Page 70 of Check You Out

“Oh, that sucks.”

She taps her foot. “Tell me something good.”

I can’t hide the grin that spreads across my face. “I made out with Aidan last night.”

She squeals and crushes me in a massive bear hug. “Hallelujah! Why didn’t you text me last night?”

I shove her off and back into the chair. “It was late and I forgot.” I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. “Also, I was maybe I was a little bit too excited.”

The bell above the door twinkles and my attention goes straight to it, again,

It’s not Aidan, again.

I’m not mad that he’s not here yet, but I can’t help but wonder where he is. I did tell him I was working and basically asked him to come visit. He said that he was going to come bring me some tea, but it’s been several hours, and there’s been no sign of that tall, dark-haired, beautiful nerdy man.

Gritting my teeth, I deal with a customer picking up an order and then turn back to Nicole.

“Did you bring me a gift?”

A wicked grin spreads across her face. “I bring piping hot tea and gifts!” She swings a paper bag onto her lap. “I have a new flavor of Danish that I’m experimenting with. It’s apple cinnamon. Angie wanted to do pumpkin spice, so I was motivated to make this one better.”

I raise my eyebrows. Nicole and Angie have been the rival bakers at Triple C since as long as they’ve worked there. “What kind of tea? Black? Green? Herbal?” I inquire, reaching into the bag and pulling out a Danish, silently thanking the baking gods for the rivalry between Nicole and Angie.

“Hot tea!” Nicole cries, gawking at me.

I tilt my head to the side and study her for a moment. Tea? What is she talking about with “hot tea”? Hot tea. Hot tea. “Oh!” I exclaim. “Hot tea! Gossip!” I abandon the Danish in the bag. “I’m sat. Or well, standing.”

“So—”

The bell above the door twinkles, and I hold up my hand to pause her.

“Oh my god,” she moans. “You are insuf—”

“Aidan!” I giggle and bounce behind the counter as he walks in. He’s wearing a stripped pink and blue T-shirt and khaki shorts. His hair is slightly mussed. He has a wide smile and two Triple C cups in his hands. He’s a modern-day knight in shining armor, bringing me the magical elixir made of tea leaves and vanilla. I step around the counter to stand there awkwardly with my hands shoved in my pockets. I want to wrap my arms around his neck and claim his mouth with mine.

Except Nicole’s here.

And Xander.

And another man who looks exactly like Aidan, except his hair is graying and he’s not wearing any glasses. His facial hair is trimmed into a neat mustache, while Aidan has sexy stubble accentuating his mustache. This older man also looks like he’s just come from the golf course, unlike Aidan’s more casual attire.

“Charlotte, this is my father, Dan,” Aidan says in a strained voice and gestures.

“Hi,” I reply in my warmest, most cheerful voice, and extend my hand. Thank goodness I didn’t just make out with your son in front of you. “Nice to meet you.”

His father clasps my hand with a strong grip and a knowing glance. “Lovely bookstore you have here.”

“Thanks.” My attention turns back to Aidan and the offered cup in his hand. “You brought me tea?”

Nicole grumbles. “Oh, so when he brings you tea, you’re all ears, but when I spill the tea, you don’t care...” Her voice trails off in a joking tone.

“I can’t drink gossip.”

“Fair point.” She doesn’t get up from my chair. I introduce Nicole to our newcomer.

Aidan lets out a low chuckle and presents one of the Triple C cups to me. “Here, a London Fog.”

I take a sip and let the delicious taste of black tea, bergamot, and vanilla warm my soul. “Thank you,” I say, grateful for this gift from this rumbled wonderful man.