Page 14 of Whisker Me Away

“I’ve got an idea,” Cade says before walking over to a couple walking in the opposite direction of us. He stops them. “Hey, I’m so sorry to bother you but we’re new to the area and we’re looking for some of the best spots. You know, the kind that locals know about but newcomers and travelers would totally overlook?”

They look at each other before looking back at us. “You have to try out Periwinkle’s Penne. It’s this tiny Italian restaurant.”

“That sounds amazing.”

“There’s also Chocolate Meltdown. It’s the most adorable cafe you’ll ever see. It’s really not far from here!”

We thank them for their time and head down the road they’ve pointed out for us. I startle when the back of my hand touches Cade’s. He looks over at me, ready to give a soft apology but I reach over and grab his hand before he can.

My stomach is a flutter of butterflies. We are holding hands, I repeat, Cade and I are holding hands! It’s such a small, simple thing, yet my entire body is sparking with excited shivers.

We hold hands the entire walk to Chocolate Meltdown. The outside has the tiniest sign. It’s no wonder this isn’t a tourist spot, I would have never guessed this was a cafe without those people telling us!

Stepping inside, I look around and can’t help but smile. It’s obvious that most things here are chocolate themed. The tables and chairs are all a deep chocolate color, the walls are covered with different chocolate paintings, and there’s a display of flavored chocolates by the counter.

We walk up to the counter, looking up at the board filled with different drinks, flavors, and specials.

“Oh wow,” I breathe out, “there’s so much to pick from.”

“I think I’m going to get a peppermint mocha and a chocolate donut with sprinkles. Or maybe I’ll get something bigger since it’s lunch time? No, I’ll stick to the donut. We’re on vacation after all.”

I hum as I listen to Cade.

“I want a donut too,” I decide.

The worker comes over to us after she’s finished wiping down the counter. “Welcome in! What can we make for you today?”

Cade orders and then looks at me. “I’ll try the caramel chocolate donut with a vanilla iced latte please.”

“Perfect,” she says, taking Cade’s debit card from him.

“Thank you, Cade.”

He looks at me and smiles. “You’re welcome, handsome.”

I smack his arm in response, doing my best not to bury my face under the collar of my shirt. Damn him and his smooth lines. Why the fuck do I keep falling for them, hook, line, and sinker?

Cade puts a hand on my lower back as we walk away from the counter, finding a table to sit at. My entire body warms, the pit of my stomach fluttering delightfully. I like it when he touches me so casually.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never felt this way before, especially not with someone I’ve only just met. There’s something special about Cade, something that’s pulling me in by my lapels and not letting go. These feelings are overwhelming in the most wonderful way. I feel like I’m a fresh kitten getting hisfirst crush. There’s butterflies in my belly, warmth in my cheeks, and lightning bolts of pleasure that continue to roll down my spine every time I’m in his presence. I somehow both love it and hate it at the same time.

Cade adjusts his beanie as he sits down across from me. “So,” he says, tapping his fingers against the table. “What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?”

A strangled noise leaves my throat. “What?”

“What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?” Cade repeats the question, looking at me expectantly.

“Okay, so that’s really what you asked. What a cute little icebreaker,” I say, raising my brow at him.

“Icebreaker? I think we’re past that, don’t you think?”

I let out a long sigh, pretending to be annoyed but in reality, I’m thrilled beyond words. What an interesting question. I think about it for a moment before smiling.

“Honestly? Probably going on a vacation all alone. I know I hide it really well, but I’m a bit on the anxious side,” I say, letting out a self deprecating chuckle.

“I never would have guessed that. You hide it so well, Spencer.”

“Shut up,” I say, reaching across the table and flicking Cade’s hand. He latches on to my hand, holding onto it. A shiver runs through me as his thumb skims across the sensitive part of the inside of my wrist.

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