Teaching Aleck (The Last Hangman MC #2)(21)

I miss Aleck. I haven’t heard from him since our talk at Christmas. It sucks.

The guy I met before Christmas has been texting me on and off, checking in to see if I wanted to go for a coffee with him when he would be back in town after his training, whatever that meant. I finally agreed and we’re going for a coffee today. I’m quite nervous. I’m not used to getting attention from random guys. I’m too awkward for that, but a part of moving on is opening myself up to new opportunities, so coffee with Brian it is.

I suggested we go to Josie’s bakery as she has now a couple of tables and is serving drinks. Might as well go somewhere familiar. I’m already nervous as it is, if I have to meet him in a totally new place, I’m going to freak out and not be myself.

I decide on skinny jeans and a black and white polka dot blouse, ankle boots and a blazer. I put a little bit of make-up on, my glasses and spray some perfume before heading out the door.

The drive to the bakery isn’t long, which doesn’t give me the time to relax. I’m a nervous mess by the time I get there.

Brian is already there and greets me when I walk in. “Hey, Gorgeous.” I don’t how I feel about him using Aleck’s nickname for me. Not that he could have known about it, but still, it’s weird.

“Hi, Brian. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”

“No, don’t worry, I just got here.” He smiles and holds the chair for me to sit. Such a gentleman move.

“Thank you.” I smile back.

“You’re welcome. How have you been?”

“I’ve been good, and you? How was the training?” I look between him and the pile of donuts that’s sitting on the counter.

“I’ve been good too, thanks. The training was, well, training.” He chuckles. “But it was good and interesting.”

“I’m sure. What do you do anyway? You never told me.”

“I’m a firefighter.” He smiles.

“Oh, nice.” I smile, my eyes drifting to the donuts once again.

He looks over his shoulder to see what I’m looking at. “Donuts or me? Tough decision I agree,” he says dramatically and chuckles.

“Sorry. These red velvet donuts are just pure heaven, you have to try one.” I blush a little embarrassed for being busted.

“Don’t worry about it, Charline, they do look delicious,” he says holding my hand. Not sure how I’m feeling about this. It does feel nice, but it’s just weird.

“Good morning, what can I get you two?” Ayden says with a shit eating grin as she’s getting ready to take our order.

I try not to burst out laughing seeing my friend’s face. “Ah, uhm, I’ll have a café latte and one of those red velvet donuts, please.”

“One or a box?” she asks innocently.

“One for now, and a box to go please.” I can’t help but laugh.

“You two know each other?” Brian asks looking at us confused.

“Ah, she comes in every other day to take our stock of red velvet donuts, other than that, nah, don’t know this chick,” Ayd replies casually shrugging. I think by now Brian thinks we’re crazy.

“Okay?” He chuckles. “I’ll take an expresso and one of those donuts too. They look delicious.”

“They really are, I’ll bring your order in a minute.” Ayd smiles and leaves us.

“Did you bring me here so you would have someone you know around to save you in case I’m too boring?” Brian asks raising an eyebrow, but grinning too. I’m glad he’s not mad about it.

“Busted.” I giggle. “I would have been a nervous mess anywhere else. Besides, this place is really the best, so it’s a win-win situation. I get the comfort of having my friend around, and you get to eat the best donut that ever existed,” I say matter of factly.

“I don’t mind at all, that’s why I let you pick the place. I like you, Charline, I know we only met a couple weeks ago, but I really feel like we could get along really well.”

“You seem like a nice guy and are good company I have to give you that.” I smile softly.

“Good to know you don’t think I’m a creep.” He chuckles.

“Who’s a creep?” Ayd butts in as she gives us our coffee and donuts.

“No one but you.” I grin innocently.

“Ah, you love me.” She grins and gives Brian the bill and leaves us again, before I get to answer.

“Let me guess, longtime friends?” He grins at our short banter.

“Yeah, since high school.” I smile taking a sip of my latte.

“That’s great. I don’t have many friends around here. I’m from California, just moved here a couple of months ago.” He smiles and moans after taking a bite of his donut.

“Told you!” I grin and take a bite from mine. “Why did you move here?” I ask after swallowing this heavenly bite.

“I needed a change of scenery. I went through a bad breakup and felt like a complete change was needed. I packed my stuff and drove to different places. None felt like they would be a fit until I hit New Orleans. I don’t regret moving here at all.” He smiles holding my eyes. I don’t know what he’s playing at, but it’s working. The man has everything. He’s hot, sweet, funny, smart, open about his feelings and is actually interested in me.