Page 10 of That's a Wrap

I check my watch and groan. “This is too early. I need to make coffee first.”

“Already got it covered.” His voice is just as cheery as it was on the phone and it’s maddening.

I purse my lips and jut my chin out. “You don’t even know how I like my coffee.”

Without missing a beat, he replies, “Not yet, I don’t. But I stopped at Deja Brew and got a vanilla latte, a caramel cappuccino, a cinnamon chai, and a black medium roast with various sweeteners and creamers on the side.” My mouth drops open. “And just in case you don’t like coffee, I also grabbed an Earl Grey tea.”

I try to find fault with his actions, but when I can’t, I sigh in defeat. So I lift my cross-body bag from the hook, put it over my shoulder, and lock the door behind me. Hopping in Peter’s car, I try to remain annoyed at his very existence, but ultimately find it very difficult when his body is turned completely toward me and he’s holding the coffees out like an offering to a goddess. His smile is soft and sincere, and the slowly rising sunlight kisses his cheekbones, making my stomach do weird little flips.

Feeling nervous under his full attention, I quickly grab the latte and stare out the window, muttering a quietThank youbefore taking a sip. I can feel the weight of his stare burning the side of my face for several moments before he sets the coffees down on the floor of the backseat.

“You’re welcome, Ella Kate.” I inwardly roll my eyes at his use of my full name.

“What are you planning on doing with the rest of the drinks?” I ask, looking at him from the corner of my eye.

He gives a sheepish shrug. “Actually, I didn’t think that far ahead. I just wanted you to have a good morning.”Why does he have to be sweet?

I tap the lid of my cup a few times as I think. “Okay, I know where we can go first. It might not be an actual tourist hotspot, but I’m pretty sure you haven’t been there yet.”

“Fine by me. Take me anywhere you wanna go, beautiful. I’m all yours.” I lift a single eyebrow at his double entendre, but say nothing.

He shifts the car in gear and we pull out of my driveway. He perfectly content following my directions as I lead us through town, not once asking where we’re going until we get there. The sun is coming up as we pull into the parking spot of our destination.

“A hospital?” Peter knits his brows together before he unbuckles himself when he sees me doing the same.

“Yeah, specifically the emergency department.” I step out of the car and retrieve the coffees from the backseat before heading toward the entrance. When Peter falls in step next to me, I continue. “Third shift is getting off soon, so I’m sure they’d appreciate a little pick-me-up for the end of their shift.” He simply nods his agreement as we walk through the automatic doors.

My friend Ashley is sitting at the patient intake desk and waves at me as we get closer. “Elle! What are you doing here?” she asks cheerfully before her smile drops. “Is something wrong? Are you alright?” She rises from her seat and gives me a once-over.

I wave off her concern. “I’m fine, girl,” I assure her. “It’s just, um… My friend here… he ordered too many coffees and thought you guys would like some.”

Her gaze slides over to Peter before she looks back at me with a wiggle of her eyebrows and a curl of her lips. “Friend, huh?”

“Shush, it’s not like that,” I hiss, carefully placing the drinks on the counter. “Do you want the coffees or not?”

She laughs at my discomfort. “Of course, we’ll take them.” She grins at me, then glances at Peter. “And thank you…” Ashley lifts her eyebrows and tilts her head forward, extending her palm in his direction.

“Peter,” he replies, stepping forward to introduce himself.

“Peter,” she draws out his name. “Well… It’s certainly nice to meet you. I’m Ashley.” She bats her pretty blue eyes, and a tiny pang of jealousy stabs at me.

Where did that come from?

They cordially shake hands and she leans on the counter. “So, Peter, what are you and my bestie doing so early in the morning?”

He looks at me with a dazzling smile. “We’re on a dat?—”

“AHH!” I shove Peter to the side and speak over him. “He works at the resort, and I’m helping him put together a list of local attractions in town. You know, trying to improve the marketing, increase tourism, blah, blah, blah.”

Ashley suppresses a smile as her eyes dart between me and Peter. “Mhmm, sure. Tourism, huh?” She briefly narrows her gaze at me before she continues. “Well, whatever you guys arereallyup to, just stay safe, alright? I mean, we have some condoms I can give you?—”

“Oh my God!” I cry, covering my flaming red face with my hand. “It’s not like that.” I grab the cuff of Peter’s jacket and start dragging him toward the door. “Enjoy the coffees, worst bestie ever! And make sure Bonnie gets the tea!”

Ashley throws her head back in a laugh, then gives me a wave. I flip her off just as we walk through the sliding doors.

“Jeez, the assumptions some people make,” I huff. “We’re just two people spending the day together while I show you around town. There’s nothing romantic about it. Now, c’mon. Lots to see today.”

Suddenly, I realize my hand is a lot warmer than it should be, and I look down to find I’ve subconsciously threaded my fingers through Peter’s, allowing his much larger palm to engulf mine.

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