Guilty Pleasure

21 | Neighborly Etiquette

Nathan studies me closely as I bring the ceramic coffee mug to my lips and gently blow on the contents before taking a sip. The hot liquid makes direct contact with the tip of my tongue and a burning sensation spreads like wildfire throughout my mouth.

"Holy shit, it's hot!"

I immediately spit out the puddle of coffee resting on my tongue and steal the glass of iced tea from Nathan's hand as I force it down my throat.

My tingling taste buds drown in the coolness of the drink, relieving my mouth of that unwanted burnt taste. I chug the remainder of the tea before slamming the empty glass on the table.

"Much better."

Nathan slowly slides the empty glass back towards him as a surpised expression crosses his handsome face.

"Well, I'm glad the iced tea was good."

His eyes alternate between the empty glass and my apologetic smile.

"Sorry, that coffee was way hotter than what I'm used to."

Nathan tips the glass just below eye level and peers at the pair of ice cubes resting at the bottom. He starts to swirl the cup around, causing the ice cubes to clash into one another as they dance around the bottom of the glass.

His focus then shifts from the glass to me and a sideways smirk forms across his lips.

"Maybe it would help to let it cool before you drink it."

He places the glass back down on the table and places a hand on the lid of my coffee cup.

"Or maybe you just weren't blowing hard enough."

I raise an eyebrow and watch Nathan incredulously as he brings the mug to his mouth and slowly blows. The smell of coffee invades my nostrils even more now due to the fact that the aroma is practically being blown directly in my face.

Nathan gives it one final blow and holds the mug over my hand.

"Here, try it now."

I hesistate for a moment as I throw him a confused look but he gives me an approving nod as I grasp the mug with both hands.

Our eyes meet the same time the mug meets my lips. Warmth swirls around my mouth and down my throat as I find myself taken back by the wonderful taste.

"This is really good! You should try some!"

I hand the mug to Nathan who politely rejects it and brings his empty glass to the sink.

"No thanks, I've never really been a big coffee drinker."

I look at him with a surprised expression as I continue to nonchalantly sip my coffee.

"You could've fooled me. This coffee tastes way better than what you would order at a café."

I point to the rim of my mug as Nathan walks back over to the couch.

"Even better than your's?"

I take a final sip before placing the mug on the table.

"Ok, I wouldn't go that far."

He chuckles before leaning back against the couch, sinking comfortably into the couch cushions.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to do better next time."

I rest my chin on the palm of my hand and throw him a condescending look.

"What makes you think there will be a next time?"