Standing behind her was quite possibly the most attractive man in Kansas City. No, the most attractive man in the United States. Maybe even the entire universe.

He was tall, with thick brown hair tousled in that perfectly mussed way. High, defined cheekbones, full lips pressed together like he was trying not to smile, and the cutest little dimple right in the middle of his chin. Warm brown eyes darted from the phone in Lauren’s hand to her face for the briefest second, and then to the menu on the wall. He tucked his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and cleared his throat, his eyes now fixed above her head.

Lauren turned to face forward again, her cheeks warming. Her heart fluttered in her chest like a bird taking flight, and the nape of her neck tingled. Taking care to shield the screen with her upper body, she furiously tapped out another text.

Lauren: I’m going to kill you. There’s a hot guy behind me at The Grind House and he saw me looking at your boobs on my phone. He probably thinks I’m some sex fanatic or exhibitionist.

Emma: Hot guy, you say? Did he like what he saw? Tell him I’ll show him the real thing if he follows you to work.

Lauren: Stop. You stop now.

Finally, it was her turn, and she stepped up to find Tyler’s cheerful face behind the counter. His familiar presence soothed her frayed nerves.

“Hey, Lauren! Quad Americano?”

“Actually, just a regular coffee. Please.”

Tyler frowned. “You’re not going soft on me, are you?”

“It’s just for today, I promise. I’ve got a big presentation this morning and I’m plenty wired as it is.”

“Okay, I’ll let it slide this once.”

“Thanks, Ty.”

As he took her credit card, Tyler leaned across the counter. Ducking his chin to his chest, he widened his eyes and whispered, “Did you know the guy standing behind you is exceptionally good-looking?”

Lauren let out a nervous laugh and mirrored Tyler’s position. “I’m aware. And I’m sure he is, too.”

Tyler swiped her card with a sigh, appearing unhappy that she wasn’t matching his level of excitement. The thing was, Lauren made a wide berth around guys like the one behind her. She learned a long time ago to stay away from extremely attractive men. Instead, she preferred cute ones. Adorable. Good-looking (regular variety, not the exceptional type). The kind who might be considered average to start with, but whose appeal grew as she got to know their personalities.

The hot ones were heartbreakers.

This, she knew from experience.

She tucked her card back into her purse and picked up the empty cup Tyler set before her. “See you tomorrow.”

“Good luck on your presentation,” Tyler called out as she walked away.