Page 9 of Fake Love

“I asked if you were still open. The sign says you are,” he says, his voice rough and making my lady bits even more uncomfortable.

Damn this man is perfect.

Somehow, I’m able to compose myself enough to form a complete sentence.

“Yes, sorry. Yes, we are still open,” I say, walking over to the register. “What can I get you?”

Forearm guy looks over at me with what looks like a smile trying to escape for a second before he steps up to the counter.

“Can I have a large dark roast?” He says, pulling out his wallet.

“Just a large dark roast, nothing else?” I ask.

He gives me a nod. “No, just the coffee.”

If I wasn’t impressed by the man’s simple coffee order, I would be getting lost in his eyes for sure.

“Why are you looking at me like I have two heads?” Forearm guy asks.

I shake my head a bit. What is it about this guy that is making me forget how to speak to people?

“Sorry, it’s just that usually people have some crazy request when it comes to their coffee. I think your order was the first normal one I had since this morning.”

“Really?” He lets out a small chuckle and I swear my lady bits cry.

I nod. “Yup. Earlier today, I had to redo a lady’s latte eight times because it didn’t taste right. Another wanted a hot chocolate with caramel and no chocolate.”

Why did I feel the need to tell him that?

Whatever my thought process was, I will thank it because my rambling causes forearm guy to give me a smile.

“You’re joking, right?”

I shake my head. “I wish I were. So, large dark roast?”

He nods. “Large dark roast.”

I get his order ready in two second flat and when I turn back to hand it to him, he hands me a five-dollar bill.

“Keep it. It’s on the house for being a simple customer.”

Again, he looks at me like he is studying me, before taking his coffee and placing the five dollar bill in the tip jar.

I watch as he steps back from the counter only to look around the shop, probably noticing how empty it is.

“Are you here all by yourself?” He asks, taking a sip of his drink.

I give him a nod. “I am. It got a little slow, so I sent the other girl home.”

He takes another sip of his coffee. “Was that a safe choice?”

The hairs on my arms stand up at his question. “Why? Are you going to try something?”

Here I thought this dude was one of the good, sexy ones. Now all I can think is that he’s probably the zodiac killer’s son and I’m going to be chopped up into little pieces.

I could reach for my phone and try to call Selena and if she hears my screams, she’ll call the cops.

He lets out another laugh. “No, I’m not going to try anything.” That’s what all the killers say. “I just think it’s odd, leaving one person to close down a business this late.”

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