Page 21 of Blindsided
I swivel my stool to face her full on as she approaches, and my gaze can’t help but lower to her legs. “You follow directions quite well, Cookie.”
She rolls her eyes and slips onto the open stool beside me, placing herself squarely between my legs. “I went shopping. Let’s not make a thing out of it.”
My smile grows. “Freya Cook, does this mean you’re actually starting to listen to me?”
She shoots me a warning scowl, and I swear her greenish-brown eyes darken. “Maclay Logan, I just said let’s not make a thing of it. Are you trying to get me to thump you?”
My shoulders shake with silent laughter, and I lean in to softly reply, “Aye, maybe that’s my kink.”
She elbows me square in the chest, and it only makes me laugh harder. Then I reach down to grab something. “Maybe this will make up for my cheekiness.” I hold up a bouquet of pink carnations.
Freya’s jaw drops. “What’s this?”
I shrug. “We’re on a date. Dates bring flowers.”
“I was trying to forget about the date part,” she murmurs, shooting me a nervous look as she takes the flowers from me.
“It’s a practice date but still a date. Pretend you fancy me so we can work out all your kinks before your real one tomorrow.”
“Can we stop using the word kink?” she asks as she brings the bouquet to her nose. The pink brightens the freckles on her face as a soft smile plays on the corners of her mouth. “Pink carnations are my favourite.”
“Aye, I know,” I reply, noting that her ears are turning a pink shade before my very eyes. I move to face forward on my stool. “I’ve heard your ramblings about Carrie Bradshaw enough times to take a hint. I’m very trainable, you know.”
I feel Freya’s eyes on me as I glance at the cheese passing by on the conveyor belt. “You actually listened to that?”
I shrug dismissively. “Not the point, Cookie. The point is, I’m a lad who brought you flowers. The correct response would be…”
“Thank you,” she quickly spits out.
I nod, impressed. “Good. See? You’re already better at dating than you think.”
A server comes over to take our drink orders. Freya gets chardonnay, as I knew she would, and I request a pint for myself. When the guy returns with a glass of wine, I stop Freya before she takes a sip and reach down to grab the wee gift bag I brought.
“More gifts?” she asks in shock. “I highly doubt Javier will give me flowers and a present.”
“If he’s worth a shite, he will,” I reply with a frown. “Just open it and don’t question your coach.”
She pulls out the tissue paper the gift shop was kind enough to provide and extracts a kitten coffee mug. On the side, there is a picture of a cat and thick black text that reads, “I work hard so my cat can have a better life.”
She smiles at the saying. “I bleddy love this!”
“I knew you would.” I reach out for her wine glass. “I washed the mug already, so I’ll pour your drink in it because I know that’s how you like to take your wine.”
I dump her wine into the mug and hand it back to Freya who looks so touched, I think I see a shimmer of tears in her eyes.
She falters over her words as she cups the mug to her chest. “I don’t know what to say.”
I roll my eyes because she’s getting soft on me. “I’m doing this because you need to learn how to handle some flattery. You’re attractive and fun, Cookie. If your coffee guy is worth anything, he should say and do nice things for you. And I want to be sure you know how to respond appropriately when he does.”
She nods thoughtfully and sets her mug down. “So what’s appropriate?”
“Thank you is always a good start,” I reply firmly, propping my elbows on the counter.
“Thank you.”
I smile and wink at her. “You’re welcome. Also, I hope this guy is someone who pays attention to you. You’ve been going to the coffee shop for months you said? Does he know how you take your coffee?”
“Yes, he does!” She practically squeals with delight. “Large iced coffee—”
