Love a Thousand Miles Away

Chapter 2 - Beware of Handsome Stangers

The rain pounds on the windows and thunder rumbles in the distance as I make my second cup of coffee for the day. Walking over to my armchair, I grab the blanket I keep hidden behind the counter. I sit down, pull my legs under me, and drape the blanket over myself. Just as I truly get comfortable and take my first sip, the bell above the door jingles, signaling a customer walked in. Penny lifts her head and sniffs the air in acknowledgment, and I look up at the same time. My eyes meet golden brown ones as I notice the handsome stranger. A beat of silence passes as I seem to hold my breath. He's tall with short, dark brown hair. He sweeps his wet curls back with his hand, and a loose curl slips back over his forehead. I watch as a water drop drips down the curl and lands on his cheek. Slowly bringing my eyes back to his, I catch my breath again as I notice he was still staring at me as I let my eyes wander. Our eyes meet again and electricity zaps in the air.

Another beat of silence passes before I shake myself out of my daze and hop up, slightly embarrassed. "Um, hi, welcome in. Is there anything I can get started for you?" I say as I make my way behind the register.

"Hello, I'll take a peppermint black tea. Please." He answers in a low rumble that almost makes my knees go weak. What is happening to me. Didn't I just swear off men!?

"One tea coming up. Not much of a coffee drinker then? Would that be for here or to go?" I ramble a little flustered as I ring up his order.

"Never been much of a fan." He replies in his deep voice.

Shocked, I stop making his order and gasp. My eyes meet his again. "How is that even possible? You must not have tried the right kind of coffee then." I whisper, feeling the mesmerizing effect of his piercing gaze still locked on me.

He responds in a low rumble, "No, I mustn't have," as his eyes wander down from my face and over my apron. I feel a blush creep up my neck as I turn to distract myself with making his order. Our second beat of silence is cut abruptly by the ring of his phone. Only once he brings the phone to his ear do I feel him turn away to answer his call, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Giving him privacy, I finish making his tea. Maybe I'm coming down with something too. Why do I feel so warm and out of it. And why does the air feel so thick all of a sudden. I shake my head slightly to knock myself out of this daze. This is so not what I need right now. I mentally remind myself of my two new rules, specifically #2. 'Never trust another man again. Especially the handsome ones.' He's too gorgeous and so clearly comes with a warning label: 'Beware of handsome stranger. Will break heart.'

I hear him hang up the phone, and I turn to place his cup on the pickup counter. As I turn, I'm surprised to see him standing right there face-to-face with me. Temporarily stunned with how close he's standing, I stand there dumbfounded with my hand still outstretched as I feel a blush creep back up my neck. His hand brushes against mine as he grabs his tea from my hand and butterflies flutter in stomach at the contact.

Eyes locked on mine, he takes a sip and I can't help but watch him swallow the hot liquid down. "Thank you, this is perfect," he rasps.

What is going on with me? This man spells disaster, and I refuse to let my traitorous heart develop this crush on a complete stranger. Bringing my mental shield back up, I remind myself to get a grip and straighten my spine. I bring my eyes back up to his, plaster on a pleasant smile, and say "You're welcome. Have a good day, sir." I turn to wipe down the already clean counter, and I feel his eyes on me for a beat more before he turns and walks out of the door. I glance up before he disappears around the corner and notice his brows pinched together in concerned thought.

Snap out of it, Poppy! Remember, gorgeous men are bad. They're just like sugar: they might taste good but aren't good for your health. Just remember that and move on. I giggle at my absurd joke as I plop back down in my seat to continue reading my book.

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