I roll my eyes. She's said something similar every place we've gone to this week and we meet up often.
Me: Good luck. Be there soon.
I slip on a red t-shirt and slide on a pair of white sneakers before grabbing my things and rushing back through the apartment.
I'm almost positive I'll somehow run into Forrest again, but luck is on my side and there's no sign of him. Good thing too. I'm starving and edging toward a bad mood myself if I don't eat soon. If he says one more word to me at the moment, I might…
The mental image of shutting him up by kissing him once again enters my mind. Maybe he's not the only insane one.
CHAPTER THREE
FORREST
Being a creature of habit,I find it difficult to keep away from the coffee shop downstairs for more than one day. I'd tried a little place down the road yesterday, but the inconvenience was a pain, and the coffee just wasn't as good. Still, even as I plan to go grab a cup from my usual caffeine supplier, I hesitate at the door. Will the new guy be working? I frown. Why does it matter, anyway?
I recall his green eyes, and how they'd widened in surprise when we'd unexpectedly seen each other in the hallway. He hadn't been the only one shocked. What were the chances of the one man I'd noticed since the split with my ex would live directly across the hall? His eyes really were a fascinating, vibrant shade. I immediately follow the thought with a scowl.
“For fuck's sake, Forrest. They’re just eyes. Lots of people have green eyes. His are not special,” I grumble to myself, even though I'm well aware the color isn't common.
He's attractive. Okay, I admit it. That doesn't mean I have to act on it. I can ignore him in the name of good java. It's a non-issue really.
I yank the front door open before I change my mind and force my feet to move toward Quick Fix before I take another unnecessary trip to a different shop.
As I make my way downstairs, I ignore the strange fluttering in my stomach and focus on work instead. I have a mountain of things to get done as soon as I get back and limited time to complete them.
The distraction does the trick, and less than a minute later the ding of the bell goes off over my head as I step inside the shop. I'm engulfed in that rich aroma of fresh coffee I had missed so badly yesterday.
I scan the work area behind the counter, only spotting Gina and another woman who's worked here as long as I've been a customer. I breathe a sigh of relief that oddly feels a bit like disappointment. No, it's definitely a relief, I decide. There's no need to leave with a cup of coffee I hate just because… Well, because apparently the new guy brings out the worst in me for reasons that aren't even his fault.
“Forrest,” Gina greets me while popping her hands on her hips. “You gonna have your normal today, or should I make you another drink you probably dug up in some deep hole on the internet that you'll hate.”
A knowing smile creeps up on her face, but she'll never get me to admit it had been a mistake. Over my dead body. “It was amazing actually, but I'll just take my normal today.”
Gina doesn't even bother to conceal the way she rolls her eyes, nor do I expect her to. “One giant coffee, black and boring, coming up. Croissant as usual?”
When I nod, she quickly pours my coffee and stuffs a croissant in a small, white bag before ringing up my order. She charges me the real price this time, so I guess I was charged a fee for being an asshole last time. Secretly, I don't blame her, so I don't call her out.
“Thank you,” I say and take my leave.
Heading back upstairs, I step around the corner into my hall while sipping the liquid perfection. Without warning, I hear a squeak and then a body slams into mine, knocking me backward. My spine collides with the wall, and the cup crushes between my chest and the one pressed against me. Steaming hot coffee drenches my shirt, and I hiss in pain as I push the person away.
“Damn it,” I growl as I paw at my shirt, pulling it away from my skin before it causes a real injury.
“Oh my god. I'm so sorry.”
The voice immediately registers, and I jerk my gaze up, finding the flustered new kid standing in front of me. I quickly scan his body to see how much of the mess he'd taken. His shirt is even worse off than mine and he's doing nothing about it.
“Jesus,” I grumble and let go of my shirt to pull his away from his skin, revealing the pale flesh of his stomach that has turned an angry red in some places. “Are you trying to burn yourself or something?”
“No, I-I…” he stammers and then goes mute entirely when I meet his eyes. His cheeks are as red as the skin under his shirt as he blushes scarlet. “I'm sorry. I was late for work and didn't see you or even hear you.”
“There are already two people working. And can't you hold your shirt yourself?” I shouldn't be touching him at all, except that the guy seems to have zero concerns for his own safety.
“Gina needs to leave for an appointment and asked me to fill in for a few hours. I can't say no to the money.”
I'm curious about his situation. I’m curious about him in general. His southern accent is thicker than most around here, including mine, and he doesn't strike me as a kid from the city. “Well, you might want to change clothes before you head down.”
He finally glances down at himself and winces.
