Page 17 of Life Blood
It made sense. That had to be why. It was biology. My body reacting to them. It must’ve happened to everyone.
Right?
I took one last deep breath before I stood, smoothed the black apron wrapped around my waist, and walked back into the coffee house.
“Elle,” my boss caught me on my way in. “Clean up the tables, kiddo. It looks like a tornado blew through this place,” she said as she handed me a spray bottle and a cloth.
“Got it,” I said as I walked out to where newly empty tables with crumpled napkins and coffee stains awaited me.
I avoided the side of the coffee house where the Banners sat, hoping that if I didn’t acknowledge them, I wouldn’t feel like my hormones were spinning me out again.
I listened to the mellow music playing and let my mind drift.
Maybe a day at the shore will help me clear my head.
Tomorrow, I’d take my bike on the trail that led from the center of town down to the pier and take some time to walk along the shoreline. Maybe nature would help me get back to normal.
“When you’re done daydreaming, can I get a refill?” Logan asked, pointing to his tiny porcelain espresso mug as I was clearing the table across from his cousins and him.
“I’m not a waitress. You’ll have to buy another one at the counter,” I responded, unamused by his attempt at humor.
“She rejects me?” Logan said, his eyes never leaving mine.
“I’m notrejectinganyone,” I answered. “You’re no more special than anyone else here. Now, go to the counter like you’re supposed to.”
Logan stood, and as he started to step past me, he stopped. His icy, intoxicating breath hit the side of my neck, “It was worth a try.”
His breath, his voice, his scent overwhelmed my senses. The feeling of peace that washed over me was unexplainable. It was as if he was the key to forgetting all my problems. I hadn’t felt this carefree in…never!
His hand brushed along my bare forearm, and I closed my eyes instinctively, welcoming his touch without a care in the world.
“Logan!” a harsh but lowered voice snapped, jerking me from the sweet abyss I’d fallen into, “Go get your damn drink and let Elle get back to work.”
The one who spoke was the one I hadn’t met. Copper tones saturated his almost blonde, neatly cut hair. His eyes were like emeralds, and his smile was electrifying. “Sorry about Logan,” he said allowing his gaze to hold mine, “he’s a bit of a ladies’ man. Don’t fall for it.”
“It’s fine,” I said.
That’s it? It’s fine? God, what were these guys doing to me?
“My name is Cole, by the way,” he stretched his hand out to greet me. I took it, and an electric charge surged through my veins. I watched his eyes do some weird fade-to-black thing, and then he cleared his throat and let go of my hand.
I looked over at Braden and Zac as they watched Cole, and their irises seemed to darken and swirl at the same time.
I pressed both my palms on the table, “What the hell just happened?”
“Nothing,” Cole’s eyes narrowed as he studied me.
“Nothing?” I replied, my voice at least an octave higher. “This isn’t the first time that I’ve made contact with, well, all four of you now, and your eyes have all done the same damn thing. Who the hell are you?”
Braden stood, “Maybe I can speak with you in private,” he urged.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Cole answered, his eyes scolding his cousin. Braden was the tallest and the most muscular of the group, if one of them were the alpha, I would imagine he was it.
“I don’t give two fucks what you think,” Braden retorted.
“No need to get into it, gentlemen. I’m not going anywhere with anyone. I don’t want any part of whateverthisis,” I said as a waved my hand dramatically at the trio. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s best that all of you leave me alone. Like, forever.”
“I can break it to her easiest,” I heard Logan whisper to Cole as he approached the table.
