Maria Undone

Chapter 4 (Brian)

"I'll bring it to your table." The harrassed-looking coffee shop worker offered me a quick smile as she keyed in my order. Her attention swiftly moved to the customer behind, effectively dismissing me before I could get a word in.

I stepped out of line and surveyed the tables, internally swearing when I realized how packed the place was. It was pouring outside, and I had an hour and a half to kill until my next appointment. Instead of waiting in my truck or ducking back to my office, I decided to take an early lunch since I skipped breakfast. Given the number of full tables, I wasn't the only one with the same idea. I thought I was being clever in avoiding the lunch rush, but with the weather being miserable, it drove a lot more people inside. I should've done a take-out order and eaten in my truck instead, but given the flushed look on the worker's face, as she punched in orders, I decided not to bother her.

I positioned myself in the corner, murmuring an apology to another patron who tried to sidestep me for the counter. My gaze bounced from table to table, noting that they were packed with two or more people occupying them. I stared outside again, grimacing at the rain slashing sideways against the pavement and cars. I parked across the road and further down the street, so my food would probably be soaked by the time I made a mad dash across. But with no tables available, I didn't really have an option.

Just when I decided to bite the bullet and take the wrath of the café owner and a soggy burger, my gaze fell and held on a lone dark-haired female sitting at a corner table by the window. She was leaning back casually in her seat, slowly sipping her coffee, her attention zeroed in on a book she held in her other hand. One slim leg was crossed over the other, and a delicate foot was twisting around at the ankle every now and then.
She wore a long olive green dress with cream-colored strappy heels-a curious choice for a wet day. Almost everyone in here was bundled up against the elements, their clothes dark and moody, perfectly matching the atmosphere. Yet, despite the dreary backdrop behind her - the grey skies and lashings of rain hitting the window - this woman stood out, lighting up the place with her presence. She was oblivious to the crowd around her, engrossed in whatever book she was reading.

A twisting sensation settled in my stomach as I continued to watch her. She licked her finger before turning the page, her eyes re-focusing on the new words. The simple act had my nostrils flaring, and I imagined licking that finger for her.
I puffed my breath out incredulously at that silly thought and glanced away from her enticing profile. I lasted three seconds before my gaze slid back towards her, unable to resist her appeal.

I rubbed the back of my neck as I considered my options. She was the only customer in the café with a table to herself. I really should leave her alone. She was clearly happy in her own little world and didn't want to be disturbed.

Yet, the thought of walking away and never speaking to this woman had my stomach clenching. I watched her slight foot twist around again, and I suddenly had an overwhelming urge to lift that delicate foot and kiss its smooth arch. As if separate from my body, my feet propelled me over to her, dodging the tables and bodies, my gaze fixed on her alluring profile. I had to know at least what color her eyes were.

As I approached her table, an intoxicating scent of floral fruity perfume or body lotion reached my nose, and I wanted to lean in and take a long inhale. My large form created a shadow on her pages, and her slim shoulders tensed, her chest drawing in a deep breath.
"I don't need a refill." Her husky voice hit my groin as she ran that slim finger against a page in the book. Her tone held a hint of annoyance at being disturbed, but she otherwise ignored me.

"Hi."

Blue eyes, the color of the clearest sky, rose to greet me. My breath hitched as the full impact of her beauty hit me. High cheekbones matched with full red lips and those blue eyes with her almost black hair... fuck, she was fucking gorgeous.