Heat, Coffee & a Confession
Anna tried to recover by focusing on wiping espresso off her jacket, but her hands were trembling. Caleb noticed—of course he did—and wordlessly offered her a napkin from the counter. Their fingers brushed.
It felt like electricity.
Caleb Reed cho
You sure you're okay?
Caleb asked, his voice dropping just a bit—more intimate now that the adrenaline was wearing off.
Anna nodded too fast.
Anna Northwest
Yeah. Totally. Just... caffeinated and clumsy.
Layla leaned on the counter, smirking.
Layla Green (Anna's friend)
You two need a table or a room?
Caleb Reed cho
I'm open to both.
Layla Green (Anna's friend)
Oh, he's bold,
Layla whispered herself, living for drama.
Caleb Reed cho
I'm kidding,
Caleb said with a soft laugh, turning to Anna.
Anna stared at him, completely torn between wanting to melt into the floor and asking him to keep talking forever. So she tried to salvage what little dignity she had left.
Anna Northwest
You work here?
She asked, gesturing at the espresso machine and his low-slung towel-hoodie-situation.
Caleb Reed cho
I live in the apartment upstairs. My best friend Jordan manages the place.
Anna Northwest
And you just... come here half naked and flirt with strangers?
She teased, finding a little of her boldness again. Caleb's smile went slow and wicked.
Caleb Reed cho
Only when the stranger looks like you.
Anna's heart did a triple lurch. Layla blinked.
Layla Green (Anna's friend)
Okay, I'm going to go... sit over there and pretend not to be listening.
As Layla walked away, Anna adjusted the strap on her bag and took a shaky breath.
Anna Northwest
Well. I guess I owe you a coffee.
Caleb Reed cho
You owe me a first date.
Anna Northwest
Wow. You really don't waste time.
He leaned in just enough for her to catch his scent—fresh soap and heat. Her eyes flicked to his lips. Damn it, she thought. This is bad. This is very, very bad.
Caleb Reed cho
When something looks that good, why would I?
Her eyes flicked to his lips. Damn it, she thought. This is bad. This is very, very bad.
But all she said was,
Anna Northwest
I'll think about it...
He stepped back, giving her space again, but his gaze didn’t let go.
Caleb Reed cho
I’ll make it worth your while.
Then he winked. Anna walked to Layla in a daze. Layla didn’t even look up from her phone
Layla Green (Anna's friend)
So... when’s the wedding?
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