Roasting Up Love: Insta Love Shy Girl Romance #6 Read online

  Roasting Up Love

  Insta Love Shy Girl Romance #6

  By Haley Travis

  Copyright 2020 Haley Travis. All rights reserved. Cover design by Lexie Renard.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted or duplicated in any form whatsoever without express written permission of the author. This book is intended for sale to adults only. This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to actual people or specific locations or details is completely coincidental, or intended fictitiously. All characters are over 18, no sex partners are related, all sex is consensual. This is fantasy. In the real world, everyone practices safe sex at all times. Right? Right.

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  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  The Series

  Chapter One - Valerie

  Chapter Two - Dave

  Chapter Three - Valerie

  Chapter Four - Dave

  Chapter Five - Valerie

  Chapter Six - Dave

  Chapter Seven - Valerie

  Chapter Eight - Dave

  Chapter Nine - Valerie

  Chapter Ten - Dave

  Chapter Eleven - Valerie

  Epilogue #1 - Valerie

  Epilogue #2 - Dave

  Other Stories & About the Author

  ***

  Enjoy more of the “Up Love - Insta Love Shy Girl Romance” Series.

  #1 - Icing up Love

  When a cake decorator meets a former hockey player, the icing meets the ice in a whirlwind fast romance.

  #2 - Packing Up Love

  When a moving man falls for a damsel in distress, his overprotective urges are too heavy for a girl labeled, “Fragile”.

  #3 - Snapping Up Love

  Will an event photographer keep his focus when the perfect model steps into his life?

  #4 - Inking Up Love

  Can a tattoo artist keep his hands steady when the girl of his dreams walks in the door?

  #5 - Snipping Up Love

  When a billionaire visits a new hair stylist, ‘a little off the top’ becomes ‘over the top’ in an instant romance.

  #6 - Roasting Up Love

  A cafe owner brews more than java when he meets a web designer with an empty mug and an empty heart.

  #7 - Serving Up Love (Coming early March)

  A billionaire hands a sweet event server his own heart on a silver platter.

  CHAPTER ONE

  * Valerie *

  Pausing with my hand on my apartment door, I reminded myself yet again that the world is a calm, safe place, and going outside was normal. People did it every day. Leaving my tranquil apartment was a good thing for me.

  Taking a deep breath before I finally turned the handle, I left to go to the coffee shop. Millions of people did this each morning, but I hope it wasn’t as difficult for them.

  There is something deeply comforting about a good coffee shop. It doesn’t even matter whether it’s fancy or old fashioned or modern. Once I’d been to a cafe a few times, it began to feel like mine. I tended to be a bit jumpy in new places, preferring the familiar whenever possible.

  Working from home tended to make people squirrelly after a while, so I tried to start most mornings by working for a few hours in a coffee shop. It forced me to get some fresh air and daylight, and actually talk to real humans without emailing or texting. My anxiety was a bit extra sketchy until I had interacted with a person or place a couple of times. Then I could usually chill out, depending on the circumstances.

  When I walked to one of my usual destinations this morning, I was horrified to see the “closed” sign on the door. For a second I wondered hopefully if they were just on vacation. Sure enough, there was a handwritten sign underneath saying thanks for many pleasant years, but due to rent increases, they had to close permanently.

  It was happening far too often all across the city. Landlords would suddenly jack up a small business owner’s rent by twenty percent or more, and they’d be forced to vacate. Soon there would be nothing left but big-name chains.

  Usually, I would stick my nose in my phone and search for the nearest replacement. Yet with the sun beaming down on my face, and the buds just starting to peek out from the trees, I tried to be brave. I thought perhaps just this once I should take a chance. I could let the city decide. Turning right, I walked slowly, looking around.

  I tried to look in shop windows, and ground myself in the morning energy of this somewhat sleepy neighborhood. Before I tackled my busy day ahead, updating two client websites while desperately trying to find some new business as well, this little breather would be good for me.

  I didn’t go out walking much. My acquaintances were quiet people too. We usually texted, and I didn’t see them in person very often. My clients were the same way. For the thousandth time, I promised myself that I’d try to get over my jittery fear of new people someday, and create some human connections in my life besides the friendly cashier at the grocery store, and the few people I chatted to at book readings.

  Three blocks away was a coffee shop that I’d seen online but hadn’t been to yet. It was an independent chain of just three stores, started by someone local. It was one of those places that made sure that their suppliers were fairly paid, with ethical beans. Certainly worth a try.

  As I walked in, I was dazzled by how utterly charming but comfortable everything was. Plush chairs at gorgeous wooden tables. Huge panels of stained glass hung in the center of the biggest windows to diffuse the light. White walls with huge bright paintings. The smell of great coffee danced through the air.

  The table in the farthest corner was empty, and I immediately dropped my laptop bag and coat there to claim it, even though the shop was only half full.

  After stowing my things, I dug in my purse to get my wallet, then turned and nearly walked into a man’s chest. I instantly started to panic, but looking up, he was smiling sweetly. “Hi, welcome to the Dark Mug.”

  Something inside me became quiet as I stared at him. Still. Calm.

  His broad shoulders and thick arms looked like they belonged on a wrestler, not a man who worked in a coffee shop. His dark hair and dark eyes were softened by the most adorable smile, surrounded by a slight scruff of beard.

  His face was so perfect my eyes couldn’t stop studying him. I’d never seen such a gorgeous man in person, and was surprised by the warmth of his expression as he smiled at me.

  My gut reaction was to cringe and run away. I knew that every cell in my body was programmed to overreact to anything scary, but I tried to tell myself that nearly bumping into someone is a minor incident. My nervousness was tempered by my instinct to not appear rude.

  “Hi,” I said, hearing the soft warble in my voice even from that single syllable.

  “I bet you need a coffee,” he said in a softer tone, leading me to the counter. “It’s pretty early.”

  “Yes. Americano, please.”

  He turned away to start making it, and I stared at his large, strong hands as he measured the grounds, packed them, and pulled the shot. It was obvious that he loved his work in the way he was so methodical, yet still smiling.

  Turning to the other side, I couldn’t help sniffing the air, and was surprised when he laughed loudly. “Freshly roasted batch of beans,” he explained. “Kevin is back there pouring some of it into bags, so it’s going to smell amazing out here for a while.”

  I returned his smile as he set the cup and saucer in front of me on the counter. I paid him, and he flashed a wink, tucking a biscotti onto
my saucer.

  “A welcome gift, since it’s your first time here,” he grinned.

  I found myself smiling back. He was distractingly handsome. “Wow. Thanks.”

  He hesitated, as if he was trying to think of something else to say. Looking up at him, I was torn in two between wanting to leave so that I could breathe again, and needing to stay so that I could admire him further.

  A loud doorbell rang from the back of the shop, and he rolled his eyes, chuckling to me. “Deliveries,” he shrugged.

  As he walked away, I admired the way he was so graceful for such a big, almost hulking guy. Glancing around the room, I noticed that I was one of at least four women who accidentally snuck a peek before he disappeared to the back area.

  I settled at the corner table, taking a sip of coffee. It was incredible. Bold and deep, with a few notes of both sweetness and smoke. Perfectly balanced.

  The biscotti was richer than I expected, the dark chocolate drizzle complementing the coffee just right. I realized with delight that I’d found a new coffee shop. Even the light jazz playing didn’t have vocals, so it was perfect for mental focus.

  Losing myself completely in my work, I didn’t notice that an hour and a half had passed until I looked up to see the shop nearly full, and the big man who seemed like the owner walking toward me.

  “I’m sorry, I’ll leave,” I said quickly. “I know I’ve been here too long.”

  “No, not at all,” he said. “I just wondered what you were working on, and if you needed another coffee, or a glass of water.”

  “Oh. I’m fine, thanks. I’m a web designer.”

  His grin was utterly dazzling. “You’re kidding.”

  I didn’t know what he meant. “No, I’m really a web designer. Freelance, but I used to work at an agency.”

  His deep chuckle was warm and rumbling. “No, I mean, my biggest stress this morning was trying to find someone to redesign our website. And you just happen to be here already. That’s a sign, right?”

  Straightening up, I realized that he was no longer the cafe owner, he was a potential client. I did need new clients, and one as handsome as this might actually teach me how to speak to men more smoothly. This could be an important learning experience.

  “I could send you a link to my portfolio,” I said, trying to increase my volume and poise, pretending to be as normal as possible.

  “Do you have a minute right now?”

  “Sure.” Better to get through this immediately, I thought.

  He pulled a chair over and sat very close beside me. There was something about him that made the deepest part of my stomach stir. He seemed so warm, so intensely masculine. I’d never been so aware of physical proximity, as his shoulder brushed mine.

  Calling up my portfolio, I slowly scrolled through some of the sites I’d made for a local shoe store, several restaurants, and several jewelry and fashion stores.

  “I love the photos,” he said. “Very natural. None of that over-contrasted, filtered stuff. Do your clients supply the photos?”

  “No, I do that as well.”

  He grinned, nodding. “Very impressive.” His hand darted out. “Dave Lawrence.”

  “Valerie Michaels.” He held my hand gently but firmly, and my heart jumped a bit from his touch.

  “Would you like to revamp our site?” he asked hopefully.

  “I’d love to.” My stomach fluttered again realizing that we’d be working together, and I’d be able to see him again.

  “Great,” he grinned. He reached for my notebook, flipping to a new page and writing down his URL, email, and phone number. I noticed that it wasn’t the number of the shop, which had been the wifi password.

  “Our site is simple, which is fine, but it needs more personality. Some of your photos would be great.” Then he shot me a smile that nearly knocked the air from me. “Do you like this shop?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “What would you say are the strong points?”

  I pointed to my empty mug. “That coffee is brilliant.” He nodded, waiting for more. Looking around, I analyzed carefully. “It’s comfortable. I prefer indie shops to the big chains, and this is why. You’ve softened the light, making it nicer for people with laptops. The chairs are comfortable enough to stay a while. The music is perfect.”

  Dave smiled. “That’s exactly what I was going for. A place where you almost want to kick off your shoes.”

  My giggle surprised me. “Precisely.”

  “We also have some new products that people can buy online. If you could email me this afternoon, I’ll send a list, and we can go over the details. Sorry, I have to go prep for the lunch rush.”

  “Sure. I’ll send you a quote immediately.”

  He shrugged those wide shoulders, making it hard not to stare again. “I’m sure your price is fair.”

  Dave held out his hand to me again, but this time it wasn’t a shake. It was… I didn’t know what it was. He held my hand in his as he stared into my eyes.

  My inner monologue was silenced for the first time ever. My physical body was my entire being, as I became aware of every point that was closest to him, and every millimeter where our skin touched.

  I’d always been nervous around men, but somehow as he touched me, even in this innocent way, the tornado of anxiety inside me became still.

  “I hope you’ll come back tomorrow,” he said gently, and I nodded automatically.

  He left, and I felt a large cool space where he used to be. I’d never been so physically attracted to a man before, but now that he was a client, I’d have to control myself.

  As I quickly packed up my things to leave, I realized that was a joke. There was no way a guy like that would be interested in such a mousy girl. And even if he was, he’d be after a fling or something. I doubted I could hold anyone’s interest for very long.

  Walking home, I tried not to think about my fear of men. My father had often been angry, yelling and throwing things whenever something didn’t go his way. Holes were punched in several walls, and I spent a lot of my childhood in the basement with a book. I learned from a young age that my absence and my silence seemed to make everything easier.

  There was something about raised voices that made me feel like the person was out of control. Uncivilized. If they were able to release control of their voice, were they still able to control their actions? It was unsettling, and maybe a bit paranoid, but I couldn’t help my reaction.

  I still have no idea how my mother dealt with my father, or how bad it was for her. I just knew that she was as quiet as possible at all times, and always tried to make things pleasant and easy for him.

  Logically, I knew that most men were nothing like my father, and most men were quite civilized. Knowing that gender roles weren’t always this rigid didn’t do much to help my feeling of dread whenever men were loud. Boisterous sports fans were avoided. Rowdy people were avoided. It was just my way.

  By the time I got to college, it surprised me a little that authority figures were calm. Nobody ever yelled, even when they were angry. And a slightly raised voice didn’t always mean a raised fist.

  The world far away from my parents was much nicer. I didn’t quite trust it, but I was learning how to operate independently in this world. It was a start. I did want to have a man in my life some day, so I’d have to start working on relaxing.

  CHAPTER TWO

  * Dave *

  From the second I first saw the slightly short, curvy girl walk into my coffee shop, I was intrigued. I nearly pushed Kevin out of my way to get to the counter to look at her more closely. I tried to ignore her round hips that I just wanted to grab hold of. Her deep brown eyes and glossy dark hair were striking, but it was her soft pink lips that completely drew me in.

  I knew it had been a long time since I’d had a girlfriend, but starting two new franchises and starting to sell my fresh roasted coffee beans online didn’t leave much time for socializing. I would never have dreamed that a girl so pe
rfect for me would just walk through my door.

  She seemed rather quiet, and bookish in the most precious way. I could picture her curled up with a novel and a steaming mug beside her. I don’t know what it was about smart, quiet girls that has always aroused my curiosity.

  Perhaps it was simply the old adage that opposites attract. I couldn’t help but be loud, my voice was a bit booming. And I was a pretty big guy, physically. But I also liked all sorts of outdoor adventures, and random weird parties like karaoke at backyard barbecues. I loved hanging out with a lot of people and having a good time.

  But I would also be perfectly happy having a quiet evening with a gorgeous girl like Valerie. I couldn’t believe my luck that she happened to be a web designer. Although I would have been tempted to give her the job just so I could talk to her more, her work was precisely what I needed.

  It would be best if I could try to remain professional until the job was finished, but I honestly didn’t know if I could. The urge to pull her against me and kiss those perfect full lips was nearly overwhelming.

  I’d like to think that I wasn’t one of those alpha male caveman types, but for half a second, I actually felt a pull toward her that was so intense it was shocking to me. Valerie was utterly fascinating. I’d never felt such a deep spark from simply shaking a woman’s hand.

  Since she seemed the mellow sort, I’d be extra careful to tone down my exuberant personality so that I didn’t frighten her off. I could be the quiet, sensitive side of myself until she was comfortable with me.

  CHAPTER THREE

  * Valerie *

  Randomly finding a wonderful new coffee shop completely out of the blue was amazing, but also finding a client who appreciated my style was a great help. Although I was doing okay financially and had some savings, I was always a bit paranoid about money since I was self-employed. I’d had great luck with steadily finding new clients, but I had to keep hustling.