Addicted

47

I let my arms drop from around his neck as he stepped back from me. I don't know why I hugged him. It was my body betraying me, but I was glad that I did. It felt really nice to be in his arms.

"See you tonight," He replied, giving me a half grin, before he turned and walked out.

I watched him go, making sure that he couldn't see me before I did a little dance right there in the middle of the empty cafe.

"Eh EHM"

Oh yeah, Jeff was still here.

 I stopped dancing and turned to look at him, my face burning with embarrassment.

 "Hey, um, I was just cleaning the floor. Broke a vase. Sorry about that. How much are they? Cuz I know it's gonna come out of my paycheck."

He waved me off. "No, it's fine. They aren't expensive. What happened to your hands?"

I looked down at my hands, seeing a bandage on both of them. "I'm a bit of a klutz today." I replied, laughing and holding up my hands. "I burned one, and cut the other. It's been crazy."

He looked thoughtful, staring into my eyes. It made me uncomfortable.

"Yeah, it has been. So, that guy, you said he's your friend?"

 I nodded, slowly.

Jeff didn't look like his usual nice, easy going self right now. He looked kind of pissed and scared at the same time.

 "Yeah, I've only known him a few weeks but his best friend is dating my best friend. Why?"

 He shrugged and pursed his lips. "No reason. I think my ex girlfriend knew him is all. Of course, she was my girlfriend at the time. Until she met him and his buddies. Haven't heard from her in forever. She just ghosted me."

Why was he telling me this?

 I couldn't help it if Colby and the guys had stolen his girl from him.

 I mean, he was cute, but they were...phew. Especially Colby. There were no words.

 "Oh...I'm sorry to hear that....uh...I'm going to go clean the bathrooms and see if there is anything else I can do before the afternoon rush."

 He nodded at me, leaning back against the doorjamb, crossing his arms. Fucking weird.

 I had always felt like Jeff kind of likes me ever since I came in for the interview, but he had always ever just been friendly.

 Now he's telling me this just because he saw me with Colby. Maybe it's true but it wasn't my business. I pushed it from my mind, and finished the rest of my shift up, avoiding Jeff as much as possible.

 I even found myself singing while I was cleaning the bathrooms.

 "I like me better when I'm with you,"

I saw myself in the bathroom mirror and grinned. I looked goofy. My eyes were shining, my cheeks were flushed, and I had a silly grin on my face.

 Jesus Christ, I had a crush. A big fat stupid crush on Colby Brock. Whatever, I was going to own it. Hopefully, we could keep this whole getting along thing going on for a while at least. Long enough for me to understand him a little better.

The hours seemed to drag by in the little coffee shop, as I watched the clock.

Right at 9 pm, Colby strolled through the front doors. His eyes met mine, and he gave me a big smile. My heart stopped. I think it actually stopped. What did I do to deserve one of those rare beautiful smiles?

 I was done with all of my side work and everything that needed to be prepared for the morning shift.

"Jeff, I'm leaving!" I yelled to the back as I clocked out.

 I walked towards Colby, a grin spreading across my face as he held his hand out.

"Hey, before you go I wanted to ask-oh" Jeff came into the front area talking but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Colby.

 I felt Colby's hand tighten on mine, and his body stiffen. The look of 'eat shit and die' on his face was priceless.

Was he jealous? I kind of like it.

 "What do you need Jeff?" I asked, keeping the smile on my face.

 He looked hella uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to the next.

"Uh, yeah are you coming in tomorrow?"

That is not what he wanted to ask.

I shook my head.

"No, I'm not scheduled, you know that."

 He scratched the back of his head and looked down. "Oh yeah, I haven't looked at the schedule."

"Aren't you supposed to be the boss or something?" Colby growled out, looking menacing as he glowered at him.

Jeff let his eyes glance towards Colby for a split second before they rested on me.

 "Is that all?" I asked, when he ignored Colby's question.

This pissing contest was starting to get a little annoying now. I was ready to go.

 Jeff gave me a short quick nod, before he turned on his heel and walked to the back. I sighed, and headed for the door, pulling Colby behind me. He dropped my hand as soon as we were outside.

 I wasn't sure why we had been holding hands in the first place but I was enjoying it. I was disappointed when he let go.

 "So...what do you wanna do?" He asked.

 He seemed almost nervous, with the way he kept twisting his rings.

 "I thought we were going to talk about...things."

He ran his hand through his hair. "Yeah, I guess we were. Do you wanna go back to my place?"

 I hesitated.

 I didn't really wanna be surrounded by everyone again, or go back to Colby's room just yet.

 "Not really." I finally answered. "Would you mind coming to my place instead?"

He looked just as hesitant as I had felt.

"I mean, you don't have to, it was just a thought. It'll be quiet there."

 He let out a breath. "There won't be anyone there? Just me and you?" His eyes looked worried at that prospect.

Maybe he was scared to be alone with me after almost...well, after what happened in his room last time.

I stopped walking, grabbing his arm to stop him.

"Hey, I forgive you. I don't think you'll let whatever that was happen again. How about we just talk? Nothing else."