Page 19 of Push My Buttons
"Whoa there, Sunshine!"
I jerk back, startled, and find myself staring up at Theo. His usual swagger is in place, but his eyes narrow slightly as he takes in my expression.
"Hey, you okay?" he asks, his voice losing its teasing edge. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
I force a smile and shrug, trying to convey that I'm fine. Just tired. Nothing to worry about. But my hands are still trembling, and I shove them into my pockets before he can notice.
Too late. His eyes track the movement, then return to my face, concern replacing his usual playful arrogance.
"Bullshit," he says, but gently. "What's wrong?"
I shake my head and start to step around him. I don't have the energy for his usual flirtatious banter, not with the pendant burning a hole in my bag and panic clawing at my throat.
But he surprises me. Instead of pushing or making a joke, he simply opens his arms in a silent offer. A hug. No pressure, no expectation. Just comfort, if I want it.
And maybe it's the shock of the package, or the sleepless night, or just the genuine concern in his eyes, but I find myself stepping into his embrace. He wraps his arms around me, solid and warm, and for a moment, I let myself lean into the contact.
He smells good. Clean and expensive, with notes of sandalwood and something citrusy. His heart beats steady under my ear.
When I pull back, I expect to see pity in his eyes. Instead, there's just warmth and a hint of something protective.
He raises his hands and awkwardly forms letters with his fingers. B-E-T-T-E-R?
My eyes widen in surprise. He's trying to sign to me. The gesture is so unexpectedly thoughtful that something in my chest cracks a little.
I smile—a real one this time—and quickly sign back,"Thank you."
He looks sheepish. "Sorry, I've only learned the alphabet so far. YouTube tutorials at 2 AM aren't the best teachers."
I spell out T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U, then show him the simple sign for it—hand flat against my lips, then moving forward and down.
"Thank you?" he asks, mimicking the gesture.
I nod, and something warm flickers in his eyes.
"We should probably get inside before your boss has an aneurysm," he says, holding the door for me.
The café is already busy, Maya juggling the morning rush with her usual cheerfulness. She waves when she sees me, relief evident in her expression. I'm late again.
I head straight to the back, hanging up my bag—with the package still inside—and tying on my apron. By the time I make it to the machines, Theo's order is waiting.
I prepare his drink, trying to ignore the way my hands still tremble slightly. Mocha with chili and whipped cream. An abomination of a beverage, but he loves it.
When I hand it to him, he makes the sign for thank you, his execution a little clumsy but unmistakable.
I sign back"you're welcome"and then demonstrate the motion for him.
He repeats it, a look of concentration on his face. "You're welcome," he says, signing along. "I'm going to remember that one."
Our fingers brush as he takes the cup, and for a second, everything else fades away—the stalker, the pendant, the panic. Just warm skin against mine and a genuine smile that reaches his eyes.
"See you tomorrow, Sunshine," he says, then heads for the door, pausing to throw me one last glance before he disappears into the morning crowd.
Maya slides up next to me the second Theo leaves, her eyebrows practically in her hairline.
"Um, excuse me? Did I just see Theo attempting to sign with you?" She mimics his awkward finger movements with exaggerated flair. "When exactly did this development happen?"
I busy myself with the espresso machine, pretending to be completely absorbed in wiping down the steam wand.
