Page 19 of Whole Latte Love

Theo: Thanks, it is! See you tomorrow.

I pocket my phone and head to work. It’s hard to focus. All I can think of how Theo looks in swim trucks. His muscular frame under the sun.

For once I’m giddy about a date.

I’m not going to worry. I’m going to lean into having fun.

Like Sally said, he’s a guy. He’s probably not even thinking about when he leaves town.

Theo

I could barely focus on my book since Marie invited me to the beach yesterday. I wasn’t sure how long I needed to wait before reaching out to her. I considered planning on going to the roastery Monday morning to try to run into her if I hadn’t heard from her over the weekend.

I’ve managed to get some writing done and now I’m ready to have a break.

I walk to the café Marie told me about. It’s very colorful and fun on the inside. Lots of quirky décor. But the smell is what really sells it. Amazing aromas of baked goods and coffee.

Marie waves to me from a table by the window. She’s dressed in a white linen top, jean shorts, and sandals. Her hair is down, and I just want to run my fingers through it. Even more tempting are her lips. Before I sit, I lean down and give her a swift kiss.

“How’s the coffee?” I chuckle as I sit down. She beams at me.

“I highly recommend it.” She winks and squeezes my hand. “Do you want to get something to go? We can walk to the beach.”

“Sure, do you want anything?”

“I’d take a refill.” She hands me her empty traveler’s mug. “And a cheese Danish.”

“Coming right up!” I take her mug and head to the counter.

As someone who was adamant about paying separately for dinner, it’s a pleasant surprise she accepted my offer. When the redhead behind the counter, who I remember as Bethany from the wedding, says “it’s on the house” as she hands me a bag and two coffees, I understand.

I politely thank her and then stuff a twenty in the tip jar before she can refuse.

Marie and I walk to the beach, hands full of goods. I find myself wishing we could hold hands. That I could touch her somehow.

We chat about my book’s progress and her roastery business as we find a good spot. She lays down two beach towels and we sit. She’s telling me about an idea she had to further the business connection between the roastery and the bakery, but all I can think about is kissing her plump lips. I nod along and offer some insight when she asks for my opinion.

I find myself enjoying these mundane moments with Marie.

That’s what love is you goof.

I can’t be in love after a night of dancing and a night of lovemaking.

Nope, nope, nope.

Even after speaking with Jake, I know Marie isn’t the type of woman who desires money and fame. She loves her small log cabin home and is a hardworking businesswoman. She’s full of passion and has plans for her future. None of them seem to involve a guy who is independently wealthy with a film deal for his mystery books.

Still, I want her in my life. Even after hashing out my past with Jake, I think I want to bring up dating exclusively, even after I leave. Long-distance wouldn’t be too bad. Besides, I have the money to make the trip, or even pay for her to visit me. We could fly to Toronto together.

As I daydream about the future Marie starts to strip down to her swimsuit. I can’t help but gaze in awe at her tanned body. Her curves highlighted by her navy one piece. There’s a bit of white ruffles, adding some playfulness to her suit, but also emphasizing her ample chest. It makes it difficult to focus on the task at hand. Do I bring up wanting to start a real relationship?

I decide to just go for it, past be damned.

“Marie,” I reach out for her, she sits next to me once more, “have you thought about what happens next?”

“I assume we’re going to enjoy a dip in the ocean and then enjoy our coffee. Why?” She raises her eyebrows. “Are you thinking about dinner? We could get pizza from Kal’s, it’s not too far of a walk.” Marie points off past me, but I keep my eyes on her.

“No, I mean between us.” I clear my throat. “What happens after I return to Toronto?”

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