Twilight Town's Whispers

Books & Coffee

"You don't have to do that. I can carry my groceries," Mina hurried out of the grocery store and after the man briskly walking ahead of her.

Being taller than her with long legs made it a challenge for Mina to keep up with the man. She wasn't the tallest woman out there, only standing at 5'6" but this man seemed to tower over her. She hadn't expected she would be chasing someone, albeit a very handsome man, to stop him from lugging her groceries to her car. She was an independent woman and had no issues carrying her own groceries, but this infuriatingly sweet man didn't take no for an answer.

"It's no problem, ma'am. This is part of our service." Glancing over his shoulder, a playful smirk tilting the corner of his lip.

Why was he so handsome? Mina, having been all over the world, had seen attractive men before, but this tall glass of water was something else. His other worldly beauty left Mina floundering like an i***t. For a woman usually good with her words, she couldn't seem to piece a coherent sentence to save her life. Maybe it was those honey-colored eyes twinkling with the promise of a good time or his tousled blonde hair that looked soft to the touch. That sharp jawline that could cut glass or his broad shoulders, those strong arms, that flexed muscles he probably spent hours a day perfecting. The man was a walking piece of art, and there was no way he didn't know it.

"Ma'am," His throat cleared, breaking Mina from her ogling.

"Sorry," Heat crept up her neck to her cheeks in embarrassment. Scurrying over to the bronco, she pressed her key fob with a beep, the trunk unlocked the door slowly rising on its own.

"No problem ma'am,"

"Please stop calling me that? Your making me feel ancient."

"What are you twenty? No way a beautiful woman like yourself should ever feel ancient," he purred, making her cheeks blaze with fresh embarrassment.

The urge to cover her face or runaway crashed over her, making her cheeks heat embarrassingly more. Why was she acting like a school girl crushing on the cool guys at school?

"Thirty-two actually, but thanks for the compliment," Shaking off the embarrassment. "I'm Mina," Smiling wide, she thrust her hand out toward him.

"Mina," His deep voice rumbled saying her name, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "I'm Liam," Grabbing her hand in a gentle yet firm handshake.

What would have taken her five minutes to get all her grocery bags sorted in her trunk only took Liam two before he shut the trunk.

"So," Liam scratched the back of his neck nervously like there was something he wanted to say. "Are you just passing through or?" He tried to ask nonchalantly, making it hard for Mina to hold in her amused smile.

"No, I actually just moved here today." Biting her lip to keep the smile at bay.

"That's good," he grinned. "So I'll be seeing you around then."

"Looks like it."

"Good," His grin widened, making two dimples on his cheeks pop, his honey-colored eyes locked onto her like she was the last piece of cake for miles. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"I don't think - Oh yes!" Her incoherent babble making him chuckle. "Is there a coffee shop in town?"

"Yes, walking distance is Book Nook Café," Stretching his deliciously muscular arm pointing to the right.

"It's a bookstore and a café?" Mina gasped, jumping in delight.

"Sure is," grinning down at her, he watched as she continued to jump up and down in delight.

"Oh I love that," Smiling wide, she beamed up at him. "Well I guess I will see you around Liam,"

"See you around sunshine," Striding away with a confidence she could never master.

"The names Mina," She called after him.

Stopping and glancing over his shoulder, his honey pools locking her in place.

"I know but sunshine suites you better," With a playful wink he turned forward, walking back into the store, leaving Mina to watch in frozen shock.

Shaking off lustful thoughts, she shouldn't be thinking about the hunky stranger, Mina quickly turned toward her vehicle, locking it up before darting in the direction Liam had pointed. Now more than ever, she needed to find some caffeine and a quiet spot to shake out all of these pesky hormones. She couldn't focus on a man even if he was a delectable tower of lean muscle and charm. No, she needed to focus on her book. Maybe a book store would be the perfect spot to get her hormones in check and get her refocused? She could only hope.

It didn't take her long before she saw the black sign hanging high and proud with Book Nook Café in gold. Smiling, Mina didn't waste another second rushing in.

The smell of old books and caffeine wrapped around her like a cozy blanket. The cute shop made Mina want to find a seat, curl up and never leave. Most of the space was a book store with huge wooden shelves packed with books. Looking around, she spotted a staircase that, if she was lucky, led to more books. To the right, off to the side, the store slowly transitioned into a cute little café. A small counter displaying an assortment of delicious treats sat inside. On the back wall sat a big black board listing all of their specials. Three small tables sat a little bit away from the counter, giving those who want it a spot to sit down.

Sighing in bliss, she made her way straight to the counter where a bored brunette leaned on the counter playing on her phone.

"Welcome to Book Nook Café," Standing up, the brunette put down her phone, giving Mina a once over. "What do yeah want?" She leaned her hip on the counter looking both bored and annoyed that Mina had dared to come into the store making her do her job instead of playing on her phone.

"Can I get a black coffee to go?"

"Black?" Her eyebrow quirked up at Mina.

"Yup," Mina said, popping the p.

This, surprisingly, wasn't the first time someone had questioned her choice of coffee. With her bubbly attitude and appearance, most people assumed she drank super sugary drinks from Starbucks. Don't get her wrong, she did enjoy a latte every now and again, but nothing beat the taste of a black coffee. She loved the rich bitter taste that sugar and cream destroyed when being added in.

"Okay," The barista sighed, turning around to make her drink. "Can I get your name?" She asked not so much as a glance in Mina's direction.

"Mina,"

"K," The barista chirped, writing Mina on a to-go cup. "Just got to brew a pot. It should be ready in a few minutes. You can go into the book area to browse. I will call you when it's ready," She shooed Mina away to get to work putting on the pot of coffee.

Nodding to herself, Mina turned around and walked into the "book area" as the barista so nicely put it.

Smiling to herself, she wandered through the rows, her fingers tracing overbook after book. Now this was the perfect place to have a morning coffee and write. She thought the beautiful view of her home was perfect to get her story down, but this place was a whole new ball game.

Pausing at a familiar book, Mina couldn't help the excited dance that burst from her body at the sight of her very own book on the shelves of this bookstore. She knew her books had gained popularity, but it always surprised and excited her to spot any of her books in bookstores, especially small indie stores like this one.

Carefully putting her book back on the shelf, she continued her perusal. Roaming around the store, she soon found herself over at the staircase, curiosity getting the better of her. Looking around, she didn't see any signs or anything to indicate that she wasn't supposed to go upstairs. Looking around like a kid about to do something they are not supposed to, Mina quickly jogged up the stairs to find more bookshelves full to the brim with books. These books looked older and pulled to her ever-growing curiosity.

Lost in the world of old books, Mina nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden sound of a throat clearing behind her. Whirling around, the last thing she expected was to see a very handsome and grumpy looking man scowling down at her.