Page 60 of Throne of Secrets

"Is their coffee as good as this?"

Ethan took a slow sip before setting his cup down. "I think you’ll find that each country believes they have the best coffee. When I was in Australia, they swore their coffee was better than the Italians’—because the Italiansin Australiamade it. Italians, of course, claim theirs is the best, but the Spanish would argue otherwise. One of the countries that doesn’t have a dog in the fight is England. They’re convinced they make the best tea, although India and China would definitely disagree."

Star blinked, her jaw dropping. "That is a very diplomatic answer. I didn’t peg you for that type of guy."

Ethan raised a brow. "Why’s that?"

She shrugged. "I just assumed you’d blurt out your truth and back it up with facts instead of presenting such a rounded view."

"Have I ever done that?" He frowned slightly.

Star considered for a moment, then shook her head. "No … maybe I’m projecting my tendencies onto you."

Blinking, Ethan rested his chin on his hand and stared at her. She was starting to see that was the thing he did when she confused him. "Explain that, please."

She sighed. "I don’t have a filter. I just say things, and then I get in trouble because I haven’t thought them through. But that’s how my brain works—Isaythings, and then Ithink,man, I shouldn’t have said thatafterI’ve already said them. Sometimes, I realize I probably shouldn’t have said them in the first place, but I say them anyway. It doesn't matter because, as I said, I don’t have a filter, so I know I’m going to do it, and I just explain after I say it. Does that make sense?"

Ethan shook his head. "Not even a little bit. But as long as it makes sense toyou, that’s all that matters."

Star perked up. "Well, it makesperfectsense to me."

"Then you’re good to go." Ethan grinned and took another sip of his coffee.

Bianca returned with a plate piled high with different desserts. She set it down between them with two forks. Ethan’s phone beeped again, and he pulled it out to look at it. “Excuse me?” He started typing on the phone.

Bianca turned to her. "You’ll have to tell me which one you like best—it’ll be the featured dessert next week."

Star’s eyes widened. "Bianca, there arefivedesserts on this plate!"

Bianca waved her hand dismissively. "Take your time, let it digest. I’ll bring more coffee when you finish those."

Star hesitated. "I probably shouldn’t have more than one coffee. If I drink too much this late, I’ll be bouncing off the walls."

Bianca made a little wavy motion with her hand. "I’ll get you decaf. Just sit, enjoy, take your time."

She returned behind the counter, helping a new customer. Star tested one of the desserts and rolled her eyes, groaning with absolute chocolate coma overload. She glanced at Ethan, whose eyes were pinned to her over his phone.

She blinked. “What?”

“That sounded awfully close to what you sounded like last night.” Ethan’s words were low and growled.

She swallowed hard and put the fork down. “Oh.”

He gave her a wicked smile. “I want to hear it again and again.”

She blushed furiously and hid behind her coffee. Ethan’s phone beeped again, pulling his attention back to the phone. He finished what he was typing, then waited a few moments before pocketing his phone. “The chocolate one is that good?” he asked.

“Better.” She took one more forkful of the dark chocolate heaven. “Beyond good.” She would buy it anytime it was offered.

Ethan dropped his fork. “Damn.”

“Right? Perfection.”

“Beyond,” he agreed and picked up his fork, taking another bite. “My vote is for this one.”

“You have to try the others, too,” she reminded him.

He shook his head. “The others don’t stand a chance.” He took another bite of the chocolate cake. “You want the last bite?”

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