Page 29 of Tastes of Him

Huh. Maybe he doesn’t like this dude as much as I thought.

I hated to admit how happy the thought made me, but then again, I didn’t like this guy, so fuck it. “Wrong parts.”

“Yeah, plus I’m engaged,” Cameran said, pointing out her ring. It really was a spectacular rock. I made a note to make sure I let Julie know she had done good. “To a woman. I’m a lesbian. Plus, if anyone is dating Sean, it’s Rod.”

I felt heat on my cheeks and was horrified at the thought that I might be blushing. The soft smile on Rod’s face as he looked at me was almost too fucking much, but I would deal with it if it meant Kevin backed the hell off. I could see his smile tighten, and I pushed down my sneer. If not for the counter between Rod and me, I might’ve done something ridiculous like pull him into a kiss.Why don’t you just go ahead and pee on him, too, while you’re at it?My inner voice was being sarcastic, but if Kevin put one more hand on Rod, I might consider it.

“I guess. Though you are a bit too young for us,” Kevin replied.

Us?

“Then again,” he continued, “age is nothing but a number.”

“No. That’s what people say to justify trying to get into the pants of people they know damn well they shouldn’t be fucking with,” Rod replied, and I snickered. “Regardless, Sean and Cameran are only four years younger than us. Hardly an R. Kelly situation.”

“Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to—”

“I think we should head out so we can let y’all get back to work,” Rod said, cutting him off. The drawl in his voice had me covering my laugh with my hand. That Southern twang only came out for one of three reasons—alcohol, exhaustion, or anger—and right now, Rod was pissed. I almost wished I could see what would come next, but I also wanted Kevin to get the fuck out of my café.

Cameran swatted my arm, and I jerked out of my fantasy of throwing Kevin out on his ass. “Right. Well, I’ll be there tonight.”

Rod’s expression softened, and I felt myself warm. He reached across the counter, and for a moment, I hoped he meant to pull me in for a kiss. My breath froze in my lungs at the thought, and I felt myself lean forward. I was disappointed when he only brushed a hand over the back of mine.

“I’ll see you tonight.”

I nodded, mouth gone dry at just that small touch. Rod flashed a final dazzling smile before turning and herding Kevin out of the café. Cameran stayed, leaning against me until they disappeared out of view.

“You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

“No. Yes.” When she snickered, I turned away and pretended to get back to work. “I have things to stock.”

“Uh-huh. I’m sure you do.”

I ignored her words and made myself useful. If the feeling of Rod’s fingers brushing over my hand persisted until closing, that was no one’s business but my own.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Sean

“Sean, so good to see you!”

I smiled when I gave Mrs. Davis a tight hug. The familiar scent of rose and vanilla washed over me, and I felt myself relax slightly. Her arms were thin but strong, and she hugged like she could chase away all the world’s ills for you. It was similar to the hugs Cameran liked to give, the ones that spoke of home and safety.

“It’s good to see you too, Mama Davis.” I leaned back and gave her a toothy smile. “I swear, you get younger and younger every time I see you.”

“Boy, if you don’t stop!” She laughed and swatted me.

“Is that Sean trying to charm you away from me again?” I laughed when Mr. Davis walked up. His expression was open and full of amusement as he walked over and pulled me into a hug that was just as tight. “It’s good to see you, son. You haven’t been around as much lately.”

I nodded. “The café has really taken off, so we’ve been pulling some extended hours.”

“That’s what Cam was saying.”

“Maybe it’s time to think about opening a second location. There are a couple places here in Buckhead that might be a smart business plan.”

I smiled as Mr. Davis continued to talk business. They had been instrumental in convincing my mom that opening a café wasn’t a foolish endeavor. She had eventually come around, but I knew it would have taken that much longer without Cameran and Rod’s parents bringing it up in positive ways more than once.

“Rod told us you two had a great time driving back home.”

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