Page 13 of A Coffee Away

He helped me up and grabbed all my stuff, then walked toward a black Mazda that was parked illegally at the end of the street.

My breath was bottled up in my chest at the realization that he’d rushed to get to me.

I followed him hastily, trying to keep up with his long strides. “You really don’t mind?”

Esteban smiled. A real, full smile. “I don’t. Got the whole day for you.” He opened the trunk and put my things inside.

He took his apron off, then set it inside.

My body heated at the memory of being wrapped in his strong arms. At the moment, I was so consumed by sadness that I didn’t think of it. But now… I recalled his heart beating against my cheek. His warmth as he held me snugly against his hard chest.

“Are you all right?” He closed the trunk.

“I’m okay, just a bit hot.” I touched my face, figuring it must be red. Damn me and my freakishly pale skin!

Thank God it was hot as hell, and he couldn’t read my mind.

He opened the passenger door for me. “Get in. I’ll turn on the AC.”

I sat in the passenger seat, and he closed the door once I put on my seat belt.

My chest warmed at his care. He was such a gentleman.

There were some discarded wrappers in the door pocket, and a cup of coffee rested in the cup holder between the seats.

He entered as I was looking at it. “It’s still warm. There’s some left if you want.”

I curved my lips at the offer. I hadn’t had coffee yet. “Is it lactose-free? Sorry for asking, but I’m intolerant.”

“No worries.” He handed it to me. “I’m not intolerant, but I prefer the creaminess of oat milk, so it’s safe.”

“Perfect.” I grabbed the cup, and for a second, our fingers touched. A soft current went up my arm.

Esteban grinned. “Enjoy.”

I took the top off and had some. Its sweet taste was just what I needed to ease my heavy heart.

I moaned, then licked my lips. “It’s so good.”

It was only after I said it that I caught his stare.

Fuck.

He watched me with such intensity that I couldn’t think. His eyes were dark, but it only lasted a second before he turned the key and the engine roared to life.

“Good to know you like it. Tomorrow I’ll prepare it myself. This one is from Gabrielle, my coworker.”

I cleared my throat and offered it to him. “Sorry. You can have some.”

He tipped his head my way. “Did you drink all you needed?”

I smiled, then took another sip.

I passed it to him.

He took a long sip and closed his eyes. “Sweet, like you.” His sultry voice made my stomach flutter.

He winked at me, then put the cup down and pulled onto the street. “You said you have nowhere to go?”