CHAPTER 7
Layla
I couldn’t stop smiling after last night. The dinner was fantastic, that fucking kiss was phenomenal, and everything seemed to be falling into place with this random guy from out of town. Work was dragging by and I had to be there all damn day, but I had the memories of Daniel’s chiseled body writhing against mine to keep me company.
But the smile on my face didn’t last for long.
“Hi, Layla.”
Looking up, I was staring into the eyes of my ex. Michael was standing there with a cheeky grin on his cheeks and leaning up against the counter like he was Mr. Debonair himself.
“Hello, Michael,” I said flatly.
“You look great today. New shade of lipstick?” he asked.
“I’m not wearing any.”
“Then it must just be that natural rosy tint.”
“Can I get you something?” I asked.
Just then, the bell above the door rung and a familiar face walked in. It was Daniel, dressed in a pair of form-fitting jeans that made his ass pop. My heart started fluttering in my chest, both with nerves and with excitement. But Daniel’s eyes fell hard on Michael, and I could tell Daniel was reading my ex’s posture.
“You can, actually,” Michael said. “You can let me take you out. You know, like old times.”
The disappointment that rolled over Daniel’s face made my stomach sink.
“There’s a reason they’re old times, Michael. No, thanks,” I said.
“Why?” Michael asked. “Are you working all day or something?”
“That doesn’t matter,” I said. “And anyway, I’m seeing someone.”
I looked back at Daniel and a smile crossed his face. He winked at me, sending shivers up my spine, and all I wanted was for Michael to move on. I wanted a chance to talk with Daniel since he’d come into the coffee shop, and I also wanted the chance to stare at his beautiful body clad in the tight button-down shirt he’d worn.
Fuck, that man looked sexy today.
“What?” Michael asked. “You’re seeing someone?”
“I am,” I said. “Now, is there a drink I can—?”
“Who? Who could possibly want to date you in this town after they know I dumped you?” he asked.
Before I could answer, I watched Daniel reach out and tap him on the shoulder. Michael whipped his head around and looked up at the tall man behind him. I grinned at his reaction. Daniel was smirking down at my ex with this little twinkle in his eye, and with every second that passed Daniel was growing hotter and hotter.
“Hello. I’m Daniel.”
“Cool. I’m in the middle of a conversation with my girlfriend,” Michael said.
“Ex-girlfriend,” I said.
“Come on, Layla. Just one date. You know you’ve missed all the things I can give you,” Michael said as he turned back toward me.
“You should leave her alone. This beautiful woman has given you her answer,” Daniel said.
“And you should mind your own business,” Michael said.
“Oh, but it is my business,” Daniel said, grinning.
“And how is that?” Michael asked.
“Because he is the guy I’m dating.”
My ex looked back at me before his eyes fluttered over toward Daniel. I was trying to bury a grin on my cheeks while my toes ignited with a fiery passion. It was so hot, how Daniel was stepping up to defend me like that. I wanted to pull him over this counter and take him right here on the floor of where I worked.
But Michael’s voice pierced my little daydream.
“You can have my sloppy seconds if you want them, but you should know something. She gives terrible head.”
My jaw unhinged at Michael’s remark as he threw me a glare, then he walked away from the counter as the patrons in the coffeehouse began to stare.
“Not from my experience,” Daniel said, grinning.
A blush rose to my cheeks and I started giggling behind the counter. I dipped my head and tried to shake it off and I felt Daniel’s hand reach out for my own. He wrapped my hand up within his large palm and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of it as our eyes connected.
“Are you all right?” Daniel asked.
“Just fine. He’s always been a jerk.”
“Guess that’s why he’s an ex.”
“For many reasons, but that's one of them. And thank you. For stepping up and saying something.”
“It’s not a problem. No man should ever talk to a woman like that,” he said.
“Yes. Well, um—can I get you anything?” I asked.
“Just a large coffee with room for sugar and creamer,” he said.
“Nothing fancy today?’
“Nope. Just good ol’ caffeine. And another thing. Are you free tonight?”
“Sadly, no. I’m working all day today,” I said.
“Such a shame. When’s your next day off.”
“Tomorrow, actually. What did you have in mind?”
“Lots of things. Be ready for a fun-filled day of adventure. I’ll call you later with the details,” he said.
“Wonderful. That large coffee will cost you two seventy-four.”
“If I give you a five and tell you to keep the change, does that buy me a kiss?” he asked.
I snickered and shook my head before I drew in a deep breath.
“You don’t have to pay for my affections, Daniel. Just ask.”
“Then if that’s all I have to do, may I have a kiss before I return to the cold, dark world of Montana?” he asked.
I leaned over the counter and pressed my lips against his, feeling his hand come up and cup my cheek. His thumb graced over my skin as goosebumps puckered my body, and I sighed just before he pulled away.
“I’ll call you later,” he said, as he took his coffee from my hand.
“Looking forward to it,” I said.