The Bad Boy's Bucket List

Fighting

"What can I get the pretty lady?"

I blinked and looked up from my place in line. Across the counter, a tall, dark haired teenage boy stood. Around his neck he wore an apron, and oh boy, was he attractive.

Nolen and I had only been standing in line a few minutes, but in those minutes my hunger had intensified. Looking in the glass display, I had my eyes set on this fruit tart that looked delicious. Nolen wanted something savory, I think, but I couldn't be sure because I was too focused on the food to really hear what he was saying.

Now, I looked in awe at the hot Italian boy asking me what he could get me. Maybe a fruit tart, please, and perhaps a quick kiss and your number?

Instead, I spoke up, "Oh, um, I guess I'll have the fruit tart?" I mentally cursed myself for making my order sound like a pathetic question.

The boy winked. "Anything for you, love."

I blushed brightly, causing him to laugh, and he walked over to grab the tart. As he did so, I turned to face Nolen. "Isn't he..." I trailed off, not finishing my sentence when I noticed Nolen's ridged stance. His shoulders were tense and his hands were balled into tight fists.

"What's wrong?"

Nolen didn't answer at first, keeping his eyes trained at the food that the Italian boy was bringing over. Finally, he replied, "Nothing. I'm just hungry."

I instantly agreed with him. I got frustrated when I was hungry too, so I understood his pain.

The cute Italian came back and held the tray with my treat out towards me. I reached in my bag to hand him money, but he stopped me.

"Please, for a lady as beautiful as you, it's on the house."

I grinned. This guy was such a flirt, but it was totally working. Maybe it was his dreamy accent or the fact that he gave me free food, but I felt so good right now. Thanking him, I took the tart.

"That's so sweet of you, thank you very much." I murmured as I looked at the dessert and him in awe.

He blew me a kiss. "The pleasure is all mine."

"Can I get my food now?" Nolen growled forcefully. I glanced over, shocked at his deep voice, which was full of anger. Wow, he must be really hungry.

The guy held his hands up, and went to get Nolen's food after taking his order. Nolen avoided my eye contact as he paid and headed over to our table.

We sat down, me awkwardly staring across at him. His face wore a glum expression, his eyes glaring at the food in front of him. We ate in almost complete silence. Several times, I tried to break the silence, asking him if he was okay or what was bothering him, but he would give a vague answer and ignore me after that. Talk about mood shifts. Ten minutes ago, Nolen had been super happy, and now he was mad for no reason that I could think of.

I decided that if he was going to be a grump, I wouldn't let him get me down. I mentioned I was going back up to get a coffee right before we left, and grabbing our plates to throw away, I headed towards the counter. The Italian barista guy hurried over to me as soon as he saw I was waiting.

"I see you've come back to me. They always do." He winked as he leaned across the table. I rolled my eyes.

"I've come back for coffee. You're just an added bonus."

I surprised myself with the confidence that ran through my voice. I'd never really flirted confidently with a guy before, and I wondered why now was different. Perhaps it was because I'd never see him again.