Page 6 of Love for the Holiday

“Hello?” I asked answering the call.

“Hey,” he said cheerfully. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m alive but feel like death,” I laughed. “What about you? You must be running on no sleep.”

“I’m fine. Just been worried about you.”

“You’re sweet,” I smiled. “Working hard?”

“Unfortunately,” he laughed. “What are you doing?”

“Just woke up. Debating on going back to bed.”

“You should get some more sleep. I didn’t mean to bother you, I just wanted to —” he began to ramble.

“You’re fine. It’s sweet of you to check up on me, Jacob.”

“Oh. Okay. Good.” He sounded amused. “Just didn’t want to come across as the creepy guy.”

“No. You’re fine,” I replied.

“I feel better then.”

“Good.”

Silence fell between us. I wanted to ask him when we could get together for coffee, but I didn’t want to sound creepy, so I stayed quiet.

“Still there?” he asked laughing.

“Mmhmm.”

“When you’re feeling better, can we still grab that cup of coffee?”

And, the lottery had just been won… by me.

“I’d love that. What day is good for you?” I asked pushing fear to the side and diving headfirst.

“Well… you need to be one-hundred percent better before we do.”

“Why?” It came out nearly a whine. “I mean, how come?”

“I don’t want you to hurt yourself more. You need to take care of yourself. Coffee can always wait.”

“So… you don’t want coffee later today?” I grinned cockily. I had a feeling of what his answer was going to be.

“No,” he said loudly. “I mean,” he stated quieter making me chuckle. “I’m available later today if you’re absolutely sure.”

“Do you like a certain kind of coffee or is any coffee okay?”

“Any kind as long as there is some sort of flavored creamer in it.”

“I have coffee here if you want to stop by after work.” He probably didn’t want to drink coffee late at night. “Sorry. That’s a stupid idea. You don’t want to be wi—”

“I get off at six. How does six-thirty sound?”

I bit back a laugh.

“Sounds like I’ll have a pot of coffee ready.”

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