Precious Cargo: Taken

Chapter One

KYLIE

Kylie Reed glanced at her watch as she finished arranging the napkin holders on the shelf below the counter, setting up for the next morning.

11:47pm.

Almost time to go home, take a nice hot shower and get in bed. No studying tonight. I'm exhausted. Her shift had started at one and she had had class this morning at eight. Needless to say it had been a long day.

Especially when her day was filled with endless orders and touchy guys. Why does every guy think every female wants him? Like the guy who kept saying I should come to his frat party tonight. I got gang rapey vibes from him. Yuck! If he is what I'm attracting, then maybe I'm meant to be alone right now.

Holding the last napkin holder in her hand, she saw one side was empty. As she turned and bent down to get more napkins, the bell above the door sounded.

Shoot! Why do people always wait till the last minute to come and get coffee? What's wrong with sleeping at night?

"Hello Kylie."

"Hmm?" Kylie grabbed the napkins she needed from the bottom shelf when she heard her name and looked up.

Holy crap! Who is that? Hello there...He's definitely the hottest guy on the planet. Ok, well that's a matter of opinion. But in my opinion, he is the hottest guy, period... the end.

Acting as normal as she possibly could, she said, "Hi." Act casual. "Can I get you anything?" She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I mean we're about to close..." She put the napkins on the counter behind her and turned back to him. Her heart was pounding.

"I know what time you close." He said in a stern tone. "That is why I came in at this time."

"Ok..." She looked at him, feeling a little confused. "Did you hear that the coffee is best at this time?" She exhaled. "Just because we're about to close doesn't mean it's free, ok?"

"No, I came in to see you." Still with a serious tone and emotionless expression. "To say hello."

"Do I know you?" He doesn't look familiar, Kylie thought to herself. She would definitely not have forgotten him.

He smiled now. "No."

Wow! His smile could stop hearts. Literally stop hearts. He had dimples, one on each side of his face. She felt his warmth as he stepped closer to her. The only thing between them was the counter.

"This is the first time we're meeting." He continued. "I felt we needed to meet, face to face."

What? We needed to meet? Face to face? Why? Kylie looked down, confused and touched her forehead as if she had a headache. He said he was here to see me and he knows my name? How? I have never met him before. Her eyes came up and found him watching her. It was like he could see right into my soul.

"Ok, that sounds creepy, seriously. But whatever." She whispered the last couple words.

I guess that's the balance in life, a gorgeous guy interested in me and he's arrogant and creepy or just plain stalkerish. This guy might be a combination of all three.

"Can I get you something or not?" She glanced behind her through the door to the back to make sure Carlos and Deke were still there.

He smiled. "No, Kylie. I don't want anything but you." He was calm as he said this.

Her stomach dropped. He made her nervous. He also made her feel something she hadn't felt before. An ache.

"Look Mister, I don't know you." She said trying to sound stern but sounding breathy instead. Clearing her throat she tried again, "I will call the police if you don't leave now."