“I love Java House.”

“I bet I can guess what you order…” I smirk, knowing my guessing skills in this department are on-point. Dylan smiles, showing all his teeth, welcoming the challenge.

“Alright. Shoot, Winter the barista…”

I’ve got him pegged already. It’s simple… He wakes up early, pushing his body and mind immediately; riding waves are his business meetings. He has no interest in sweet flavors and extra fat. He’s bold, honest, no frills, but handsome and gritty…

“An Americano with cream. No! Almond milk.”

Dylan’s smile deepens, showcasing his dimples, making my thighs clamp together.

“You’re almost right. Americano, black.”

I chuckle. “Of course.”

Black and bold, just like Aleck’s soul.

Stop it! I shake off my inner voice like it’s a mosquito and lean back in my seat.

“Almost right,” I say as our server comes to collect our empty plates.

“Thank you,” Dylan nods at him. “You and your friends seemed like the perfect dynamic. A group of friends people are drawn to.”

“I really love them. Sondra has always been there for me, and I met Keith and Dottie when I really needed a family. We all hit it off immediately. The four of us are opposites in ways that attract us to each other, but alike in ways that keep us bonded.”

“How so?”

“Well, Sondra is the rule-breaker, the risk-taker. She could convince White House security that she forgot her invitation, and they’d let us through the doors to have lunch with Madam President herself. Dottie is our fearless adventurer. There isn’t a thing she wouldn’t try at least once. She always drags us to these things we never want to do, but we end up having a blast anyway.”

“Like what, exactly?” Dylan leans forward, his eyes flickering with dancing light, fixed on me.

“Um, rock climbing for one. It sucked.” I laugh and take a sip of my wine. “And terrifying. Snowboarding in the Winter, bungee jumping, and hiking in the summer and fall. She’s always dragging us to hiking trails that take, like, most of the day to complete. Sondra’s a lot more into those things than Keith and I. Keith just ends up complaining the entire time, and I laugh and eat snacks from my pack all day.”

“Sounds like a good time to me.”

“It’s basically my nightmare. You and Dottie would be perfect for each other, actually. She surfs, too. I’ll put in a good word for you.”

Dylan laughs, then reaches across the table and slides his hand over mine. “Are you trying to pimp me out, Winter?”

“Yes, actually. You’re super pimpable, Dylan.”

He tilts his head back and laughs. “Well, I’m afraid that’s not going to work for me. See, I’ve got eyes for this woman who may not be into the things I’m into but holds my attention anyway. And if she agrees to go out with me on a second date, I’ll make sure not to take her on a hike or make her jump out of a plane.”