The sound of the bells echoed bright and cheery as Landon pushed open the door to the empty coffee house. It had been a few months since he heard the familiar sound and he welcomed it with a grin. Above the door, a hand painted sign in green and yellow boasted Grinder’s. Landon paused in the doorway, inhaling the scent of fresh ground coffee and muffins. The owner of Grinder’s, Stella, was already there and working. He closed the heavy oak door behind him, making sure the sign still read Closed.
The morning promised to be a busy one. A couple more baristas were scheduled to arrive to help with the Monday morning rush.
The Monday morning rush on the first day of classes.
Landon made his way to the coffee bar, situated along the left wall, where a dining room and kitchen used to stand. The doorway behind the bar led into the new kitchen, what was once an old bedroom. Stella had opened up the entire right side of the house into one large room and filled it with couches and chairs. A giant stone fireplace stood centered along the right wall. Large stones harvested from many beaches made up the chimney. Hardwood floors and exposed wooden beams in the ceiling gave warmth to the space. Unlike most modern coffee houses, this place beckoned for guests to relax and stay a while.
Landon rounded the coffee bar, taking in some of the more obvious changes Stella had made. He had missed his work as a barista over the summer. Stretching the milk, counting the seconds after an espresso pour. Learning how to make intricate designs with the foam. There was a comfort to crafting the same beverages over and over. Though he was never bored. There was always a chance to flex his creative muscles when somebody wanted something new.
Landon was more than happy to be back.
It had been a long and hot summer back home on the ranch. Landon had avoided going back home the previous summer. He had made up the excuse of wanting to take a few summer courses. In truth, he hadn’t been ready to face the ghosts of his past. The plan had been to fall upon the same excuse this year, up until his mother called and told him the ranch was in dire straits.
Landon had been grateful when Stella had promised him his job back when school started up again in the fall. He needed his routine.
“Stella! Did you go back to sleep?” Landon said, projecting the words into the back. Stella’s office was set off of the kitchen. It wouldn’t be the first time Landon caught her taking a cat nap.
A few moments later, a tall woman with salt and pepper hair and startling bright blue eyes emerged from the back. Her lips were fighting a smile as she set her hands on her hips.
“Landon,” she said, sounding exasperated. “You’re lucky you’re so likable.”
With that, her face melted into a warm smile and she opened her arms in invitation.
Landon grinned and walked straight into Stella’s arms. He knew it was inappropriate to be hugging his boss, but Stella didn’t feel much like a boss to him anymore. She felt like a second mother, or the long lost eccentric aunt he had always wished he’d had.
“Welcome back, kiddo,” she said, giving him an extra squeeze before letting him go.
“It’s good to be back,” Landon said. “I can’t wait to get started.”
“I’m sure you are, Mr. Impatient,” Stella said. She gave him a quick once over. “I see you survived the summer. Look at that tan. And your hair, did you bleach it or was that the sun? Did you gain a few muscles?”
Landon felt heat rising to his face as he nodded. He knew Stella was only trying to find out if his summer was uneventful. An uneventful summer back home was a good summer.
“They look pretty hot, don’t they?” he said, lifting one of his arms and flexing his bicep. He laughed as Stella rolled her eyes. “Everything was fine,” he continued, answering Stella’s unspoken question. “It was business as usual and everybody left me alone.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Stella said.
“And then these firefighters came to town! They were so hot…” Landon pretended to swoon at the memory.
“I don’t need any more details than that,” Stella said with a laugh. “I’m glad you got a little fun at least.” Then she got a conspiratorial look in her eye, one Landon was more than a little familiar with. “Did you keep in touch with any of them?”
“I did not,” Landon said. He met her now exasperated gaze with one of his own. “You know I’m too busy for more than a little fun every once in a while. The ranch needed a lot of work done while I was there. And I need to focus on school. Especially since I have to retake Music Theory II this term.”
Landon had taken Theory II during the fall semester of his sophomore year. He hadn’t paid as much attention to it as he should have from the beginning. By the time he realized his mistake, it was too late and he failed it by a narrow margin. Landon had had to wait a year for the next opportunity to take the class due to when the class was available. This was his last chance to pass the class to graduate on time. And even then, he would have to work extra hard to pass the rest of the Music Theory series on the first try.
No pressure.
“You’ve got a game plan for passing it this time?” Stella asked.
“Of course,” Landon said. “I’ve been studying. Luckily, it’s the same textbook and the same professor. And I have all my notes from the first time. If I have trouble, I’ll go see the professor. Regularly.”
Stella nodded in satisfaction.
“And no risk to your scholarships?” Stella asked.
“I’ll be fine as long as I make up the class this term. If I end up having to stay past my projected graduation date, then the money will run out.”
“I’m sure you’ll do just fine,” she said, giving him a quick pat on the arm. “I heard that taking a class a second time is a lot easier because you remember most of the content. Now, come on. Let me show you what I did over the summer.”
Stella led Landon behind the coffee bar, showing some of the upgrades she did. Landon crooned over the new espresso machine and a new coffee grinder. He put the coffee grinder to work for a fresh pot of drip. When he spotted the new dishware, he praised Stella’s taste. Landon helped Stella set out the baked goods in the display case. A couple of other barista’s arrived and Grinder’s opened up for business.
Grinder’s filled with customers. Landon manned the new espresso machine after a quick tutorial from Stella. He claimed he needed the challenge. It didn’t take him long to get a feel for the new rhythm of the machine. He kept up a lively chat with customers and coworkers as he made drinks.
“A flat white, one pump of hazelnut, to go,” the new girl at the till called, placing an order ticket on the counter. Landon couldn’t remember if her name was Alisha or Ally. He had always been terrible with names. Landon glanced over the machine as he flicked the steamer mug of milk gently with his wrist. A leaf pattern began to emerge in the foam.
Large near-black eyes met his, framed by even darker lashes. Landon froze, the steamer mug poised.
The man’s features looked like they had been carved from porcelain. The square set jawline supported a wide set of lips, set underneath a strong and straight nose. The two prominent cheekbones framed by long, dark bangs. Landon wondered what it would be like to tug that hair back and run his lips along the long length of the man’s neck. He would love to give a sharp nip to that jaw.
The dark blue button up shirt on emphasized the stark contrast of the man’s skin.
A white hot stab of desire shot through Landon’s lower abdomen, causing Landon to suck in a breath.
Oh, this is bad.
A warmth in his hands grew until he finally registered he was still holding a very hot steamer mug in his hands. Breaking eye contact, he muttered a couple of curses under his breath. Landon managed to salvage the pattern before setting the steamer mug aside.
“Maggie,” Landon called, setting the ceramic mug atop a saucer on the counter. A shorter girl with purple streaked hair picked up the drink and took a seat in one of the chairs nearby.
“Not very professional to use such language, is it?” The man’s deep voice carried over the noise of the espresso grinder.
Landon stiffened but bit his lower lip to prevent a snarky comment from escaping. He was already kicking himself for staring at the guy. No need to embarrass himself or the man further. Landon dug deep for his customer service skills.
“Sorry about that,” Landon said, allowing his lips to curve upward. He kept his eyes focused on the espresso machine. Don’t look at him. “The steamed milk is very hot and it can be easy to burn yourself if you’re not careful. I’m a little out of practice.” It was a lame excuse and Landon immediately wished he could take the words back. He didn’t need to give any excuses to this guy.
“Oh? Are you sure you can handle my drink?” The question was sarcastic. Landon’s eyes whipped up to clash with the man’s, where he saw one delectable eyebrow lifted in challenge.
Is he… flirting?
Landon felt his heart begin to race at the thought.
“I can handle a lot more than your drink,” Landon said, straightening his shoulders. A moment later, a rush of heat filled his face and he turned his attention back to the steamer mug.
A soft chuckle met his ears, but the man didn’t reply.
Time seemed to stretch on forever while Landon finished up the drink. He slapped a lid on top of the to-go cup and glanced at the order ticket.
The name read: Derek.
Landon placed the cup on the counter and called Derek’s name. The man drew close to the counter. Landon busied himself by straightening the container that held straws and sleeves.
“You’re cute when you blush,” Derek said, his voice pitched low. Landon looked up at the man in shock. He watched as Derek lifted the cup and took a sip. Landon watched as the man’s eyes widened a little and the slightest hint of a smile emerged. Landon couldn’t stop his own satisfied grin.
“Thank you,” Derek said, lifting his cup in salute before turning to leave.
“You’re welcome,” Landon said. He couldn’t stop his eyes from drifting lower. Those pants did all the right things to the man’s ass. Landon allowed himself a few moments to admire the view as the man left the cafe. The moment the door closed behind Derek, Landon turned back to the growing line of order tickets on the bar.
Landon’s shift ended at 8:30 in the morning, giving him enough time to walk to his first class if the weather was good. And if it wasn’t, the bus route wasn’t too far from the shop.
The sun was shining bright and warm, so Landon opted for the walk. With the distraction of work gone, thoughts of Derek swarmed his mind.
The man should be illegal, Landon had decided. His dark hair and eyes, creamy skin, his tight body, his flirtatious smile. He pushed all Landon’s hot buttons.
And he’d called Landon cute, flirted with him at the coffee shop.
Was that flirting? Or was it my imagination?
Landon’s stomach resumed it’s fluttering at the thought. He wondered if he would be able to find that guy on campus. He must be a new student. Landon hadn’t seen him before.
He couldn’t deny the instinctual pull in his belly.
Landon shook his head. He was getting ahead of himself. He had school to focus on, a class to retake, and a full schedule. There was barely any time for a one-night stand. Which suited Landon just fine. He didn’t need any romantic entanglements.
Landon didn’t notice when a tall man with deep red hair across the street began to call his name. It wasn’t until the man jogged across the street and stopped in front of Landon that he startled out of his thoughts.
“Gah!” Landon jumped a full step back before recognizing his roommate and best friend. Landon gave an embarrassed chuckle, raising his hand up behind his head.
“Hey, Royce. Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
“No kidding,” Royce said, rolling his green eyes. “What’s up with you?”
“Nothing. Just a little distracted.” At Royce’s lifted eyebrow, Landon gave a small smile. “Met a very hot guy at work today.”
Royce grew up with Landon in their small town. They met when they were three years old and had been thick as thieves ever since. When Landon had wanted to learn how to play the trumpet, Royce had followed. It wasn’t long before Royce had declared that music wasn’t for him. Instead, Royce had gone for sports. Landon had tried basketball and a little soccer before realizing he would much rather play in the marching band. Landon came out to Royce first, trusting him more than his own parents. Even after things went to hell in high school, Royce had stood by Landon’s side.
Royce had encouraged Landon to apply for universities and scholarships. Landon had been desperate to leave that awful town. But he also knew that he had obligations to the family ranch. In the end, Landon had been accepted to Trinity Pacific University on a full scholarship to study music. Royce had also been accepted to study biology. They moved into their own apartment together, neither one wanting to live on campus. It had been tough at first, but they found a rhythm and gave each other support as well as distance.
Royce gave a groan even as his face melted into a smile.
“You would drop that bombshell when I gotta get to class. You. Me. Fettuccine. Tonight. You’re going to talk, mister.” With that, Royce gave Landon a light punch to the shoulder. “Now get to class.”
“Yes, sir,” Landon said, giving him a mock salute. “See you tonight.”
Royce waved as he walked away. Landon continued on his way to the music building, his thoughts returning to Derek. He could only hope he would be able to focus during his music history class.
Landon shook his head. He was a good student. A good looking guy wouldn’t change that.