Page 16 of The Way Home

“Brain! I was going to say brain. Very smart, Paul is.”

Jamie rolled his eyes. “Stop setting me up!” All he received in return was a dismissive hand wave from his coworker.

It was a busy week, and even if Caleb was interested — which was a bigif— he probably didn’t want to wait around for Jamie. A man that hot likely had prospects lining up out the door.

Yes. Better to put an end to this now.

Pulling out his mobile, he flipped it open and read the message from that morning. Bloody hell — it was already six.

Caleb

Coffee this week?

Before he could talk himself out of it, he ripped off the bandage.

Hey Caleb. I can’t this week. Big exhibit at the library. Thank you for the offer.

He flipped his phone closed with a small nod. There. Temptation gone.

“Okay, I’m going home,” JB announced, clapping Jamie on the back before heading toward the exit. “Don’t stay here too late,” he called over his shoulder. To Jamie’s surprise, his phone vibrated a few seconds later.

Caleb

Oh, bummer. You don’t have thirty minutes? I can come your way.

You left before I could caffeinate you thismorning.

Jamie smiled. This really wasn’t helping him keep his hopes in check. He sat down on one of the library benches and typed back.

Unfortunately not. I’ll be scrambling around here all week.

Caleb

Does the British Library at least have coffee?

Yes, it has a cafe. Pretty decent, too.

Caleb

Good :) What’s your coffee order?

Jamie frowned. Did Caleb want to… chat with him? Another zap of hope surged in his chest.

Usually a caramel latte with oat milk. I try to limit my dairy intake, and almond milk production has an enormous carbon footprint.

Right after hitting send, Jamie cringed. That was far too much information.

Caleb

It does?!?

Yes! One glass of almond milk requires 130 pints of water.

Caleb

Shit. Be rightback.

Jamie stared down at his phone, heart pounding. What on earth was going on?