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shook my
head back a little and tried to regain my serene and impassive
disposition. I walked up to the counter and smiled at him. “Good
morning sir. What can I get you?” He eyed me cautiously and then
tipped his head back and laughed so loudly, I thought he might
shatter the windows. His heavy shoulders bounced up and down as a
deep laugh rumbled through him. Wiping his eyes, he shook his head
at me and grinned. “First of all, call me Jared. Secondly, that was
by far the best performance I have ever seen. I recommend a dentist
though, because you were gritting your teeth so hard the whole time
I think you might need a root canal. You should probably work on
your fake smile too because that was hilarious.” He stifled another laugh with his
fist.
     
    My mouth opened wide in
irritation and pure shock. How dare he! Here I was, trying to be
nice, trying to be polite and he had the sheer audacity to insult
me! I was just about to let him have it when he held up his hand to
silence me. “That being said. I appreciate the effort. I’ll have
whatever it is you’re drinking there.” He pointed to my cup which
was sitting on the counter.
     
    I rolled my eyes and
walked over to the coffee machine. It was only then that I had
thought to look around the shop. I glanced up and my eyes took in
the room. There were a handful of people sitting at their tables
staring at me. A few had begun to speak softly to each other and
were nodding in my direction. I felt the embarrassment creeping up
my skin all the way to my cheeks. Just like that, I was back in the
high school cafeteria. I cursed myself for allowing this man to get
under my skin. Causing a scene at work was just one more thing to
add to my list of horrible experiences this week. This one was
certainly up there with laying spread eagle at Oliver’s
feet.
     
    I put it to the back of my
mind and served Jared his coffee to go. Placing it on the counter I
gave him my most genuine smile. Well, as much as I could force
myself to give to this man. He gave me a cautious look as he
grabbed the cup off the counter. “That’s $1.96 please,” I reminded
him.
    He gave me a quizzical
look. “I said that’s $1.96. You know? Cash? Around here people
generally pay for coffee.”
    The corners of his mouth
curled up and he took a sip of his latte which he had yet to pay for. Who the
hell did this guy think he was? Glowering at him, I placed my hands
on my hips, gripping them firmly; mostly to stop myself from
slapping him hard on the face.
     
    “Well I don’t usually, but
since it’s you I’m only too happy to oblige.” He reached into his
pocket and produced a $10 bill. I held out my hand and he pressed
the bill between our palms. I felt like a bolt of lightning hit me.
What was that? Gripping my hand he leaned in to the counter and I
could smell his aftershave. It was deep, sensual, musky and yet
sweet at the same time. Or maybe that was just him, his natural
scent. It inflamed my nostrils and I felt my blood beginning to
boil. What on earth was he doing to me? He was a rude, insensitive
dick and yet his touch had left me stripped of my
senses.
    “And because it’s you I’ll
even let you keep the change. Call it a tip for your warm customer
service.” He gave me a wink and turned on his heel. He pulled the
door open and then shot me the sexiest smile I had ever
seen.
    Wide eyed and shocked I
walked to the window, $10 bill in hand and watched him as he walked
down the street. Once he was out of sight I turned around and
leaned against the counter. I shook my head and massaged my
temple. Get a grip girl . What the hell had just happened? I’d gone from absolutely
outraged one moment to intensely aroused in a matter of
seconds.
     
    He was so infuriatingly
frustrating. So then why the hell couldn’t I stop thinking about
his touch?! My heart was pounding and I could hear my breathing
quickening as I thought about it all. I needed some air. I ran to
the back of the shop and