Page 116 of The Shot You Missed
Then again, maybe I enjoy the breakdown because it makes the happily ever that much sweeter.
By the time I sit down with my coffee and get myself situated, my back to the window in my favorite little spot by the wall to avoid any distractions, my mind is whirring with ways to refine my original ideas and make the payoff even sweeter.
Conversation around me fades to a low-level hum that’s easily overpowered by my headphones and writing playlist, and I hardly notice the people around me as they come and go. They could break out in a group dance, and I don’t think it would pull my attention away from my manuscript.
These are the moments I live for. When my surroundings blur and I lose myself in the world I’ve created. When the characters’ voices are loud in my head, and each of their emotions filter through me before making their way to the screen through my fingers. When I feel more like a conduit than a writer.
Hours later, I’m almost done with my second chapter for the day when a text notification pops up on my laptop screen. Which means it’s Sebastian. I have everyone else on do not disturb mode, so they don’t mess with my concentration, but not Bash.
He can break my concentration any day.
Sebastian
We just landed. Are you at home? I’m coming to wherever you are. Can’t wait even an extra hour to see you.
My chest expands, filling with warmth and light, and I probably have a goofy smile on my face, but I couldn’t care less. He can’t wait to see me, and I feel the same.
Me
I’m at the coffee shop, writing. The Bean House. I walked, so you can come pick me up if you want. We can go to my place or yours. Celebrate your win last night.
Sebastian
On my way. Don’t move that cute ass of yours, Rosebud.
Me
Wouldn’t dream of it. Don’t speed.
Sebastian
It would be worth the ticket to see you quicker.
Me
Won’t be quicker if you have to stop for a ticket. LOL.
Sebastian
Quit being so logical when I’m trying to be romantic.
Me
Sorry, babe. Get all the tickets you want. See you soon.
Grinning, I look up from my computer to crack my neck and do some quick stretching so I don’t end up with a tension headache. The cafe is busy, and so are the sidewalks outside. Not that I’m surprised. It’s such a nice day. Who wouldn’t want to get out and enjoy it?
I smile when I make eye contact with a few of the other patrons because this is the Midwest and people do that here. Am I becoming a Midwesterner? I think I might be, and I’m not mad about it. There’s no way I would have been able to sit this long in a coffee shop in LA, unbothered, in the midst of my parents’ drama and my newly public relationship with a pro hockey player.
If people have recognized me today, they’ve been quiet about it.
The blood in my veins hums a happy tune as I shake myself out and try to push away the thought of Sebastian driving toward me so I can finish this chapter. It’s not quite the flow state I was in before he texted, but I manage to type the final word just as a deep, familiar voice breaks through my concentration.
“Hey, beautiful.” Warm breath fans over my ear and cheek, followed by the soft press of lips. “God, I missed you.”
It feels like the world is in slow motion as I turn to face him. I don’t care that we’re in a coffee shop or that people may be watching when I let out a happy little sound and press myself to Sebastian’s chest as he opens his arms for a hug. He’s solid and warm, and the spicy scent of his cologne gives me an instant dopamine hit.
“You’re here.”
