Page 82 of Between the Lines

“Oh, hey!” She smiles so wide her eyes crinkle, then immediately schools her face, eyes darting between me and the new girl.

We made a rule—at work we are professional coworkers, if you will. Doesn’t mean it’s easy though. For fuck’s sake, it’s only Wednesday and I’m already here, unable to stay away from her.

That, and I woke up with an idea I can’t shake.

“Been slow I’m guessing?” I cross my arms over my chest, staring at the plants draping off the wall, at the emerald-green tile on the wall—anywhere but at Fia’s long legs and full pouty lips.

The new barista nods slowly, busying herself with a rag. Fia dumps the cups on a table next to me, popping a hand on her hip.

“I think we’ve had five customers all morning.” She jerks her head towards the construction booming loudly outside the door—right over the soothing coffeehouse music.

“But anyway, what are you doing here?” She tilts her head, and it sounds friendly, but the look in her eyes tells me it’s deeper.

“I forgot something from my office and needed to talk to you about something,” I reply, but I make no show of moving towards said office.

Fia eyes me. “Right.” She turns her head, but not before I catch a sly smirk spreading on her lips.

The back door chimes and stomping footsteps clamber down the hall. “What in the fresh hell is happening outside?” Halle’s loud voice booms through the shop, but she skids to a stop when she sees me.

“Oh, hi, boss.” Her face is red, eyes darting between everyone. “Didn’t know you were coming in today.”

Fia clears her throat.

“Caden needed something from his office, then he’s leaving.” She spins to face me, eyes narrowed playfully. “What did you say you were doing again, spending the day at the beach?”

I lick my lips, feeling the daring energy spark between us. The exact reason I shouldn’t be here.

“Actually, I have a meeting with our coffee supplier this morning.” I pause as Fia scrunches her forehead. “That’s why I’m here, I need you to come with me.”

“The supplier needs to meet with both of us?” she rebuts bluntly.

“It’s an important meeting, and I need your people skills, Hanson.”

There’s a spark of intrigue in her eyes as she watches me.

At least I hope that’s what it is.

“Fia, go ahead,” Halle chimes in. “I can hold it down. It’s going to be a slow day anyway.”

“Okay . . .” Fia glances out the window. “We won’t be long?”

I shake my head, frowning. “Shouldn’t be, unless they have a lot of products for us to sample. They can be annoyingly thorough.” I toy with my car keys on my fingers, bluffing boredom.

“Okay, well I guess I’ll be back soon.” Fia turns to Halle. “Text me if you need anything, or if we get busy.”

Halle salutes her, lips pursed tight, like she’s biting back a smile.

I walk into my office without another word, hoping to god this idea doesn’t backfire on me. She’s either going to hate me for it . . . or love me.

Fia walks in moments later with her purse slung over her shoulder, an iced coffee in hand. “Alright, I’m ready.”

I look her up and down, like a tall drink of water.

“Did you get what you needed?” she asks, taking a sip of her drink.

“Yep,” I reply with a succinct nod. “And we better get out of here . . .” I murmur, “before I do something totally inappropriate.”

Fia steps forward, swatting my arm. “Caden!” She smiles, eyes wild. “Did you come here today to just check me out?”