Page 9 of Rhett

“It was good, not too busy.” I take the offered cup and take a sip. “Where’s Dad?”

Mom sets a plate of pancakes down in front of me. “He’s golfing. He was only supposed to golf nine holes, but he’ll end up drinking coffee with the guys.”

They both still work, neither of them ready to retire yet. Mom works as a nurse practitioner at an OB/GYN’s office. Dad is the Director of Physical Therapy at Vanderbilt. Mom is ready to drop down to part time though. Dad’s not quite ready to let go of his position yet.

“Of course he is,” I say.

“How is Roman?” Mom is obsessed with that little boy. She’s even babysat him on occasion.

I shake my head. “He’s good, and definitely keeping Marchy and Haley on their toes.”

Once I finish eating, we head out to the patio and shoot the shit until I take my leave and head to the grocery store.

Rhett: Hey! How are you?

I hit send and wait to see if Sofia answers me back. It’s been a few days since our last exchange. I’ve kept the texts to a minimum, not wanting to freak her out. Just a quick “hey” and just telling her to have a good day.

Sofia: Hi. Is your shift over?

I quickly type out a response.

Rhett: Yeah, I was wondering if you wanted to grab a coffee with me. No pressure, I just know I am out of coffee at home, and I need some, stat.

I watch my phone and wait for those bouncing dots. They appear and then they disappear. That happens multiple times and I am beginning to think she’s just trying to figure out how to tell me no nicely.

Fuck, why am I freaking out about this? I can walk into Ruby’s and have the pick of the bunker bunnies that hang out there. Sofia isn’t like those women. Sure, I don’t know her well yet, but I can just tell.

My phone pings and I pick it up.

Sofia: Sure, where do you want to meet?

“Yes,” I cheer to myself.

I quickly send her a text and we plan on where to meet. Shutting my door, I start my Jeep. I already showered at the firehouse before I left. Luckily, Sofia isn’t staying far from the coffee shop. I climb out, and as I walk toward the door, I notice a familiar blue BMW pull into the parking lot.

Walking toward the car, I smile as she climbs out. She’s wearing cutoff jean shorts and a Tennessee State University T-shirt. Her strawberry-blond hair is in a bun on top of her head.

“Hey, you. Did you have a good shift?” Sofia asks as we walk side by side toward the doors.

“We were busy, but it went by fast.” I never know how to answer that question because our jobs aren’t easy, even on the slowest day.

Opening the door for her, I’m hit by her light floral scent as she walks by. My dick twitches in my shorts and I tell it to shut the fuck up.

6

Sofia

After ordering our drinks, we stand side by side at the end of the counter. It’s not lost on me that every female in the entire coffee shop is staring at Rhett. I’m not surprised, because he is by far the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.

“Rhett, Sofia,” the barista says and then hands us our drinks.

We find a table by the window, and he surprises me by pulling my seat out for me. “Thank you,” I tell him and take a sip of my latte.

“I’m glad you decided to meet me.” Rhett smiles at me and it makes butterflies take flight in my belly.

God, that sounds so cliché, but it’s so freaking true. “I-I am too,” I answer honestly. There is no point in playing games.

“Tell me about yourself,” Rhett urges as he leans forward. “Who is Sofia Morgan?” He grins at me, showing off his pearly whites.

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