Free London Calling by Karen Booth, Karen Stivali Page B

her forearm. More customers. Great.
    Natalie elbowed her, nodding toward the door. “I don’t think
you have anything to worry about.”
    Jenna looked up and her heart skipped several beats. He’s
here.

Chapter Five
     
    Tim reached for Jenna but found her side of the bed empty. He
opened his eyes, still half asleep. Her scent was everywhere—the sheets,
the pillow, him, but she was nowhere in sight. He sat up, craning his neck to
look toward the bathroom, then he remembered she needed to be at the café to
open.
    Bugger. He flopped back onto the pillows. I didn’t
even say goodbye. It occurred to him they hadn’t set up a future date yet
either. That thought was enough to get him out of bed.
    In less than twenty minutes, he was out the door heading for
the café. The morning air was cool as his still-damp hair flopped against his
forehead, but all he could focus on was seeing Jenna again. He caught a glimpse
of her the second he opened the door. Hair pulled back, dark gray t-shirt over
a black thermal, lips a deep crimson that reminded him of how her mouth looked
after their kisses.
    He couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he remembered
their night together. It occurred to him that she’d left without a word. Suppose
she snuck out to avoid an awkward morning together? His stomach tensed until
he caught her eye. The moment she smiled his whole body relaxed.
    Is it my imagination or is she glowing? He tried not
to stare as he waited for his turn. Natalie popped out of the back with a large
sheet of muffins. “Hey, Piano Man.” She smirked and he knew Jenna must have
mentioned their evening. Her friend seems pleased with me, that’s got to be
a good sign.
    When he finally reached the front of the line, Jenna looked
up at him, eyes wide and innocent. “What can I do for you?”
    He felt the grin return as his eyebrows popped high with the
possibilities. “Can I get a large latte with an extra shot? I’m feeling a bit
worn out this morning.”
    The corners of her mouth twitched and he could tell she was
trying not to laugh. “See anything else you like?”
    “Very much, but for now I’ll just take the coffee.” He
leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “I’m really just here to stare at the
cute counter girl until she can take a break. I’m hoping she’ll come chat me
up.”
    “Good luck with that.” Jenna’s eyes twinkled. “That’ll be
$2.49.”
    He handed her three dollars and dropped the coins in the tip
jar. “Trying to increase my odds.”
    He grabbed a copy of The Village Voice and took a
seat to wait.
    Natalie came out of the kitchen again and placed a small
plate in front of him. “New scone recipe, maybe you can tell me if I’ve got it
right.” She winked at him and returned to the counter. He took a bite and was
impressed. Perfect texture. Just the right amount of sweetness.
    “Well?” she asked, peering at him from over the glass case.
    “Spot on.”
    “Yes!” She gave a thumbs-up and disappeared back into the
kitchen.
    He was just finishing the last bite when Jenna came and sat
down opposite him. “Sorry. Busy morning today.”
    “You’re worth the wait.” He reached over and took her hand,
loving the fact that her cheeks colored as soon as he touched her. “You know I
didn’t even hear you leave this morning.”
    “You were out cold.”
    “You should have woken me. I’d have walked you downstairs,
put you in a cab.”
    “I figured you needed your rest.” Laughter danced in her
eyes.
    “So when can I see you again? Are you free tonight?” He held
his breath, hoping he didn’t sound too needy but not caring enough to try to
appear cooler.
    “Actually tonight I have to do laundry. I mean really have
to. The situation is pretty desperate.”
    “Sounds perfect. I was just thinking I needed to track down
a laundry. Particularly since someone got lipstick on one of my dress shirts.”
    Her hand flew to her mouth. “Did I? I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be. I quite