A Cherry on Top (Cupid's Cafe Where love is on the menu Book 7) Read online

  Travis could do charming. “So, go say hi, eat some food, and leave?”

  Katy narrowed her eyes at Travis. “You could talk to Faith and try to enjoy the day.”

  “I’m not a complete jerk.”

  Katy smiled. “No, dear. You’re not. Which is why I’m trusting Faith with you. Just go out with her and enjoy the day.”

  It was obvious that Katy was trying to set him up with this Faith woman. She was a notorious matchmaker, and he wasn’t sure whether he wanted to go along with her scheme.

  Subconsciously, he started to play with a ring that hung on a chain around his neck. He spun it around, his mind wandering back to the series of failed relationships throughout his life. Every girl he had ever been with had been a disappointment. He always ended up losing interest by the third or fourth week. He couldn’t remember the last time he had dated someone for more than a month. If the rumors about Katy’s record were true, then she’d do a better job of picking him out a date than he ever could.

  “Okay, I’ll keep an open mind. Tell Faith to give me a call. You have my card and contact info, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks for the burger, Katy.” Travis got up, leaving nearly half of it on the plate.

  She looked at him with a slight frown on her face, wondering if she had upset him by asking him to go on the date. He’d agreed, but the look on his face didn’t feel right to her.

  “I’ll see you around.” Travis left payment on the counter before grabbing his camera bag and slinging it over his shoulders. The chime rang after him, the door shutting softly in his wake.

  Katy watched him walk toward his car. She ran her fingers through her short, dark hair, before grabbing his plate and throwing the leftover food in the trash. She washed the plate slowly, letting the water cascade over its surface. Her hands absentmindedly worked the sponge along the grease from the burger. Her gift hummed a happy tune, but for the first time in years, she wondered if that extra sense was off this time. It had never failed her before, but… Maybe they aren’t ready yet. Maybe I needed to wait a few months before introducing them. Katy sighed and placed the freshly cleaned plate on a drying rack. It was too late now. She’d set the couple in motion, and she’d have to try to handle any fallout.

  Chapter 5

  Katy coordinated their initial meeting inside of Cupid’s, thinking it would be a neutral space for them. She prepared a booth, sprucing it up with a small vase. The summer roses were in full bloom, adding a touch of color to the setting. She looked it over and fiddled with the condiment tray. Everything needed to be perfect.

  Finally, she wiped her hands on her apron and stepped away, knowing she would fret over the little details forever if she didn’t.

  “Can I get you a refill on coffee, Mr. Jenkins?” Katy asked, grabbing the pot and heading in his direction.

  “If you wouldn’t mind.” He smiled, running his fingers over his white, bushy beard. With his other hand, he held out his cup, letting her pour in the hot beverage. “Do you need any more cream and sugar?”

  “No, no. I got everything I need.” With shaky fingers, he tore open a few sugar packets and dropped them into his coffee. Once satisfied, he went back to reading his newspaper.

  Katy left him alone and moved into the kitchen, tidying up things here and there. She didn’t like to be idle. Cupid’s was her pride and joy and she loved to make it shine.

  Just as she was finishing with the stock room, she heard the door chime. She peeked her head out of the door to see Faith walking inside, a look of uncertainty on her face. “Ah, Faith. I’m glad you could make it. Travis isn’t here yet, but I’m sure he’ll arrive in just a minute. Why don’t you take a seat?” Katy glided over to her and then, ushered her toward the booth.

  Faith sat down without a word, scooting toward the window.

  “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Just some water would be fine, thanks.”

  Katy nodded and moved behind the counter.

  Faith tried to ease the tension she felt, but she really didn’t want to be here. She had been dreading this “date” all morning, and barely got any work done because of it. Not to mention the fact that this was taking time out of her already busy schedule. She had a pile of reading she needed to do, and a chapter to finish for the book she was writing. Also, she’d found a photography class that would be the start of her new hobby.

  It had taken all her nerve to hit the submit button on the online form. The hundred dollars wasn’t the problem. It was committing to attending a class with a bunch of other people that made her anxious. Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous, that she should be upset at the prospect of spending a few hours a week with other people. Emmitt was right about her becoming too reclusive. The class, though it caused a bit of anxiety, would be good for her.

  “Here you are.” Katy placed the glass in front of Faith and smiled. “How have you been?”

  Faith pulled her mind back to the present and said, “Fine, thanks, you?”

  “Pretty well. Can’t complain about this beautiful summer weather we’ve been having.”

  Faith nodded absently and looked out the window. A butterfly fluttered up to the flowers that decorated the windowsill. She watched it, trying to distract herself from the feeling of dread welling up in her chest. It was like someone had gotten a grip on her heart, squeezing it tight. She thought about just getting up and leaving, but that would mean forfeiting her date for the BBQ. It was the equivalent of asking her mother to reunite her with the man that had broken her heart five years ago. She just had to get through this.

  Before the butterfly could leave, the door opened, and a man walked in. Faith’s eyes instantly gravitated toward him. His tall stature commanded attention. She noticed his broad shoulders, his chiseled, clean-shaven face, his dark, smoldering, brown eyes and short, chestnut brown hair. Her heart sped up in her chest, stealing her breath.

  Faith blinked a few times, making sure that the man wasn’t a figure of her imagination. Please, let him be my date. Faith was shocked at her own thoughts. She’d never been one to judge someone just based on their looks, but the guy in the doorway really was good looking. How could she not notice?

  Travis’s eyes scanned the room, spotting Katy he raised his hand in greeting. “Hey.”

  “Travis!” Katy exclaimed in delight. “I’m glad you could make it.”

  “Of course, I promised I would, didn’t I?” He wrapped his arms around the short, curvy woman and hugged her tight. Katy was forced onto her tippy-toes to return the hug and smiled brightly when she finally pulled away.

  “You did. You did.” She grabbed his hand and towed him toward the booth. “Travis, I would like you to meet Faith.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Travis held out his hand in Faith’s direction.

  She instantly grabbed it, offering him a firm handshake. He was pleasantly surprised by her professionalism and found himself smiling as he sat down. He couldn’t help but notice how attractive she was. She was dressed modestly in a black blouse and some skinny jeans. Her hair looked natural, the straight blonde tresses brushing her shoulders. Thick-rimmed glasses framed her face, bringing out the beauty of her piercing green eyes. Travis found himself mesmerized by the intelligence he found within them.

  Travis acknowledged that if Katy was matchmaking, and this wasn’t just about repaying a favor, she’d chosen well. His first opinion of Faith was higher than any of the girls he found himself asking out. Maybe that had been his problem all along. Once his life settled down and wasn’t as busy, he’d test out that theory and be a bit pickier about who he asked out on a date.

  Faith was sure that he’d asked her something. What was it? What do I say? Faith couldn’t understand why her brain felt so jumbled. It was like someone had tossed it into the blender, turning it into a smoothie. Her skin was covered in goosebumps, and the hair on the back of her neck was on edge. This was so unlike her. Her brain finally processed Tr
avis’s words, and she managed to reply, “Good to meet you too.”

  “So, Katy tells me that you need a date for your 4th of July party?”

  Faith sighed, her shoulders dropping. Admitting her problem to this attractive man was incredibly embarrassing. Katy had been one thing, but Travis was another. She hated that she was desperate, but she really was. “Unfortunately, yes. My mother is being incredibly stubborn. She thinks that I’m too much of an introvert, so she’s forcing me to bring a date.”

  “A friend or co-worker wouldn’t work?”

  “Friend, no,” Faith took a breath, “and co-worker… I suppose I should warn you so that you’re prepared. My family is large, loud, and a little eccentric. Most of my colleagues would not appreciate them.”

  Travis considered. He’d been on his own for a while now. His parents were gone, and he’d grown up as an only child. A big, boisterous BBQ might be a nice change of pace.

  “I can handle that.”

  Faith looked relieved. “Good. Anyway… I’m not a complete recluse. Life is kind of busy, and I don’t know if I’m even ready for a committed relationship. I just need a date to keep my mother from doing something drastic.” Faith surprised herself with how honest she was being. Her cheeks colored slightly, and she pressed her lips together to keep herself from saying anything else.

  Travis nodded, feeling like he completely understood where she was coming from. “Oh, I totally get you. I haven’t dated in quite a while for exactly the same reason.”

  “So why did you agree to do this?”

  “Katy kind of forced me.”

  Faith’s green eyes blinked. “Forced?”

  “I owe her a favor, so I agreed to help you out.”

  Faith dropped her head, her blonde hair falling into her face. Travis had the momentary urge to reach out and pin it behind her ear, but he refrained from doing so. She looked so devastated that he almost regretted telling her the truth. The truth was always best in Travis’s opinion, but he didn’t like the idea of hurting Faith.

  “You know if you don’t want to do it… it’s fine.”

  “No. No. I already said I would go,” Travis said, rushing to cut her off. “In fact, I’m looking forward to it. Katy says your Dad makes some awesome ribs.”

  A whisper of a smile lit Faith’s face, lighting her eyes. “He does. He claims they are the best in the state of Texas. I know…” she said, holding up a hand, “we live in California. I mentioned that my family is odd, remember?”

  Travis grinned. “California. Texas. It doesn’t matter to me. I’ll take it.”

  “Thanks.”

  Faith’s genuine smile of gratitude hit Travis right in the gut. Her expression held too much emotion. He was just going to a BBQ with a pretty woman. Katy’s favor was seeming less like a repayment and more like a wonderful opportunity.

  “No problem, it will be fun.” He hesitated but decided to ask. “Do you think it would be okay if I left just before dark? I really wanted to take a few pictures of the firework display.”

  “Not at all. Do you do photography as a hobby?” she asked. Faith hadn’t started her class yet and wondered what Travis enjoyed about it.

  He chuckled. “It used to be a hobby once, but I’ve since transformed it into a business.”

  “Oh?” Faith’s eyes widened in surprise. When some of her students told her they wanted to go into media, art, or another such career, she would always advise them toward a more practical pathway such as academia, publishing, or research. Photography as a hobby sounded fun but as a career… well, the phrase starving artist came from somewhere. “And how has that been working out for you?”

  “Actually, quite well. Would you like to see some of my newest photos? I haven’t even put them on my website yet.”

  “Sure. I’d love to.”

  Travis smiled, grabbing his camera bag and scooting over to her side of the booth. The goosebumps on Faith’s arms tingled as he got closer. She could smell his cologne in the air, and she had to admit that it was rather intoxicating. A mix of vanilla and sandalwood. It was a subtle, but warm scent, that was very tasteful.

  Carefully, Travis opened his bag and pulled out his professional camera. He turned it on and carefully wiped the display with a microfiber cloth. “I took these at the beach. I was lucky enough to catch some otters playing in the waves by Hermit’s Rock if you know where that is.”

  “Yeah. I went there quite a few times when I was a graduate student. It was a lot of fun swimming out there and sitting on the rocks. I wonder if the little crabs still scuttle around the tide pools.”

  “Haven’t been there recently?”

  “Not since I started teaching.”

  “That’s right. Katy said you were a professor at the university.”

  She nodded. “Yes, in Ancient Studies.”

  “Oh, that’s fascinating. History was my minor as an undergraduate.”

  “What did you major in?”

  “Graphic design.”

  Faith hadn’t spent much time in the visual arts department, but she still appreciated the beauty of art and all it had to offer society. Even in her line of study, art played a pivotal role in ancient cultures. That was one of the reason’s she’d chosen photography. She didn’t think she’d ever get the hang of painting or molding clay, but she thought she could at least take photos of others’ art or capture the beauty of the ocean. Hopefully, her new hobby would get her outside more. She missed the beach.

  “Here we are.” Travis scrolled through the pictures, leaning in a little closer to give Faith a better view. As he did, their arms brushed together, and he felt a spark of electricity run up his spine like he had never experienced before.

  Ignoring it, he continued to scroll through the pictures.

  They were all taken at dusk, with the sun heading toward the water’s surface. The sky was painted in dazzling hues of purples, oranges, and yellows. The otters in the picture were always the focal point, even though their figures were cast in a silhouette. Somehow, he had made the lighting work in his favor, creating a picture that looked almost mystical.

  “These are really beautiful… You really have a gift.”

  “Thank you.” Travis tilted his head down to smile at her, and as he did, their faces naturally gravitated together.

  Faith could feel his warm breath on her lips, and she was dazed for a moment. The photos were wonderful! Magical, even. No wonder he could make a living off them. Everything about Travis was so appealing, and he was so close. She turned just a bit and froze. She pulled back, shocked at herself. Faith Mason, Professor of Ancient Studies, and self-declared introvert had just been about to kiss a total stranger. What’s wrong with me?

  Flustered, Faith started to stand and excuse herself when Katy appeared with a sundae in her hands.

  With a bright smile, she placed it on the table. “It’s on the house.” She produced two spoons from her apron. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

  Faith examined Travis. His eyes were completely focused on the three-scoop sundae with chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and a bright red cherry on top. He wasn’t acting uncomfortable or odd. Apparently, her intent to kiss him hadn’t been as obvious as she’d thought. That was something.

  “Mmm…” Travis hummed. “This looks fantastic. Thanks!”

  Faith nodded at Katy and picked up her spoon. Travis dug into the ice cream, but Faith held back fiddling with the spoon. Her lips tingled, and she couldn’t get the thought of kissing Travis out of her head. This is silly. Ridiculous! She barely knew him, and he was just a blind date she was taking to her family BBQ to appease her mom. But, really, Travis wasn’t a complete stranger. She’d seen a part of his soul in his pictures. It was so clear to her. The light, the action, and the fun of it all were right there on the screen. That’s who he was.

  “Aren’t you going to have some? It’s delicious,” Travis said, between bites.

  Faith shook herself. She was being foolish. Logan
had really messed her up if she thought she could judge a guy by the pictures he took.

  She refocused on Travis and the ice cream. “I don’t know. Are you planning on saving any for me?”

  “Not really. I love ice cream in the summer. Favorite treat.” Travis grinned and went back to eating.

  His sharp features relaxed for a bit as he closed his eyes, enjoying the taste. The way he ate ice cream made Faith remember the times when she was a kid, chasing down the ice cream truck on a hot day. He looked so carefree and happy.

  Giving into the temptation, she grabbed a spoonful of ice cream. It melted instantly in her mouth. The taste brought back a rush of nostalgia. Sitting on the lawn with her brother, ice cream dripping onto her fingers from the wooden stick. “Mmm.”

  “I told you it was good.” Travis laughed. He ate around the edges, avoiding the cherry for the time being. Faith did the same until they eventually bumped spoons. They looked up, their eyes locking. For a second, it felt like the whole world had stopped. Faith held her breath, her fingers tightening around the spoon’s handle.

  Faith looked away first, taking another bite to distract herself.

  “What’s your favorite flavor?” he asked.

  “Hmm?”

  “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?” Travis clarified.

  “Oh. No one has asked me that question in a very long time.”

  “Well, as a kid, what was your favorite?”

  “Why do you want to know so badly?” she asked, scooping a bit of whipped cream.

  “For one, there’s a dramatic difference between those who like vanilla and those who don’t. I just want to know what side you’re on.”

  “Let me guess, your favorite is vanilla.” Faith laughed. “Classic.”