What about everything else?

Chapter Nine

Lee opened the passenger side door of his car and bowed as if he was an armed guard for royalty. I giggled while doing a small curtsy back, then hopped into the vehicle. My eyes followed him through the windshield, taking in his physique, as he made his way around to his door. His height was almost at 6'ft, if not more, with strong broad shoulders that implied he frequented the gym. He wore a black leather jacket and yet he just didn't have that "bad boy" vibe about him.

He gracefully slid into the drivers seat and put his keys in the ignition.

"What's the plan, man?" I propped my elbow up on the middle console and rested my chin into the palm of my hand, looking at him. This caused him to turn and look at me. In the dim lighting of the car from the light poles outside, I could see the hollows of his face clearly. He has some nice cheek bones.

"Um thank you?"

My eyes widened instantly and I turned beet red. There's no way I just said that out loud. Sensing my extreme awkwardness, he cranked the car and fixed the radio on pleasant background noise.

"No need to be embarrassed, love. We could go to a local coffee shop just down the street, if you're willing?" I smiled at him and nodded, quite enjoying our time together.

The ride was silent but not uncomfortable and Lee drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, distracting me from thinking too much. He smoothly parallel parked in front of an ally way and turned off the car. Seeing the suspicious location he had taken us, my eyebrows scrunched together and my lips pursed.

"Lee, where are we?" I tried to keep the steadily rising fear out of my voice but he sensed it regardless.

"The coffee shop is in the ally way, I promise. Do you trust me?" My thumb instinctively came to my lips and I shook my head no.

He laughed lightheartedly, then shrugged. "I guess I'll just have to prove myself then. Come on."

Jumping out of the car, he ran around to open my door before I could and this caused me to chuckle at his enthusiasm.

"My lady." He held his arm out for me to intertwine them.

"Such the gentleman." I smiled widely at him and accepted his gesture. Together we stepped into the ally way.

Truthful to his word, I could see white twinkling Christmas lights boarding the door that was hidden away into the brick wall. Lee opened the door for me and I graciously stepped in, instantly engulfed in a delicious café aroma. Cookies, brownies, cakes, coffee and many other smells caused me to close my eyes and inhale deeply.

"Come on." Lee bent to whisper in my ear and took my hand to lead us to the counter. I couldn't keep the smile off of my face as I looked up at him. His eyes met mine and he nodded his head toward the menu.

"Whatcha want to drink?" My eyes scanned the menu and I suddenly started to bounce in happiness at what I saw. Bailey's Iced Coffee. I pointed it out to Lee and he chuckled at my excitement.

He told our order to the barista and I made my way around the small, cozy shop, taking it in. There wasn't a single soul in the whole shop besides the three of us. On the wall opposite of the counter, a huge bookshelf filled to the brim, stood from the floor to the ceiling. My mouth unconsciously formed a small "o" as I walked towards it and ran my fingers across the worn spines. Lee had silently made his way over towards me and was leaning over the table he had picked out for us.