Page 15 of Mocha Kisses

I refuse to read into it, especially since he gave me like four orgasmsandhe’s now making me breakfast. Grabbing my things, I run to the bathroom and freshen up, smiling at the new toothbrush lying on the side. It’s still in the package. I don’t need it. I have my own but it’s the thought that counts. When I return to the couch, the blanket has been switched out and folded and any remnants of what happened last night have disappeared.

Rome is humming behind the counter as I emerge, perking up when he catches me trying to slip out. “I thought I told you that there would be breakfast.”

“You don’t have to-”

“I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do, sweetheart. Sit your sweet little ass down and eat.” I don’t move and he tilts his head, his earrings falling to the side. “Luna, do I need to feed you again?” The words are said with a slight smile and I groan, shaking my head. Heat blooms in the pit of my belly, an image of him feeding me that gooey cinnamon roll again, his other hand between my legs giving me yet another orgasm.

Too sore for that.

Rome chuckles as if he knows what I’m thinking about. “Muffins are the name of the game today. What are you feeling—blueberry, lemon poppy, or chocolate?”

I frown. His father made everything fresh and yet Rome was beside me last night. “When did you make all this?”

“Prepped some yesterday and then put everything in the oven this morning.”

“There wasn’t enough time this morning.”

“Luna, I usually wake up at like three or four to start baking.”

“You left me?” I ask in horror and then slap my hands over my mouth. I hate showing my insecurities. Rome raises an eyebrow, facing me completely, once again trying to read me. “I didn’t mean that. I just…”

“You did and that’s okay. Luna, last night was great but I don’t expect anything from you. I’d love it if this happens again but I’m not expecting you to fall hopelessly in love with me in the next 12 hours.”

A smile splits across my face at the way he so easily diffuses the situation. “I’m sorry.”

“Apology not needed but accepted. Now, since I doubt you’ll choose – here’s a lemon poppy and a lavender latte. Don’t knock the combination till you try it.” He slides a plate and coffee mug across the counter, waiting for me to climb onto the stool and receive it. It’s odd having someone offer something but also demand that I take it without even saying much. Rome watches as I pick at the muffin and I relish the warmth between my fingers as I bring it to my mouth. “Good?”

“Just like your father’s.”

“And that’s what I like to hear. You eat. I have a few more things to put out in the display before all the college kids figure out I’m open.”

I remember those days, when some of the kids from Red Brook would trickle over to Spring Haven for delicacies. I never had the money but I watched them with envy as they entered the shops along this strip, buying and laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world.

Stuffing my mouth with more of the muffin, I have to take a swig of the coffee so I don’t choke. Lavender explodes in my mouth, tangling with the lemon. There's a hint of chocolate and it somehow works with the other flavors.

In fact, it’s a perfect combination and I know for a fact that this creation is Rome’s alone. As much as I loved his father, he was very straightforward in what he offered. The only coffee on the menu had been an espresso and a basic latte.

I do a little jig in my seat, enjoying my food, and start in on my day by opening my phone. It’s much earlier than I thought it was—only six am—so I’m surprised to see a missed call from Max until I realize it was from last night.Fuck.Quickly, I redial the number and he picks up on the second dial tone.

“Don’t scare me like that, Luna baby. I sent you out there and then you basically fell off the face of the Earth. You’ll give an old man a heart attack.”

“You’re not an old man.”

“True that but Yana makes me feel like one. She mentioned something about a new promotional thing for Griffin’s book and I’m not sure I want to know.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I know, I’ll tell you. But where she is concerned, it’s never a good thing. Now, I’ve sent you the address and he knows you’re coming.”

I fall silent for a few moments unsure what to say. “Did… he say anything?”

“Not really. I think he’s pretty scarred from the last few editors. Just show up on time, stay off his dick, and edit his book. Think you can do that?”

A nervous laugh falls from my lips and I nod, “Yeah.” I hang up a second later, not wanting to continue the conversation. In a few hours, I’ll be seeing Griffin, my first love, a man I never forgot and never wanted to leave. However, Max said there wasn’t any reaction to my name, which means Griffin truly has moved on. I’m not surprised. He’s a ball of sunshine and anyone who meets him would want to possess that kind of happiness. My gaze trails to the front door and I frown when I see the open sign facing me. “I thought it was empty. You’re losing business by not opening. Spring Haven was always an early town.”

“I can afford to lose a few dollars because I have a pretty lady to impress.”

I groan at the horrible line and stuff another clump of lemon poppy muffin into my mouth. “What do I owe you for the muffin?” I swear I’m not sure why there are stars in his eyes when I’m talking and chewing at the same time. It’s a miracle that I’m not spewing little bits on the counter.

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