Page 18 of Pucks and Coffee

“I’d like that.”

He gets up first, and I take the hand he offers. He tucks it into the crook of his arm, and together, we head to the hall that leads to the alley entrance. We walk in silence, the coolness of the air a bite against my bare skin. I’m thankful he’s so big and blocks a lot of the breeze, but the shop isn’t far. My mind is reeling, and even though I knew it was only a short walk, I am sad when we reach the door. I go to look at Coleson, but he takes my hand and brings it to his lips. I watch his lips curve around my knuckles in a sultry way before he meets my gaze. “I had a great time.”

“I did too,” I admit. “Minus all the choking, exposed boobs, and marriage talk.”

He winks. “Those were my favorite parts.”

I snicker as he steps closer, and I hadn’t realized my hand was still in his. He brings it against his chest, and I can feel his heart pounding against my palm. “I’ll pick you up at six a.m. on Saturday.”

“Ew, why so early?” I gasp, and he chuckles.

“The bears are out that early, and I figure we need a good run,” he says with another wink. Before I can reply or even protest, he leans in, his lips capturing mine. I don’t know how he does it so smoothly since he has to bend to get to me, but soon, I’m not thinking of anything but his lips crushing mine. They’re so soft, so inviting, and when he pulls away, I follow for more. His chuckle is deep, rough, and has me squeezing my thighs tightly.

“A reason to show up at six a.m.”

Unsteady, I open my eyes to find him walking away, one hand tucked into his pocket, while he runs the other one through his hair. I lean into the back door, breathless, heart pounding, and pussy whining for him, as I realize one thing.

I’m going on a hike at six a.m. on Saturday.

CHAPTER 11

Coleson

I don’t really remember what happens over the next few days, but I do remember the way McDavid felt in my arms.

I’ve done nothing but think of her lips pressed to mine. Of my arms wrapped around her waist. Her tits when they made their grand entrance. Of the chemistry that burned between us as we ate and had our first date. A date that ended with a hell of a kiss but also with a load of questions.

As I expected when I left her at her door, she avoided me like the plague for the next few days. How I know this is because she DoorDashed her drink to herself every day. I would have walked down and delivered it to call her on her shit, but I didn’t. I figured she needed time. Space between us. As much as I don’t want to give it to her, I understand.

I’m asking for her to be tied to me for a year.

That’s not like asking someone to the movies.

I hadn’t realized how much I enjoyed seeing her every day. I found myself staring at the hall that leads to the alley, waiting for her to appear. Much to my dismay, she didn’t. Which is probably for the best. Instead, I worked out, I skated, and I worked. I talked to a lawyer about drawing up a prenup to protect us both, and I stewed.

I stewed so badly that I couldn’t even concentrate on much else. I kept going through every possible scenario I could imagine. I came up with answers to her potential questions. I thought up my own questions, though, really, I have no right. She’s helping me, and while, yes, I’m giving her the coffee shop, she’s giving me way more.

A chance at a dream I’ve always wanted.

I don’t know the first thing about being married, but I know I’ll do right by her. I’ll treat her with respect and train her to the best of my ability. I’m terrified to share a space with her. Will she get mad that I’m a tad messy on game days? When I come home, I want all my clothes off and gone. They usually end up on the floor. Maybe I should work on that.

Fuck, will she be grossed out when I fart from eating too much bean dip? I love my bean dip and I don’t think I stink that bad, but she’s so sweet. She probably farts glitter. Does she have a lot of female shit? Is my bathroom going to be overrun? Does she want a dog or a cat?

What in the hell am I getting myself into?

The question haunts me, but when the alley door close to Dirty Pages opens, I forget it all.

McDavid stands before me in bright-green leggings and an oversized black hoodie. She has on dark hiking boots that shine, so I know they’re new. Her braided ponytail hangs out the back of a Coffee Addict ball cap, while her face is free of makeup. Despite her ignoring me for the last few days, and not giving me any reason to think she wanted to sleep with me, I really am surprised I didn’t try to make a move on her before all this. Or maybe it’s because I’m finally truly looking at her. But man, I want her.

Which probably doesn’t bode well for me when I’m about to be married to her for a year.

A grin pulls at my lips as I hold out her drink. Her eyes light up at the sight, and she takes it from me with a huge grin that reaches her sultry eyes. Fucking hell, she’s pretty. “Oh my God, you’re the best,” she gasps in a way that feels so naughty.

“Good morning.”

“Morning,” she says gruffly, letting me know she’s not a morning person. She tears the top off the straw and takes a long pull. When she pops her lips off the straw, she looks up at me. “Why are you so chipper?”

I laugh. “I own a coffeehouse. We start serving at five. You may need to become a morning person.”

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