Page 66 of My Best Years
“Why’s that?”
“Because no breathing man can live up to the fictional men I read about. Keep in mind that these men are written by women, which makes them God-tier.Untouchable.”
His eyes widen.
“Is that right, Birdie Wren?”
“Yup,” I nod. “They’re too good to be true. Which is why it’s fiction.”
“We’ll see about that,” he retorts before taking another sip of coffee. “I’ll tell you what, next time I see you, bring me one of these books you like to read. I’ll do my homework and get back to you on this assignment.”
Jesus Christ.
I might have to change my underwear before work.
It’s impossible to hide the way my body reacts to his request. His eyes flick down to my neck, darkening as he watches the way my pulse flutters against my delicate skin.
“I can’t promise you that,” I chuckle, brushing off the topic before I combust. “But I will bring you some of my homemade chocolate chip cookies. I think I’ve finally perfected them.”
“I suppose I can compromise with that… For now,” he plays along, even though his smoky voice gives him away. “I mean, who the hell could turn down homemade chocolate chip cookies?”
“Whoever does deserves jail time.”
He laughs at that, showing his pearly whites. He has such a beautiful smile.
“I bet you learned a lot about baking from working at your parents’ coffee shop. I still dream about their blueberry scones.”
“Yeah, they really are the best,” I agree proudly. “Even after twenty-five years in business, they still make everything from scratch.”
“Speaking of your family, how are they?”
“They’re doing great,” I beam. “My parents are busier than ever with Waves of Coffee. I’ve asked my dad if he thinks they’ll retire soon or sell the business. He didn’t even wait two seconds before saying hell no. They absolutely love it.”
“That’s amazing,” he smiles. “I’ve thought about your dad alot over the years. He’s a good man. He also makes the best damn cup of joe I’ve ever had.”
My chest tightens at his confession. My dad loved Callum and considered him part of the family. I know that he still thinks about Callum to this day. It’s bittersweet to think that I used to dream about me and Callum growing old together while having the privilege of watching my dad grow older.
“He’d be on cloud nine right now if he knew you said that.”
“It’s the truth,” he adds. “You’re dad is the best. How about Winnie? How’s that wild girl doing?”
“She’s Winnie,” I scoff in an older sibling kind of way. “She’s still a free spirit, but doing better than ever. She’s living in California while attending film school, trying to make it as an actress.”
“That doesn't surprise me one bit,” he admits. “She was always a little bit of a drama queen.”
“A little bit?” I turn up a brow. “You meana lota bit?”
“Hey, I’m trying to give Winnie some credit here,” he chuckles. “She’s just a very passionate individual.”
Callum’s nickname for Winnie used to belittle firecracker. The name stuck, and now, my parents still call her that from time to time.
“I’m just giving her a hard time,” I sigh. “I couldn’t be more proud of Winnie. But while we’re on the topic of my sister, I’m sure I’m going to get a very theatrical phone call from her later tonight.”
“Yeah? Why is that?”
“She’s on a date tonight with a guy who’s been chasing after her for months. I’m sure she’ll call when I’m sound asleep to tell me all of the juicy details because, in Winnie’s eyes, who needs sleep?”
“Definitely not Winnie,” he laughs. “I remember yourparents getting so pissed at her because she would stay up all night during the summer and sleep until noon the next day.”