Page 17 of Far from Destined
Relief slid through me, and I knew I wouldn’t push. We’d eat, we’d engage in small talk, and then we’d move on. That’s all tonight could be.
“The scallops sounded pretty good,” I said, shrugging.
“I was thinking of the halibut. Now, I want scallops.”
“We can always share.” I glanced at her.
“Maybe. Just don’t think that means anything more than the fact that I can’t decide between two dishes. I’m not using it as a ploy or anything.”
I laughed. “Sounds like a plan. I promise not to fall in love with you.” I blurted the words before I meant to, and her eyes widened for a minute before filling with laughter.
“And I promise never to fall in love with you.”
We both laughed, and I couldn’t help but wonder why I felt a little disappointed.
I didn’t need her to fall in love with me. I didn’t want that. Yet I felt like I had just lost out on something. But as she smiled, and we finished our drinks and ate dinner, I got to know a little more about the mysterious woman that seemed to hate me on sight.
I didn’t know if this would change anything between us beyond tonight. But for a simple meal, one that neither of us had prepared for, it was calming.
Now, I just had to hope like hell I wouldn’t regret that promise.
Even if breaking it wouldn’t be good for either of us.
Chapter 5
Dakota
I hummedbeneath my breath as I added whipped cream to the caramel macchiato before drizzling caramel sauce on top. I slid a biscotti onto a side plate and kept humming as I moved towards the front of the café and the corner booth.
“Here you go! Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy,” I said after setting down the man’s coffee. I gently placed his biscotti plate next to the cup, along with a napkin.
The man with the chiseled jaw and the bright blue eyes smiled at me.
“Well, thank you very much. Dakota, right?”
I swallowed hard, no longer humming. Fear slid over me at the fact that he knew my name. I shouldn’t be scared. After all, this wasn’t Adam. Nobody from that time in my life knew where I worked. Nobody could come after me. Not that they cared enough to try.
Why did someone knowing my name give me this feeling?
“Yes, I’m Dakota. How else may I help you?” I asked, hoping my voice wasn’t as chilly as it sounded in my head. The light in the man’s eyes dimmed, and I had a feeling it was precisely as icy as I thought.
“Just thought I’d say hi. I heard your coworker call you by name earlier. I’m sorry if I startled you.”
I shook my head and smiled, relieved that had been why he knew my name. I shouldn’t be so jumpy. It wasn’t like I had problems with anyone but Adam and his crew. The other girls had had issues. If fear-drenched pain could be called an issue. Maybe that’s why I’d reacted how I did.
“I’m sorry. Long day. I hope you enjoy your coffee.”
“I’m sure I will. And since I’ve startled you, I suppose asking you out wouldn’t be the best idea.”
I froze for a second and then noticed his eyes dim just a bit more. “Oh. Well. I’m sorry. I’m well...you know. Uh.” Clearly, I couldn’t form words.
He quirked a smile. “Let me guess. Boyfriend? I should have known you wouldn’t be free. I see you in here every time I come in. I love your shop. I’m sorry if I was too forward.”
I shook my head and ran my hands down my apron. “Oh. Thank you. I love my shop, too. I hope you love your coffee. I need to go. Thank you again!”
He frowned for a second, and I knew everything I said likely made no sense. I waved and then scurried back to the counter where Jason stood, rolling his eyes.
“Subtle,” he said.