Page 6 of Daily Grind
A tall, sandy-haired American.He didn’t say that though. “I’m remarkably easy to please.”
Deep brown eyes. They lingered on Rob for quite some time. “Well, I already know you like bold and spicy.”
“And cream.”
Brian inhaled. “Thai, then. Bangkok Balcony.” He slid the phone back over. “Or Silk Elephant.”
“What’s the difference?”
“Do you like to nibble, or have a full meal?”
Brian just kepthandingRob opportunities on a fucking platter. “I’m fond of nibbling, but I certainly wouldn’t object to being full.” He smiled across the counter.
As if Brian only now realized what he’d said, he sat bolt upright, cheeks flaming red. “Silk Elephant,” he stammered. “For nibbles.”
Time to probe a bit deeper. “And what about you?”
Brian shivered. Oh yes, he’d gotten to the man. “I’m—full of steam. Just hot water.”
He didn’t quite know how to take that. About ready to blow his top? Hot—but no substance?
Brian looked down at the counter. “And I’m working all day.”
“How long is that?”
“Eight to eight.”
The businessman in him took over. “That’s a hellish shift!”
“Yeah.” Brian snorted. “My boss is an asshole.”
Brianwasthe boss. If there wasn’t anyone else, you did what you had to. Rob had lived that, in the early days of CirroBot. “I hope you don’t do this often.”
A pained smile. “I try not to, but if someone calls off…” He shrugged.
Brian needed a backup, then. Someone else to spell him for emergencies. A manager or… something. Rob’s brain whirled through options. Except he didn’t know shit about this industry. “Don’t burn yourself out.”
That got him a chuckle. “Burning coffee beans is bad. Slow roasting is the way to go.”
Both lead to toasty things, though. That, in a person, wasn’t good. This man? He definitely needed someone to drag him off the job once in a while.
Brian tapped the counter near Rob’s phone. “You should try to get in to Silk Elephant soon, or you’ll have to wait until after the rush.”
Rob picked up his phone and slid off the stool. “Then I’ll head out.”
“Nice meeting you, Rob.” Soft words.
“Likewise.” He placed a hand on the counter and leaned in. “And I’ll be back for more.”
He held Brian’s gaze, indulging in that flushed and nervous look once more before he headed for the door.
Outside, he slipped his sunglasses back on. Oh yes, that was one drink he wanted to sample again.
Chapter Two
After Rob left the shop,the rest of Brian’s day was like one long exhale. His skin tingled and he couldn’t get his pulse back down to something normal. Pretty surethatwasn’t from the cups of espresso.
Worse, every time the bell on the door rang, he hoped it was Rob coming back in. It wasn’t. Didn’t stop his body from tensing with anticipation, nor the cold wash of disappointment he shoved aside so he could serve his customers with a smile.
