Page 10 of The Rebel

“Not really a hazelnut kind of person. What’s your bestseller?” she asked the barista, who’d been watching us silently.

“Chocolate.”

“Right,” the blonde said.

“Are you new here? Visiting?” I asked. There were always a ton of tourists in New Orleans, and she looked as though she may be one.

“I am new to the city, but I’m not visiting,” she answered, then continued her order. “Do you have caramel?”

“No, that’s too mainstream,” the barista replied before adding, “I’m going to get something from the back while you decide.”

The employee’s tone was harsh. The second she left, the blonde turned to me.

“Damn, someone woke up on the wrong side of bed. Besides, who doesn’t have caramel? It’s the best.”

“I don’t share that opinion, but I know a coffee shop on Bourbon. I have it on good authority that their caramel is amazing. They have all kinds of drinks that my brothers’ girlfriends like.”

She narrowed her eyes. “That’s very tempting. What’s the name?”

“Maria’s Coffee Shop,” I replied without missing a beat.

“Got it. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time this morning. I’ve got an appointment on Royal, but I’ll keep it in mind.”

“I’d love to buy you a coffee from Maria’s Coffee Shop.”

I couldn’t help myself. When I saw a beautiful woman, I flirted.

She smiled. “You’re very direct.”

I flashed her a smile.

“But as I mentioned, I don’t have time today.” The way she looked at me told me she wasn’t opposed to the idea of going out with me another time, though.

Damn, this was a fantastic way to start the week.

“If you give me your number, I’ll be in touch. I’m sure we can find some time to grab a coffee.”

She licked her lips, and I was mesmerized. I almost had a visceral reaction to her.

“Sure, why not?” she said, but her voice was slightly uneven as she rattled off her number. “I don’t ever do this, by the way.”

“What?”

“Give my number to a perfect stranger.”

I winked at her. “Happy to know I’m the first. I feel honored.”

The barista returned, huffing. “Have you decided?”

“I’ll have a dark roast with cream,” I said without taking my eyes off the blonde.

“You know what? I’ll have the same. Why not try something new?”

“All right,” the barista replied, turning away from us.

We both got our coffee a few minutes later. The blonde turned to me, biting her lower lip. Her cheeks were tinted pink.

“I’m off. Ummm… have a great day.” Swallowing hard, she added, “And I’ll see you later, maybe.”