Page 45 of Animal Instincts
“Certainly. Would you like your cake on a plate or in your lap? That’s an extra service for special customers and comes at no extra cost.”
The edges of Oliver’s lips twitched. “On a plate will be sufficient, thank you. Can you add a bacon sandwich to the order? I’m hungry because I seem to have missed my breakfast date.”
Joss’ stomach clenched as the squirm rose up inside him. Sunday mornings were busy in the café, but with a lull in the wave of customers, it was just him and Oliver at the counter.
“I’m sorry I left before you woke up.” Joss kept his voice low. “I wanted to get home before I got the third degree from Gran—”
“And did you escape it?”
“No such luck.”
Just… Be careful.
Gran’s words were an endless ricochet in his skull, going around and around and twisting themselves into an ever tighter, harder knot. But, as Oliver’s smile grew wider and brighter, as his eyes glittered and sparkled with life — and as warmth rushed through and overwhelmed Joss, an unstoppable tidal wave he was powerless to resist — he knew in every fibre of his being that everything they had said and done, everything they had been together the night before, had been right for them both.
Just… Be careful.The words faded, and disappeared.
“Joss?” Oliver quirked his head to the side.
“Sorry. Just a bit tired because I didn’t get much sleep last night.”
A hard flush rushed across Oliver’s face. “No, I suppose—”
Joss laughed, low and quiet, meant only for him and Oliver.
“Sleep’s overrated. But I had to get home so as I could get ready for my shift here.” Joss lowered his voice further, to barely a whisper. “I didn’t want to leave, but I had to. I left you a note—”
“Yes, I found it. I’m glad you let me know.”
“I didn’t want to wake you, because you looked so peaceful.”And so utterly gorgeous…“The battery on my phone was flat, so I couldn’t text you.”
“I was peaceful. I had the best night’s sleep since — well, let’s just say in a long time.”
“I’m glad.”
“So am I, Joss.”
Joss smiled, he couldn’t help it, just like he couldn’t help the flashy backflip his stomach made when Oliver smiled back at him.
“We never had that breakfast, but maybe we could have dinner?” Oliver was smiling still, but there was a tentative, uncertain edge to his voice, as though he feared Joss would say no.
No way was he doing that.
“Yes, please.” The eager words burst from Joss. Maybe too eager, when Oliver’s eyes widened a fraction.
“Tonight? Maybe somewhere away from the village? There’s a very good gastro pub in Polton Lacy. I went there with James and Perry, when I first moved down here.”
Joss nodded hard. Away from Love’s Harbour, away from the prying eyes of the Grannies’ Grapevine, and everybody else.
“I’ll—”
“Can I please get some service here?”
An irritated, prissy voice had them both snapping there heads around. Vince — or Van-sont— glared at them, his mouth set in a tight purse.
“Yes, sir, of course. I’ll be with you in one moment.”
Joss turned back to Oliver, and rolled his eyes.
