The scent of fresh-baked croissants permeated the room. My mouth watered in anticipation of the warm, buttery pastry melting on my tongue. Across from me, Christian quietly sipped an Americano and every time the blue, ceramic mug touched his lips, I wished they were mine. 

After our encounter at the music building and much insistence from Gina, we'd agreed to coffee at a French bakery not far from campus. We'd arrived in separate cars—me in a slightly beat-up Wrangler and he in a brand new BMW. Unlike most women, I wasn't happy to see that my date likely had the money to pay my tuition. Instead, it made him seem that much more out of reach. Even in modern-day America, it felt absurd to think a gorgeous, Asian male would bypass one of his own in favor of a cute girl with natural hair and skin like toasted almonds, let alone a rich, Asian male.

Still, as I sat across from him, lusting after his supple mouth, his lean-muscled frame easily visible through the cream, cashmere sweater, a miniscule piece of my conscience hoped it was possible. In a search for safer territory, I found instead eyes—warm as freshly brewed coffee and intensified by thick brows, a cleft chin I wanted to lick, and adorable ears that stuck out like handles for me to grab.

"So, I hear you're a business major." He said, ending my visual caress. "What are your plans?"

I'd been asked this question more than once, which should have pushed me closer to an answer. 

"I'm not really sure. I'm looking at a few options, but haven't settled on one in particular."

He nodded. "I can see that. Sometimes I..."

His lips continued to move, but I was too transfixed by them to comprehend the words. They reminded me of those cute Valentine's Day hearts with the words: I didn't care what they said, I just popped them into my mouth and savored their sweetness.

"Katrina?"

I read my name on his lips before I heard it.

"Uh, sorry, what were you saying?"

He smiled and, biting his bottom lip, leaned forward.

"Do you want to kiss me?"

"Ah, what—huh?"

My cheeks were ablaze and not for the first time, I was grateful for the cover my chocolately hue provided.

"Why—why would you ask that?"

"Because you're staring at my lips."

"Oh, was I?" I pulled a strand of my hair and it doubled in length. 

"Omo, that's cool."

I flinched when he grabbed a kinky strand and stretched it to its full length—just above the swell of my breast. I was a moment from slapping his hand back, but I was dazed by the juxtaposition of his skin near mine—a marshmallow floating in a sea of hot chocolate.

He snatched his hand back, startling us both.

"I'm sorry, I just...I've never seen anything like that before."

The faintest shade of pink crept into his cheeks

"That was rude, right? Black women don't like their hair touched. I knew that, but—"

I laughed and when he gazed at me with wide eyes, I laughed even harder.

"No, that was rude too." He shook his head. "I'm not making a good impression, am I?"

"Been there, done that."

Maybe I should have been offended, but I really just wanted to grab his ears and kiss the blush from his cheeks. Get a grip! 

"I am really sorry. For touching your hair and for making...assumptions."

"It's uh, ok." Isaid, returning to my senses. "That particular assumption has a lot of truth to it. I don't know one black girl that appreciates random people touching her hair. In the same token, I don't know any woman that likes it."

He nodded. "So...you're upset, right?"

"Yes and no. I understand the curiosity, but for future reference, you should probably ask before you touch."

"Right. Ok."

"Ok."

"So..."

"So?"

"So, did Gina shove you into this date as well?"

"Actually, no." The cute reddish tint ventured back into his cheeks. "I agreed fairly easily."

"You did?"

This was getting more interesting.

"Yes. To tell the truth, I—"

Whatever he said next went to that special place words go when no one is listening. My hands balled into fists. A sound like rolling thunder rumbled through my chest. If I clenched them any harder, my teeth would shatter like...Yet other parts of me woke up as if it was Christmas morning and I'd received the biggest gift.

"What's wrong?" Christian asked, turning to follow my gaze. He glanced at Julian then back at me.

"Well, this should be interesting." 

"You know him?" I asked, surprised.

"Don't you?"

Before I could answer, Julian turned in our direction. Lawrence—his best friend—held his place in line as he walked towards us. My attempt at administering a "fuck off" face, faltered when his mouth lifted at the corners. By the time he reached our table, I was certain I looked more constipated than threatening.

"Hey Kat, what's up?"

He had the balls to plant a kiss at the base of my ear—a spot he knew made every atom in my body vibrate. I squeezed my legs together and swiped the kiss of with the back of my hand.

"What do you want, Julian? I'm busy here."

"Oh really," he glanced at Christian—whose expression was unreadable—and chuckled. "Like you'd really give Bruce Lee the time of day."

"Ok, you know what? You need to take your ignorant ass back over there with Thing 2." I pointed. "I'm sorry, Christian. He's not usually this...well, now that I think about it, he is usually an asshole."

"Come on, Kat. I was just kidding. I wasn't trying to disrespect dude or whatever."

The words were uttered, but I questioned their sincerity.

"Anyway, can I talk to you for a sec'?"

"Seriously? You insult my date and think I'm supposed to chit chat with you?"

"Date?" Julian glanced between us.

"Yes, date!"

Was it a date? 

"We broke up days ago and your trick-ass is already on a date?"

The strength of Hercules propelled me from my seat, but before I could attack, a strong hand grabbed both my wrist and purse then pulled me towards the door.

"Yah!"

I clapped a hand over my mouth, wondering when I'd entered a melodrama. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Haha! This chapter was supposed to be much longer, but I just haven't had the time. Speaking of, this will likely be the last chapter for a while. I had big plans for this story, but I have so many other things that have taken priority. I will try my best to at least post something once a month. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you're enjoying the story so far. 

p.s.  If anyone is interested in reviewing self-published books, message me!