Page 11 of Perfect Blend

“I forgot to give this to you earlier.” He hands over a bag of chocolate covered espresso beans.

“I’ll have to try these tomorrow,” I smile, knowing the darkness of the truck’s cab hides the large girlish grin plastered on my face. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten such a thoughtful gift.

Maybe my marriage was crumbling more than I realized.

“I guess I didn’t think about the espresso part when I thought it could be dessert.” Victor says, “Sorry, I spaced on the caffeine bit.”

We reach my house, as he parks, I reach my hand out. I touch his arm lightly, lingering as I try to think of something to say. I’ve enjoyed my time with Victor and I don’t want the evening to end, not yet. I’ve felt some chemistry between us tonight, and I’d like to see where it goes.

“Would you like to come in? These days I seem to always have some type of baked good from Sprinkles Bakery in my kitchen and I can make some coffee to go with it.”

“Sure, do you have any decaf coffee though?”

“Of course,” and with that I get out of the truck to lead Victor into my home.

And maybe my bed.

FOUR

VICTOR

Sally’s handon my arm sends a jolt of electricity through me. It’s still humming under my skin as she leaves my truck. I give her a few moments, then follow.

She escorts me inside, welcoming me to her little home. After removing shoes, she gives me a brief tour. The home is warm and welcoming, even with the assorted packing boxes against walls. Sally leads me to the kitchen, gestures to a stool at the island, and offers to start coffee.

The kitchen is cream, with silver accents, and smells of vanilla and something woodsy.

I scan the room, taking in the surroundings. Sally has removed her jacket and unbuttoned her blouse an extra button. She seems at ease as she moves around her kitchen.

I’m happy to sit here at the island and watch as she goes from cabinet to coffee maker to pantry and back. Collecting things and going about making coffee for us.

It reminds me of when I would wake up first and make coffee for my ex-fiancée. To make someone you adore a cup of coffee, join them in bed, and feel loved. I feel a pang in my chest.

How many years until the fiancé bit disappears and they’re just an ex?

I try to bring myself into the moment as Sally rolls up her sleeves, something that shouldn’t be sexy, but damn. She moves the silk blouse slowly, carefully rolling the fabric before moving on to her next task.

“How long have you lived here?” I ask her as she sets two mugs down in front me.

Her lips quirk up just a tad as she squints, as if counting meticulously in her head. “I moved after the new year, so only a couple of months.” The coffee maker beeps and she goes to pour us some decaf. “If you’re curious about the boxes still left, I haven’t quite figured out the best organization and all that for this house. Here,” she hands me the mug, “let’s go sit in the living room. The stools aren’t super comfortable but they came with the house in the rental agreement.” Her couch is small but comfortable.

“I notice your dining table is also pretty full and not quite functional,” I sip my coffee. “Are you getting used to living alone?”

“I suppose I haven’t lived alone since college,” she sighs. Sally pulls her legs up and under her, sitting cross-legged now. Her knee just lightly touching my leg. I want to run my hand up her thigh, to kiss her again, but I resist. It seems that tonight we’re talking and getting to know each other.

“As someone who’s lived alone for years, it’s pretty great actually.”

“Oh really?” Her eyebrows raise with her question.

“Yeah, no one nagging you about where you leave things or that you forgot to do something. Plus, you can just go about doing whatever you like without feeling judged.”

“You just want to walk around naked and skip dishes.” She playfully nudges my leg with hers. “Typical guy behavior.” I like this easy going, out of the office, version of Sally.

Maybe Marie is right, opening yourself up to others can be good.

“I mean that is great,” I find myself flashing a huge grin. I hope she’s imagining me naked. “But, in all seriousness, I understand the shock of going from being in a loving relationship to suddenly being on your own.”

The happiness on her face is gone now, replaced with the sad, doe eyes. She sets her coffee on the table and faces me.

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