Page 124 of Make Me Yours

Ashley nods. “Good for you. Keep in touch, okay?”

“I will,” I promise.

With nothing more to say, I walk out with my box. Myshoulders feel a little lighter than when I arrived. On a whim, I detour a few blocks and pull into a metered space outside a small coffee shop I used to haunt back when I still thought my corner office dreams would make me happy.

The moment I push through the door, I’m hit with the warm scent of espresso and toasted almond. It’s like a hug I didn’t know I needed.

“Hey, stranger.” One of the baristas I used to chat with smiles wide. “Long time no see.”

“Yeah,” I say, smiling back. “Life’s been busy.”

“Want your usual?”

I nod. “That would be amazing, thanks.”

She gestures toward the pastry case. “Croissant?”

I eye the chocolate-filled one like it’s flirting with me. “You twisted my arm. I’ll take one.”

“Coming right up.”

My phone buzzes just as I pull it from my pocket.

Steele:

I’m having withdrawals. Any chance of a repeat performance tonight?

Me:

I don’t know… depends. What’s in it for me?

Steele:

Me. Naked and grateful while worshipping every inch of you.

My lips twitch. I can practically hear his cajoling tone.

Me:

Tempting. But I’m gonna need a better sales pitch.

Steele:

I’ll even feed you after. You like blueberry pancakes, right?

Me:

Are you trying to seduce me with carbs?

Steele:

I’m trying to seduce you, period. Where are you?

Me:

How do you know I’m not at the penthouse?

Steele: