Little Red's Café

SIX

We spent all night on the phone. Talking about everything and nothing at the same time. He told me about how growing up he always wanted to play professional football and how that quickly changed due to an injury he received senior year of high school. I found out he's actually 21 and he works for himself, but he quickly changed the subject when I asked what he does exactly. Shrugging it off we talk until well past midnight. At some point I drift off and fall asleep. When I awoke the next morning my phone is still in my hand, but the call had ended. A text is displayed across my screen. "Good morning Red, I'll see you tonight."

Completely distracted with my thoughts in the cloud from the previous night I don't realize someone is standing at the counter until she waves her hand in front of my face. I turn and see the three people standing in front of me. One in scrubs and the other two in shorts and T-shirts.
"Earth to Annie," Emily says as she lands back on her feet from leaning across the bar. Her flip flops smacking loudly on the tile.

I blink and shake my head as if my thoughts are an Etch-A-Sketch. Nathan is leaning against the counter his brows furrowed in concern.
"Anny? You okay?" Sasha study's my face.
I smooth out my apron and smile sheepishly. A little embarrassed that I'm caught so deep in my thoughts. My cheeks flush when I meet Nathan's eyes as the heat returns between my thighs. As if knowing his brows relax and he smirks at me.

"Oh GROSS!" Emily exclaims when she reads the tension between the two of us. "Did you guys have phone se-," she's immediately cut off by a hand over her mouth from a very amused Sasha.

"WHAT," my voice comes out louder than expected. I swallow hard, "what can I get you guys," I say softer. Biting the inside of my bottom lip trying to force the flush from my cheeks.
Sasha lets Emily go and she glares at her with an attitude that burns hotter than the coffee I've been serving all morning.
Nathan snorts and leans forward brushing his fingers across my jawline. Causing me to clench my teeth to prevent them from chattering due to the shiver his touch sends down my spine.

"Okay again, EW." Emily swats at Nathan's hand, "Can I get a Banana Nut muffin and an iced coffee before I throw up." She glowers up at Nathan from where she's standing. I nod unable to speak.

I look at Sasha who is standing to her right, noticing she is smiling her teeth are perfectly straight and white against her tan skin. "I'll just take an iced coffee to go, I have shift in 30." She says glancing at her watch.

"Of course. Coming right up," I say and turn to start the order but am stopped in my tracks when his deep voice reaches out to me and grabs me by the throat capturing my breath.
"Are you going to ask me what I want." It comes out assertive but smooth like honey.
I turn on my heels and face him. "You don't look like a coffee drinker and Im not on the menu." The expression on his face tells me that he's hungry and not for pastries. He grins at my remark, as if challenging him awakens something in him.
"That's too damn bad," it comes out as a low rumble. Emily throws her hands up and dramatically trudges towards the nearest table with Sasha in tow.

Luckily there are only a few people in the Café and they just so happen to have their headphones on.
I turn and start making their coffee, I feel his eyes on my every move. At one point when I stretch to grab a couple lids off the shelf above the counter I hear him growl under his breath when my shirt exposes my lower back and the dimples that rest just above the waistband of my leggings. The primal sound that comes from behind me causes me to glance back. I'm shocked when I don't see him standing there anymore, as a matter of fact he's no longer in sight.
Tucking my hair behind my right ear I gather the order and bring it to their table.

"Where did Nathan go?" I ask as I sit everything down. They look up from their phones and glance around shrugging.
"I dunno... oooo, yummy," Emily goes straight for the muffin and Sasha sips her coffee unconcerned.
"Thank you," they both say together and go back to scrolling on their phone.
Although I find it slightly concerning as to why he vanished I brush it off and get back to work. It's not until I go into the kitchen that I find him standing there against the stainless steel table in the middle of the floor. His arms are crossed and he looks up at me through his lashes. I yelp startled by his presence.