Reminding You

8. The Question Is

"We have to stop meeting like this."

I can't dilute the smile that leaps across my face at the sound of his voice. "Well, that's on you. You're the one who keeps showing up wherever I am: work, home. I'm beginning to think you've low jacked me."

He narrows his eyes as he reaches the counter. "It's not my fault you're so elusive, trying to cancel dates on me and everything."

"Exactly, and what do you do? Invite yourself to my apartment. Looks like pretty boy isn't used to working so hard for attention," I tease while preparing some orders.

"Oh, I'm used to working hard to get what I want," he eludes, watching me finish up a few lattes with toppings. I reach for the cinnamon to complete the last one, but he swiftly takes it from me and sprinkles it himself. I try not to let on the nervousness that shoots through me as his hand grazes mine. Making direct eye contact, he continues, "And I usually do." Oh, damn.

I raise my eyebrows, feigning nonchalance and get out a tray, balancing the drinks on it. "I'm sure, and what exactly do you want from me?" I double check that I have all the orders for the customers in the sitting area before carefully lifting the tray.

"A date. A proper one."

"That went so well last time," I sigh, watching all the coffee mug levels.

"It wasn't bad by any means, just not ideal. Give it another chance," he states confidently and steps in front of the gap I need to walk out of.

"I have to take these," I mumble, walking forward.

"Say yes."

"No," I reply stubbornly, with a slight smirk and motion for him to move. I don't how much longer I can stare at him, before wavering.

He tilts his head, then reaches out to take the tray from me, "What's the worst that can happen?" As the last word leaves his mouth, I watch his eyes widen and suddenly feel cold liquid pour down my chest. "Shit! Are you okay?"

I laugh as I lean forward trying to keep my wet apron from touching my shirt. "It's okay, it was an iced one." The horror from his face subsides a little as he puts the tray back down.

"I'm so sorry," his voice is a whisper.

"It's fine, really." I remove my apron and tuck it behind the bar, grabbing another from the rack. Using a nearby hand towel, he cleans off the tray on his own. As I adjust the apron to my short frame, I respond, still giggling, "See? This is what could happen."

He deflates, and shakes his head. "You'll find any excuse, huh?"

"What?" I get to work making another frappuccino, skim milk, extra whip, add cinnamon. Coffee orders are getting ridiculous these days.

"First you're sick, now you're scared. What's next? You find an old board game in your closet and get sucked into Jumanji?"

"Umm, sorry, but I didn't ask to get food poisoning. That's for damn sure and who says I'm scared?" I glance at him with a challenging look while adding whipped cream, again.

"I do."

"Of what exactly, Dr. Phil?" I reach for the cinnamon shaker but he takes it from me like before and delicately tops off the coffee. God, his hands.

"Me? A date?" he questions. "Going on a date with me?" Dancing with you, almost kissing you.

"I am not," I deny.

"Then why won't you?"

"Maybe I just don't like you. Ever think of that?" Lie.

He hesitates for a moment, chewing on his lip. His eyes dim as he speaks again, "Okay, then tell me 'no' and I'll leave you alone."

"I already did."

"Try to mean it this time," he dares.

"No," I stutter, attempting to sound stern.

"I don't believe you. Maybe try standing a little taller."

"I'm 5'1. This is as tall as I get," I laugh.

"Don't change the subject with humor," he calls out. His tone shifts to more serious. "Listen, if you honestly don't want to go out, that's fine. Maybe, I did something wrong last night that I'm unaware of, but I liked hanging out with you. Regardless, I won't be offended or an asshole because you say 'no' or change your mind. If it's too awkward, I'll even commit the ultimate coffee sin and get mine from Starbucks instead. Although, I'm humble enough to still come here in all my rejected glory. But I'm not going to try to convince you to like me. Been there, done that and it didn't end well for my sanity or my wallet. I'm also not going to waste time pretending I'm not attracted to you or interested in you. Like I said before, I go after what I want. So I guess the question is: Do you want what I want?"

How could you deny that speech? Am I right, ladies? hahaha But for real, what's her problem... someone's a little nervy.

I also, tried not to make him seem too pushy, like he was getting a date without her full consent. Homeboy can just tell she's in denial and giving mixed signals. We'll see how she responds to his epic speech next time. ;)