Chapter 19 His Name
I'd been working on the order for a couple hours when the door chimed. The wind rushed in and swirled my hair around my face, bringing with it a familiar scent.
I lifted my eyes and froze. It was those bright blue eyes that had haunted my dreams... And I still can't figure out where the hell I know them from. Maybe I know his parents?
"Can I help you?" I ask as Hailey gives me a small smile. What is up with that smile? Does she know something I don't? I'll have to ask when the stranger leaves.
"I was wondering if you'd come with me to the cafe down the street," the stranger says, leaning across the counter, looking right into my eyes. "Grab a cup of coffee with me."
My heart stuttered and my breath hitches. Grab a cup of coffee with him? In the middle of work? And why do I want to say yes just so I can get my damn questions answered?!
"Oh, I have a boyfriend," I insist, blushing. I don't know why I said that, but it seems best to let him know.
Yes! I have a boyfriend, who loves me and he promised he would be coming home today... sometime. I hadn't heard from James all day yesterday. I tried to call him and I kept getting his voice mail. Maybe Anna was getting worse?
"That's okay. We will keep it professional. I need an order and I'd like you help," he shrugs, completely unbothered by the fact I was dating someone. "Come with me little dancer. It might be good for you," he says with a wink.
"Oh! Uh..." I look over at Hailey who is giving me an encouraging nod. Why the hell is she encouraging this? She knows about James! Wouldn't this seem like I'm cheating on him? But I guess if it's only for business... "Sure. I'll just... grab a form."
I rush to gather the form and my purse, but before I make it to the door, he stops me. "Josie, don't you have a jacket? It's a little chilly out today," he warns, pulling me back to him.
"I... I don't have one. I'm fine!" I insist, craning my neck to get a good look at him.
This man is huge! He's gotta be about 6'5! And I'm... Well 5'3. It doesn't matter anyway because all I do all day is work with flowers. But just what the hell does this giant do?
But the stranger mumbles under his breath and removes his jacket and puts it around my shoulders. I'm completely shocked by the kind gesture! Even James never does this for me.
His scent envelops me and the heat sinks deep into my soul. I should insist I'm fine and return it to him, but... It feels nice. I try not to look like a creep as I breathe deeply and inhale the spicy smell of his cologne... I think I'm addicted to it. I'm sure that's why he wears it in the first place. It's a trap for all the women in the world to draw nearer to him.
"Thank you," I blush in embarrassment. I don't know what else to say! If I had my own coat I wouldn't be needing his. And apparently he can read minds because he knows I'd be cold!
"Come along, little dancer. We have business to discuss," he insists, wrapping his arm around my waist and leading me into the cold of the mid-day. The sun is breaking through the heavy clouds in spots and brown colored leaves swirl around us in shapeless patterns. The day really isn't that bad yet. It's just chilly. But I know later tonight there will be a storm. I wonder if I can just ride it out in the shop?
The wind hits me hard and instinctively I tuck my body closer to the strangers. I can hear him chuckle deeply. It sounds warm and inviting, even though there are small warnings telling me not to get too close... I have a boyfriend after all. This is just coffee... and flowers!
This whole situation is sending off warning bells. I shouldn't be doing this. I shouldn't be enjoying some strangers arm around me, or his scent. I don't even know his name!