Page 53 of The Flirt

She smelled the first cup and then the other. "Okay. This smells like Colombian, and this is Java."

"Correct on both. You know your coffee."

"I do, though I wouldn't say I'm a connoisseur. I just enjoy coffee and sugary drinks from Starbucks. I mostly consider those desserts." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Although, I will say I much prefer Maria's coffee compared to what we have in the restaurant."

"I agree with you."

"Why don't you change the coffee machine, then?"

"Because it’s efficient," I replied as I sipped the coffee. Scarlett had chosen the Java. "We actually did have one of those manual machines in the beginning, and it was a nightmare. The person in charge of coffee was always backlogged, especially on weekends when everyone wants a million different coffees at brunch."

"Hmm, true," she said. “So... what other surprises do you have in store?”

“What are you doing on Saturday?”

“Exploring the city.”

I wiggled my eyebrows. “Perfect answer. I want to take you out.”

“Where?”

“As you said, it’s a surprise.”

"But how do you know I’ll have a good time?"

"I have a hunch that I can guess what you like pretty accurately." I looked her straight in the eyes because yes, I absolutely meant the innuendo.

My gaze dropped to her lips. "Fucking hell, I thought this was a good plan."

"What?" she asked, bewildered.

"Meeting you here in our courtyard where anyone could walk in on us. I thought it would make it easier for me to keep myself in check. But all I can think about is pinning you right here against this wall and kissing you senseless."

"Yeah, we do like walls and furniture a bit too much," she said, then quickly stepped away from it.

I laughed. "You think that's going to stop me?"

"Well, no, but a girl can try. You have that delicious spark in your eyes. I thought I was imagining it on Friday, but clearly not."

I moved a bit closer to her.

She smirked. “The wall is giving you ideas.”

"It's not the wall. It's just you, Scarlett."

She held my gaze for a beat, then looked down at her cup. She was silent as she kept sipping her espresso until the cup was empty.

"Something on your mind?" I asked.

"Just wondering what you’re planning for Saturday."

"I’ll give you a hint. You will thoroughly enjoy it."

"Oh, that's not fair. I would probably enjoy anything."

"Even better.”

She straightened her head, giving me a shy smile. "Fine, but on one condition.”

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