Page 12 of Whole Latte Love

“I’m sorry, I know it’s not really first date material,” she dabs her eyes, “but it’s something I thought should be mentioned sooner rather than later. I’m not quite ready for anything serious. In fact, I haven’t done a serious relationship since Seth. I didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot, I want to be open and honest.”

“I promise to be honest in return.” Seeing her dealing with this sadness, I never want to be the cause for her tears, only her happiness.

I write mystery novels; my detective is always searching for the truth. In all the scenes I’ve written, it’s always easier to tell the truth.

I wonder how long it took her to even consider the possibility of dating. It’s an impossible situation to imagine. I try to think about what would’ve happened if I had gone through with my engagement in my early twenties. That if I was blissfully unaware of her alternative motives and madly in love, how would I react if she died? Would I mourn the loss of my better half? My young love-struck heart would say I would never even look for another partner out of respect for my lost love. And if that happened now?

That’s tricky. My heart is too damaged from the past.

For now, I choose to enjoy this time with the beautiful woman in front of me.

We continue to enjoy our meal together and the conversation returns to more surface level topics. We talk about her favorite places near Kastle Harbor, including which towns nearby she thinks I should explore in my free time. She asks me questions about my books but only regarding how I started writing and found myself switching career plans in college.

As we finish dessert, I try to think of something to keep the night going. I want to invite her for a walk along the beach or something. We split the check, as previously agreed upon, and I walk her to her car. For the first time this evening I’m seeing her ensemble in its entirety, and I appreciate the view of her ass as she walks ahead of me.

The way her hips sway as she walks in the snug leather skirt are making it difficult to look anywhere else.

“Thank you for a lovely evening, Marie.” I lean down and lightly kiss her cheek. Unsure of how forward is too forward despite the previous kiss we’ve shared. “Drive safely.”

She shifts her weight side to side, playing with the keys in her hand. “Would you like to come back with me for a coffee? I know it’s a short walk, but I’m happy to drive you home afterwards.”

My heart pounding like it’s running a sprint inside my chest. I’m over the moon but don’t want to appear too eager.

“I would love to.” I grin as I walk around the car and hop in the passenger seat.

I try to subtly take a deep breath as she gets situated in the driver’s seat and takes off. I am just glad to know that she is also interested in keeping this night going. Marie said she isn’t ready for a serious relationship, but I am hopeful that she’ll change her mind.

I’ve fallen fast and hard for women in the past, but this feels different. Marie doesn’t strike me as the type of woman who cares about money and fame. I want to see where this goes, even if it ends in heartache.

I can always write about it. Maybe my detective gets his heart broken.

Or everyone gets a happily ever after.

Marie

My heart is pounding so strongly in my chest, I fear it’ll jump out of my body at any moment. I turn the music on for the short drive to my home. I’m having such a wonderful time with Theo. I don’t want the evening to end.

He’ll be in Kastle Harbor for a couple of months, but I don’t know if I have enough courage to do a second date and put myself through the pre-date anxiety again.

Instead, I am opting for the live in the moment approach. I’ll see where the evening goes. Maybe we’ll have coffee, talk, and I’ll drive him home.

Or maybe we’ll end up tangled up in my sheets.

I enjoy Theo’s company and I want to enjoy his body. My hang up is on the serious relationship bit, not on the lustful siren that seems to be floating the surface.

Once in my home I happily take my heels off and show Theo into the living room first.

“I was expecting much more of a rustic interior based on the log cabin exterior,” he tells me as I give him the very short tour. My house is a simple two bedroom and bathroom, but it was my grandparents’, and it holds a special place in my heart.

“It’s the perfect combination for me.” I pull out decaf coffee beans as he stands at my kitchen island. I feel his eyes on me even as my back is turned to him, yet I’m not nervous. I’m in my home, I feel much more relaxed than I did at the restaurant. I start the coffee maker and grab some mugs.

“Your kitchen is lovely. Do you cook a lot?”

“Most dinners.” I pour the coffee and hand him a mug.

We settle on the couch. There’s an empty couch cushion in between us. I sit with my legs tucked under me. I’m mentally cursing the leather pencil skirt I chose to wear. Not the best lounge wear, but it is first date appropriate.

Did it give me confidence? Yes.

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