:
Are you trying to seduce me with carbs?
Steele:
I’m trying to seduce you, period. Where are you?
Me:
How do you know I’m not at the penthouse?
Steele:
