Page 27 of Chasing After You

“Could Oliver hang out at the shop when I’m working? Just for the next few days. That way, I’m not alone if Dorian decides to visit.”

Oliver smiled. “Of course, Josh. The twins can monitor the cameras and step in if anything goes wrong.”

Hayes groaned, “How many hours a day? Oliver has duties here as well.”

Oliver narrowed his eyes at him, threatening, “Thosedutieswill go away if you don’t go along with this.”

Hayes sighed, “Fine.”

“Thank you! It’ll just be a few hours a day,” I promised.

* * *

The next couple of days passed in a haze of too much caffeine and not enough sleep. I kept waiting for something to happen—for the door to chime and for him to walk in—but it never did. And yet, every time I glanced toward the street, I expected to see him. Watching. Waiting. But as always, he wasn’t there.

Oliver had been a constant presence by my side. He had accompanied me to work each day with no complaints, stayingclose but not too close that it felt suffocating.

“Want another?” I asked, gesturing towards Oliver’s empty cup. He kept joking that he was getting paid in coffee.

“Yes, sir,” he replied brightly, maybe a little too hyped up on the caffeine. “They never let me drink this much coffee at home.”

I smirked, laughing, “I think I’m starting to see why.”

“Don’t you dare cut me off,” he growled, reminding me of a puffed-up kitten.

“I wouldn’t dare,” I insisted, picking up his cup to take back to the counter. “Do you want the same drink or to try something else?”

He grinned. “Hmm.” He tapped his finger against his lips. “Up to you, oh great one.”

“Just don’t let your boyfriends hear you call me that,” I joked. “I’m too young to die.”

Oliver let out a laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell them you’re very mean and ugly.”

“Wow, you’ve wounded me.”

He raised his hands in a placating manner, a smile still on his face. I grinned and rolled my eyes, leaving the little corner table he’d commandeered to head behind the counter.

I hummed while deciding which flavors to add to Oliver’s drink, letting my gaze flick toward the windows. Still nothing. Just a handful of regulars and a breeze rustling the leaves outside.

Kellie caught my glance and elbowed me gently. “Are you doing okay today?”

“Yep,” I answered, trying to act like I hadn’t just scanned the street for the hundredth time in three hours.

She gave me a knowing look, reminding me of faraway memories of my mom. “If you say so. Just take care of yourself, Josh. It wouldn’t be the same here without you. Make sure you’re prioritizing your mental health, yeah?”

“Thank you for everything, Kellie. God, I should really give you a raise.”

Kellie preened, batting her thick, dark eyelashes at me. “Well, I wouldn’t be against that.” She took my hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “But remember that I’m your friend before an employee. You can always ask for help.”

My heart ached from her support. I quietly said, “Thank you, Kellie. Really. You’re a great friend. I’m lucky to have you.”

She smiled, her brown eyes watering. “You too. Now I’ll be in the kitchen prepping, so just holler if you need anything out here, ‘kay?”

I nodded. “Will do, Kels.”

I stayed quiet for a few minutes, bustling around up front. The espresso machine hissed behind me. Dishes clinked. Conversations blurred into background noise. And all I could think about was Dorian.

I almost forgot to take Oliver’s drink to him. Quickly, I grabbed the cup and hustled back to where he sat.