Page 18 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

“I’m on a mission to drink as much coffee as possible before I have to quit.” Allison declared, a playful glint in her eye.

Angelo raised an eyebrow. “Big coffee fan, huh?”

“More like a coffee lover,” Allison corrected with a grin. “It’s practically a love affair at this point. And honestly, I almost always pair it with a muffin.”

Angelo’s curiosity was piqued. “Why muffins?”

Allison shrugged casually, “They bring out the flavor. It’s like the muffin’s saying, ‘Hey, let me introduce you to my best friend, Coffee. You two will get along great.’”

The woman laughed, a sweet and melodic sound that made Angelo’s heart skip a beat. His gaze lingered on her, completely captivated.

“So, what’s your go-to muffin?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation going while his mind raced to find an excuse to keep talking to her.

“Blueberry, of course,” Allison said, her eyes lighting up. “Classic, reliable, and just sweet enough to keep you hooked. What about you?”

Angelo chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh, I’m more of a chocolate chip guy. Can’t resist the combo—chocolate and coffee? It’s basically dessert for breakfast.”

Allison nodded in approval. “Good choice. I can respect that.”

For a few moments they both stayed silent, just staring at each other. Then their coffee was ready and Angelo saw Allison’s hand move towards her purse.

Oh no you don’t, sweet girl.

He had his card out before she could blink.

“Oh, no, please don’t—” she protested before he cut her off.

“Allison,” he growled playfully. “You are not going to pay for anything in my presence. Ever. Understand?”

She crossed her arms, pretending to consider his words. “Is this some kind of old-fashioned chivalry thing? Because I can handle my own coffee, thank you very much.”

“It’s not about chivalry,” he replied, handing his card to the barista with a charming smile. “It’s about me wanting to treat you.”

“Fine,” she said, sighing dramatically. “But don’t think this means you’ve won or anything.”

“Oh, I’m keeping score,” he said with a wink. “And I’m just getting started.”

“Is that so?” she challenged, tilting her head. “What’s next? Carrying my coffee to the table?”

“If that’s what it takes,” he shot back, “though I was thinking more along the lines of taking you out for dinner.”

She looked deliciously startled, unmoving and unblinking, before she gave him a short nod.

He picked up both their drinks and stepped back. “Good. Now, pick a table, Allison.”

That seemed to bring her back to Earth and she moved towards a corner booth towards the back. A very secluded booth.

Oh, this is going to be fun.

“So, how long has it been since you last came here?” Angelo asked as he helped Allison slide in.

She sighed as she sat down, and he wondered whether it was the pregnancy or those tall heels that tired her.Maybe both.Her eyes scrunched together and her pink lips pursed as she put on her thinking face.

“It’s been about two years since,” she replied after a few seconds, stiffening when Angelo slid into the booth.

Right next to her.

“What are you—”

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