Page 73 of Here and Now
“And charming.”
“And that,” I agree.
“Look at that, you admitted it. Next thing you knowyou’llbe asking me out.”
“I wouldn’t count on that,” I joke and then we make our way to the front door. The lights in the foyer turn on, and he follows me through the little space out to the back. “Look at that, the right tree was removed.”
“I guess you’ll be safe here then.”
I smile, my hip resting on the countertop. “I guess I will.”
“You know, I might have other reasons why I wanted you to stay another night.”
I bet he did, and those reasons keep me up at night, dreamingabout what it could be like if I gave in to it. Keeping up our playfulness, though, I raise one brow and grin. “Oh?”
“Not like that!” he says quickly. “There is a little of that, but it’s not what I meant.”
I chuckle. “Please explain then.”
“I need coffee.”
“Coffee?”
“Yes, you’ve created a monster, and I think it’s only fair you continue to feed that monster now with ground coffee beans that are cold brewed only.”
Playing along, I nod once. “I see, and you can’t get that at your house why?”
“Because I can’t make it like you do.”
“That’s sweet, but ... it’s not hard.”
“Yes, but you’re an expert.”
I sigh heavily. “What if I bring you coffee on my way to get Kai in the morning?”
“Not the same.”
“What?” I ask, laughing at the same time. “How is it different?”
“We’re not on the same well. Your water might be more acidic or have more lead in it. That’s something you should test.”
“Lead in the well water?” I ask to clarify.
“I’m just saying, it’s happened somewhere.”
“You’ll get some cold brew tomorrow, but for now, I need to do laundry, clean up, and enjoy having a house to myself for the first time in well—ever.”
Miles lets out a long breath and pushes off the wall. “All right. You have your night of freedom and I’ll go back home—alone—and think of coffee I won’t be getting.”
“You’ll survive,” I tell him.
“Remember that the next time a tree almost falls on your house and car.”
“You’d let that happen?” I challenge. Partially because while I’m pretty sure he’s joking, I don’t always trust myself.
“No, God no. I would never. Did you think I would?”
I shake my head quickly. “No. Of course not.”
