Coffee Seduction (A Starbucks Love Story)

Extra Hot Caramel Macchiato

2nd Cup 

I was up all night thinking about AB and now all I have were dark circles around my eyes. I need to see her again. If only I was able to get her name, I could ask someone from the company to find her. I lazily got off the bed and hit the shower.

I was literally dragging myself to work. My phone rang when I was about to leave home.

"What is it now, Jessica?" I answered in monotone.

"Your mom would like to speak with you about the cancellation of your meeting with Miss Mondragon." She said with a stern voice.

"I'll find time to call her." I hang up and drove to work. I declared today as No-Talk-Tuesday. I don't want to talk to anybody unless it's AB.

I was dozing off while logging on to the POS when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. It was Jared wearing a wicked smile. "Who's the girl that kept you awake all night?"

"I didn't go out last night." I answered sluggishly.

"Norman Marasigan, one of the one most sought after bachelors in town stayed home last night?!" Calvin, the other barista exclaimed in disbelief. "Either you're sick or you're in love" he added.

How in the world did he figure out that I'm in love? Wait. Am I? If I'm not, then why is it that I see her in every corner of my house, in the passenger's seat of my car, in the streets, and even now, inside the coffee shop?

"Hi! Good Morning!" Jared and Calvin said in unison. Their jaws dropped when they got a glimpse of the customer who just walked in. I was tempted to wipe the drool off their faces as the woman in a dark blue knee length dress and gray cardigan walked towards the counter.

Her vanilla flavored perfume sent shiver up my spine. It reminded me of yesterday's rendezvous.  "Hi Norm!" She smiled sweetly with one hand waving at me.

"Hi AB." My heart rate started to accelerate. It took a lot of effort for me to control my voice so it wouldn't come out like a squeak. "Your drink for today?"

"Hmm." There she goes again, biting her lip as if it was some sweet candy. "I'll have a tall Caramel Macchiato. Extra hot." She answered briefly. She left her card on top of the counter and head straight to the couch where she was seated yesterday.

Jared gave me a sharp dig in the ribs. "AB? Did I miss anything yesterday?" He asked me with a creased eyebrow.

"Boss Norm, you hit the jackpot! She's a goddess!" Calvin had a childish grin on his face. "If I was here yesterday, she'd still be fast asleep in my bed."

"Shut the f**k up, Calvin!" I yelled.

Calvin can give me a run for my money. I've lost a few bets with him because some women chose to go out with him instead of me. I know that he is just joking and I used to normally dismiss it but just the thought of him getting near AB makes my blood boil.

"Relax boss! I got it. She's in the No Trespassing Zone." Calvin had both his hands in the air.

No Trespassing Zone is when a one of us exclusively dates a woman and nobody else is allowed to get close or even talk to her. Jared was the one who made that up when Calvin tried hitting on the girl he was dating and now fianceé, Deniece.

"I'll prepare the drink." Calvin took the cup and read AB's drink. "Caramel Macchiato, extra hot. Yup! Extra hot indeed!" He looked at me over his shoulders and smile sheepishly. "Just saying." He gestured his fingers across his lips as if he was zipping it.

I gazed at AB getting all cozy. She was busy sketching again. I need to get her number or at least her full name and then I'll just pay someone to get her personal details, but how do I ask her without her noticing that I was fishing for information? I need to find a way to see her again.

Just my luck! A Customer Voice Receipt! Even the so-called destiny is making way for us to meet again. Free coffee means I'll see her again!

I slowly stride towards her with the cup of coffee in my right hand and her card and receipt on the left. She's now on the phone with a ferocious expression on her face.

"What the hell?! Why just now?! That f*****g bastard! This is bullshit!" She shouted through her gritted teeth. She paused for few seconds, listening to the person who was talking on the other line. "No! No! No! You're not going to do that! I'm gonna make him pay for this! Send that stupid asshole a card and tell him that he just missed half of his life." She paused again, probably trying to contain her emotions and then after a few seconds let out a deep sigh and screamed again. "No, better yet tell him never to contact you again or I'm going to rip his f*****g head off!" Her clenched fist was hammering the table. Her hand must be hurt because I can see a splat of blood on the table.

I have never seen a woman so angry and yet so attractive. Some might find it a major turn-off hearing a woman curse but I actually find it very sexy. I may have gone crazy for being fascinated with a woman swearing and screaming her lungs out but there is something about her that lures me closer. Yesterday, I loved her wit. Today, I love her tough attitude. Makes me wonder what else I'll love about her tomorrow.

It would be nice if she swears in bed while I'm busy exploring every inch of her body. I caught myself grinning with that in mind.

I placed the cup, card and receipt on top of her sketchpad. She leaned over to her left to reach for her wallet from her ethnic inspired hobo sling bag that is a perfect match with her Dr. Seuss printed dark gray low cut converse shoes. I smiled at the thought that I have never dated someone who wore a dress and paired it with sneakers. She crossed her legs as she slid her card in her wallet. It showed off her long, silky smooth legs. I panted, almost fainted. It seemed as if there isn't enough oxygen in the air. I wanted to indulge in that view but I was also mindful of the other guys' eyes that are viciously staring at her long legs, including Calvin. I pulled the couch from the other table and placed it in front of her table so they cover her legs. I want that view all for myself.

I left her for a moment then went back with a first aid kit in my hand. "Your hand is bleeding." I sat on the chair in front of her and slowly reached for her wounded hand. She's got beautiful long candle-like fingers. I was almost tempted to have our fingers intertwined. Her hand is not as flawless as the hands of the other rich girls I've dated but it was still soft. It made me think that she might have lived by herself and was doing the household chores.

A naughty thought crossed my mind again. It must be nice to feel her hands all over my body and her fingernails buried on my back when I...

She pushed my hand when I accidentally pressed hard on her wound. "I'm sorry!" I abruptly apologized to her. My polluted mind has gone wild again. I hurriedly dismissed that thought. I wrapped her hand with gauze and secured it with a tape.

She leaned towards me and whispered softly in my ear, her lips almost touching it. "Thank you." Those two words coupled with a burning sensation travelled through my entire body.

I faced her and I was stunned by our proximity. Our faces are so close that are noses are almost touching and if I make one hasty move, my lips will be brushing hers. And I am all for it. I want to own those succulent lips, the culprit that keeps sending me over the edge.

I searched for her eyes and found them locked with mine. I was surprised that she has not moved away from me. I can also sense that her breathing has increased rapidly. I slowly move my face to close our gap but I was distracted by my phone ringing and vibrating. What the f**k!!! The little monster inside me almost wanted to throw my phone away.

She moved back and scrambled for her pencil and started sketching again while I reluctantly went back to the counter to answer the phone.

"Jessica!" I snarled at the person on the other line.

"Justin, honey." It was not Jessica's voice. It was from someone who melts my heart.

"Mom?" I asked. Surprised that she was using Jessica's phone.

"Why did you cancel your date with Catherine Elise Mondragon?" Her voice was firm but sweet.

"I thought I was supposed to go out with Aria Mondragon. I didn't know she has a sister." I was surprised to hear that. Aria has been managing her family's business. Their line of business is fashion so she is well known not just because of their business but because of her aloof attitude. Men are drawn to her because she keeps declining their invitations to date her. Wait a minute. Was it Aria who declined my invitation or was it her sister?

"Catherine is Aria's older sister. I can't believe you cancelled the date. It's good that she didn't take it personally and she even sent flowers thanking you for your time." My mom explained. "I'll call them to set up another date. Don't you dare cancel it again, Justin."

"No mom. Please don't call them. I'm dating someone." Or at least I am planning to date her. I heard my mom gasp. I looked at the corner of the store and was surprised that AB is no longer there. "I need to go mom. Talk to you later."

I hung up and rushed to where AB was seated earlier and found her empty cup of coffee. Crap! She left again! I was surprised to find a note on the sleeve of the cup.

Thank you for taking care of me. I'll see you tomorrow to get my free coffee.