Page 54 of The Lessons

“No…” he said slowly. “But isn’t it obvious? I’d like to.” He brought my hand up to his mouth and gave it a small kiss.

It was a good kiss. Not Ryan-Andrews level, but it was solid. He held my hand tightly as we made our way across the street to the local Starbucks. Only after getting our drinks did we let go as we settled at a table on the sidewalk. It was still light outside, and the air was just starting to cool as the fog rolled in.

“So…” I stared at his fancy, whipped-cream-topped drink, “I’m sorry, but I have to ask. Strawberry Frappe?”

Brad closed one eye and grimaced, looking a bit ashamed. “Yeah. I know. Don’t say it. I’m fully aware it’s a chick’s drink.”

“Hey, I wasn’t going to knock it…it’s just—yeah. It’s a chick’s drink.”

“Yeaaahh… I don’t really drink coffee.”

I laughed. “Why’d you ask me out to coffee then?”

He paused, considering my face before responding. “I guess I’d read that girls see coffee as a good, non-threatening first date.”

“Ah.”

“My little sister introduced me to these.” He took a long drink from his straw. “And honestly, they’re delicious. Wanna try some?”

I laughed and waved my hand. “To each his own.” I picked up my iced decaf black coffee and offered it as a toast.

He ‘clinked’ his cup to mine and then sat back, his eyes trained on mine.

“I have to admit, I was a little bummed to see you order decaf.”

“It’s after four o’clock. That’s my cutoff. I have to stop; otherwise, I can’t sleep.”

He sat up and leaned in to me, placing his hand on my knees.

A shiver of excitement ripped through me at his touch.

“That’s exactly what I mean,” he said.

I flushed. Well, no one would ever say he wasn’t direct. “You move fast, Mr. Valentine.”

“I know what I like, Ms. Reese.”

“And what’s that?”

“You.”

My face heated again. Why had I asked that question? I was playing right into his trap! Such a virgin mistake…goddammit.

“Brad?” A tall slender woman with auburn hair approached us. “I thought that was you.”

Brad cleared his throat. “Diana, hey, what are you doing here?”

“Just getting a jolt of caffeine before hitting the gym.” She looked over at me.

“Diana, this is Natalie.”

“Hey.” I offered my hand.

She ignored it and continued to act like I barely registered. “So, Brad, maybe I’ll see you at Zeki’s this weekend?”

“Maybe.”

She glanced down at me again before running a hand down Brad’s arm. “Well, I’ll be there on Saturday night. Don’t forget you owe me a drink.”

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