Just One Kiss Read Online Free Page A

moments. I don’t talk about Brayden . . . Does
that mean he’s important?

Chapter Four
    What a Small World
    Tonight is Saturday and my second night working at
Starbucks. I was kind of surprised at how quickly I caught on to the different
types of drinks; it was all pretty easy. Plus, there’s a cheat sheet under the
register in case I get stuck.
    I really like working. Not only because yesterday I learned
how much fun it is to work with Ro, but also because the other people here are
pretty awesome too. There’s Chance, who’s gorgeous with blond hair and smoky
blue eyes. Liz is kind of adorable, with hair that reaches the middle of her
back and a pretty smile. Jake has tousled blond hair and light brown eyes.
Carlos is a Hispanic stud and he knows he’s hot. Then there’s Jon, who spends
most of his time in the office, but comes out every once in a while to make a
joke or two before retreating back to solitude.
    When I first walked in, I was so nervous I was shaking. I
really didn’t want to be made fun of by my coworkers and I hadn’t really
thought about that when I applied.
    Since we all work in shifts, last night Chance and Liz were
working with Ro and me. I definitely didn’t expect to be attacked by a hug as
soon as I got behind the counter. Liz is a touchy-feely kind of person and
wanted to welcome me to the team. Chance shook my hand and introduced me to
himself and to Liz. The rest of the night was filled with jokes and laughter
while we worked. It was wonderful.
    I already knew Chance, but today I got to meet Carlos and
Jake too. I feel a little bad for ruining the café’s streak for hiring gorgeous
people. Working with three guys is basically like spending six hours with
Aurora, times three. This must be where she developed her perverted side.
Though, if I’m being honest, she had it long before she started working at
Starbucks.
    I’m wiping off the counter after Carlos had a mishap with a
blender and wondering why I’m so comfortable here. I think it’s because these
guys are just like Ro. She accepted me when I felt like nobody else would, and
they’re accepting me too.
    “So, Annie, what are you doing tonight?” Chance asks. Ro
told Jon to put “Annie” on my nametag since that is what I go by with the
people closest to me. It’s her way of hinting that I need to be more outgoing.
    “Sleeping, I hope,” I admit. What else would I be doing?
    “You’re just going to go home and sleep on a Saturday
night?” he echoes skeptically.
    “Yup,” I reiterate.
    “Wouldn’t you rather come to a party?” He gives me a puppy
dog look that I’m sure works with women of all ages.
    “Absolutely not.” I refuse to budge.
    “Really. You should come. It’ll be fun,” he prods one more
time.
    “I’m really okay, but thanks for the offer.” I smile
politely, hoping he’ll understand that I’m not saying no because of him.
    “Fine, but if you change your mind, call me.” He takes my
phone out of my pocket and punches in his number.
    There’s still another hour to go before our shift ends, and
it’s clear that Chance won’t be dropping the party subject. I almost dance with
relief when I hear the bell chime above the door, telling me we have a customer.
I grin and stick my tongue out at Chance before turning to say, “Hi, how can I . . .”
My voice drifts off as my brain registers who is standing in front of me.
Brayden.
    I freeze, not sure how to act. Do I pretend I’ve never met
him? Or do I show that I know him and that he insulted me? I go with the first.
    I clear my throat. “Sorry, welcome to Starbucks. What can I
get you?”
    I watch as his eyes widen in recognition when he hears my
voice. “Anna,” he says quietly, his gaze flickering up to meet mine.
    I suddenly feel annoyed. “Hello. What can I do for you?” I
ask once again.
    “How about answer when I call or text you?” he snaps,
sounding as annoyed as I am.
    “Why would I do that?”
    “Because I have no idea