Page 18 of Coffee Shop Cupid
Chase sighed. “I’ll be back once you’re done eating, if that’s ok.”
I nodded and watched as the other alpha led him to the back.
I ate slowly, trying to figure out how I could explain that I wasn’t ready for people to be on the sidelines. Especially since I knew we’d never get past flirting.
I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t lead him on like that. Coming back had been a bad idea.
I stared at the lemon cupcake, which looked as delicious as Chase had promised. But I couldn’t eat it. I needed to put a stop to things before they got out of hand.
There was a short line at the counter, and everybody seemed busy with orders.
I took the opportunity, grabbing my laptop and leaving before Chase had a chance to come sit with me again.
It’s better this way…I kept repeating in my head as I made my way home.
Chapter 8 - Chase
Istared at the cupcake sitting on my desk, not wanting to believe that Tristan had run again.
What had happened to set him off? He was shy, yes, but I’d thought we were making progress.
“We’re all cleaned up out there,” Natalie said, poking her head in. “Is there anything else before Lenny and I clock out?”
“No, thank you,” I replied.
She stood there for several seconds, then walked in and sat in the chair opposite me. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Maybe if I hadn’t said anything… maybe if the cupcake thing was just between you and him…”
“Don’t blame yourself,” I said. “We don’t know that it’s related. For all we know, he had something important come up.”
“Except none of us believe that. The look on his face as he ate was enough.”
I sighed. She wasn’t wrong, and the timing backed it up. He’d waited until none of us could get away before slipping out.
Silence filled the office, until Lenny came in and picked up the plate.
“What are you…” I started, until he deftly stuck a toothpick in the icing, then wrapped the plate in plastic.
“For when he comes back,” Lenny explained. “It’ll be good for a day or so.”
I managed a small smile. “Thank you.”
“Want me to put it in the case?” he offered.
I shook my head. “I’ll do it before I go.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “Ok. See ya tomorrow.”
I nodded. “Tomorrow.”
He walked out, and Natalie followed several seconds later.
The cupcake continued to mock me, a reminder that the most gorgeous man I’d ever met felt safer running from me than talking about whatever was bothering him.
∞∞∞
