Tasha waved goodbye to her and all the other children who were being rounded up to go home. The party would still go on for a few hours more, but the kiddos were off to bed. Tasha would miss the children, but she’d be glad to be off her feet for a few minutes.
Her silver shoes were as comfortable as heels could be, but she normally wore sneakers and her feet ached from the unfamiliar strain. Tasha glanced around the room looking for a chair. Her eyes locked onto a ginormous chocolate fondue fountain toward the back of the room. How could she have missed it before? The thing was bigger than she was!
The flow of liquid chocolate seemed to be calling out her name, beckoning her forward. She bit her lip, lingering where she was. It was almost intimidating to walk up to the mountain of chocolate, but soon enough, her body propelled her forward. Her anticipation rose as the scent of the melted chocolate began to bombard her senses.
She eagerly grabbed a plate, as well as one of the shortcake pops that Katy had told her about. Her eyes grew wide with excitement as she pushed the sugary treat under the running chocolate. It coated the pop to perfection.
Tasha’s whole face lit up as she took a bite, her taste buds screaming in delight. She had never tasted anything this good in her entire life. She couldn’t stop herself from immediately grabbing a second cake pop. Before she knew it, she had gone through three of them, the sticks quickly piling up on her plate. She blushed, looking around for a trash can to dispose of them. She didn’t want it to seem like she was overindulging herself.
However, not five minutes after she had gotten rid of the incriminating plate, she came back to the chocolate stand, grabbing some coffin-shaped chocolate bars and nibbling on the end of one, looking like an innocent little kid. Her sweet tooth had never been happier.
Content, she looked out at the Ball, seeing people dancing together to classic Halloween songs like Adam’s Family, Monster Mash, Ghostbusters, and of course, Thriller. Tasha spotted Katy’s white dress amidst a group of witches. Katy’s stuck out like a sore thumb since everyone else was wearing black. Fleetingly, Tasha wondered about Katy’s choice of costume. The rest of her group looked like they were about to cast some sort of evil spell while Katy looked like she could make dreams come true.
In a way, Katy had made her dream come true. She was out having fun and being social. It would be nice to have a conversation with someone over the age of ten, but Tasha couldn’t have everything. Asking for Prince Charming to just pop out of nowhere was beyond even Katy’s skills.
Tasha shook her head and smiled, about to grab another piece of candy when her hand brushed up against someone else’s. She quickly pulled away, her eyes growing large in her mask as she looked up and saw one of the most handsome men she had ever laid eyes on in her entire life. Katy really is my Fairy Godmother.
Tasha stood transfixed. The man next to her was dressed as a prince, with an imperial coat decorating his chest and a fake sword pinned to his belt. He flashed a pearly white smile, his intelligent green eyes looking like jewels. He towered above Tasha, at little over six feet tall.
Her heart started to beat rapidly. It felt like the whole world had stopped. Even the music seemed to quiet down. “I… uh…” Tasha wanted to apologize for accidently grabbing his hand, but she simply could not form the words to so. It was like she was trapped in time, her mind working at a snail’s pace.
The handsome man’s jaw moved as if he were going to say something, but before he could, someone bumped into Tasha from behind, sending her toppling into the handsome stranger.
His arms instantly wrapped around her, pulling her close until she could feel the hardness of his chest, no doubt layered in well-defined muscle. Her cheeks burned even harder, but before she could wiggle her way to safety, she looked up, locking eyes with him once again. Her heart quickened as adrenaline rushed through her veins like she had never felt before. Her whole body was breaking into a cold sweat. Why am I feeling like this?
Before she could figure it out, the man leaned down, ever so slowly, until his lips were finally upon hers. Tasha’s eyes grew in surprise, about to pull away, when suddenly, a warm sensation wrapped around her whole body. Her muscles relaxed, and she couldn’t help closing her eyes, melting into the kiss. As the moment went on, the kiss intensified until she found herself returning the sentiment. Their lips seemed perfect for one another, harmoniously locking together.
Tasha could taste his sweetness, sweeter even than chocolate. She could feel herself slowly getting addicted, her arms wrapping around his neck, gently playing with his sandy blonde hair. Already, she was becoming breathless, but the man didn’t seem ready to break away just yet, his arms tightening around her even more as if he never intended to let her go.
Suddenly, there was a loud popping sound and the lights went out, cloaking everything in darkness. A shrill scream echoed throughout the hall. Tasha’s eyes flew open, but even so, she could not see a thing. Her body tensed up, and she moved away as quickly as she could, stumbling in her blinded state. Why just happened? Her confusion was as much about the lights as the kiss.
She found the end of the table and held onto it, wondering where the handsome prince had gone. Her lips still burned, and she pressed her fingertips to them. And… that’s about when the shame and embarrassment of what she’d just done hit her. Did I really just kiss a total stranger? It was more than just that. Tasha could still felt the imprint of his body pressed against her. She’d practically thrown herself at him, and it wasn’t in some dark club or in private. No, she’d kissed him as if her life depended on in front of a few hundred people right by the chocolate bar! She’d tossed her shyness right out the window and gone completely brazen. She couldn’t believe herself.
That horrible panic of eyes watching her came back, and she gripped onto the table harder, thankful that the lights were still off. She needed to get out of here and fast. But where exactly did she go? She’d probably kill herself trying to navigate the pitch dark room in complete darkness.
Suddenly, the lights came back on. Tasha’s gaze zeroed in on where she had just stood kissing her prince moments before. Her prince hadn’t moved an inch during the darkness. He stood staring at her with a huge smile.
Why a smile from a handsome man should frighten her, Tasha didn’t know. All she knew was his smile triggered her instinct to run.
“Hey! Wait!” Prince Charming called after her, trying to follow her into the crowd of people, but it was impossible. He sighed, lingering back and watching her disappear as if this were the real fairy tale. And just like the tale, his Cinderella had escaped before he’d gotten her name. Too bad she hadn’t dropped a shoe on the way out. His watch beeped, and he looked down half expecting to see that it was midnight.
Tasha, on the other hand, was relieved to be out of there. The fresh air outside felt good against her flaming cheeks. The image of the unknown prince kept flashing in her mind, but she pushed it away as best she could. She hesitated. Maybe she was being foolish. Maybe she should just go back inside and enjoy herself. No, she had already run away, she would look like an idiot if she went back in now. She sighed, taking out her phone from her purse and requesting an Uber driver to come pick her up. It was time for this princess to go home. She’d had her fairy tale evening, but now it was over.
Chapter Seven
Monday morning, Tasha trudged her way into Cupid’s Café. The doorbell chimed behind her as she walked into the energetic little diner. As expected, Katy was behind the counter, the usual, friendly smile painted on her face, greeting her friend.
“Tasha!” she exclaimed. “What happened to you the other night? I saw you with the kids and then you just disappeared not long after they went home. Did something happen?” She tilted her head to the side, her black hair falling across her cheeks.
“Yeah,” Tasha said with a glum look on her face. She sighed and sat down on one of the stools, looking at the owner.
“Do tell.” Katy started to prepare Tasha’s usual or
der, knowing she was there at the early hour to grab coffee for her boss.
“Well, I was trying to snag some chocolate, when I accidently grabbed someone’s hand. I was about to apologize when I saw the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen dressed as a prince. He had this rugged look to him and these piercing green eyes. I just couldn’t look away. It was like the whole world had stopped for a moment. I’ve never felt anything quite like it before.”
Tasha grabbed a straw from a nearby dispenser, fidgeting with it as she recounted her tale. The night had been replayed so many times in her head that it was now burned into her memory.
“It’s silly, but do you believe in love at first sight?”
Katy smiled. “Oh, yes. When it’s right, love can strike us just like an arrow, quick and right to the heart.”
Tasha grinned, feeling less self-conscious about her musings. “I suppose with a last name like Cupid, you have to believe in things like that.”
Katy shrugged. “It’s a name, not a state of being. Let’s just say that I know exactly what you mean from personal experience. Love at first sight is very real.”
Tasha wondered. Katy had a story and probably a very good one. Before she could ask, Katy turned away with a coffee cup in hand and moved to the espresso machine.
Over the hiss of the machine she asked, “So, you saw your true love and decided to leave?”
Tasha decided to let her interest in Katy’s past drop for the moment. Maybe one day she’d get the story, but it was obviously not open for discussion at the moment.
“Not exactly. There’s a bit more to it.” Tasha paused, watching the steam erupt from the espresso machine as Katy worked on her mocha latte.
“Go on,” Katy said with an encouraging nod.
“We were just kind of staring at each other… I wonder if he felt it too.” Her voice trailed off as his bottle green eyes invaded her senses. Tasha had to shake her head to clear it. “Anyway, someone bumped into me and sent me flying into his arms.”
Tasha blushed, remembering how nice it had felt to have his arms wrapped around her. Too nice. Too comfortable, especially for someone she’d just met. “Then…” Tasha hesitated, wondering if she actually wanted to admit what happened next.
“Then?” Katy turned around, raising an eyebrow in her direction. She placed a large cup in front of Tasha and then gave her a new straw since the one in her fingers had already been destroyed in her nervousness.
“Then… he kissed me,” she breathed as if she still couldn’t quite believe it. “He kissed me, and I have no idea why.”
“Maybe he thought you looked beautiful,” Katy guessed with a bright smile. “Or he thought you were the real Cinderella.”
“I doubt that,” Tasha hedged.
“I don’t. Honey, you looked gorgeous last night. He’d be crazy not to have been half in love with you the second he saw you. Remember, I do believe in love at first sight.” Katy winked before getting back to work, preparing a large espresso for Tasha’s boss.
“No… well… I don’t know… we didn’t actually say anything to each other. Shouldn’t love be based on more than looks?” Tasha grew embarrassed, remembering that she had allowed herself to enjoy a kiss from a man she hadn’t even introduced herself to. She’d certainly felt something… If she let herself dream and believe in magic, then she might feel fanciful enough to call that feeling love.
Katy gave her a quizzical look, handing her the large cup of espresso. “Anyone with eyes noticed you playing with those kids last night. I’m sure your mystery man saw that. Maybe it’s what drew him to your side.”
Tasha hadn’t considered that. It’s not like she had been a wallflower last night. In fact, she’d been extremely outgoing, but that had been with a bunch of kids. Who can be shy around little girls with chocolate brown eyes who offer you hugs?
Could he have seen her before finding her at the buffet table? Maybe he had and wanted to talk to her.
Tasha tapped the top of Faith’s to go cup of coffee. “I guess I’ll never know.”
“Why?” Katy asked immediately.
“He kissed me right before the lights turned off. The second they turned back on, I ran.”
Katy said nothing. She just raised an eyebrow in question.
“I was embarrassed! I didn’t know the guy, and yet, we were kissing as if we were lovers or something. I panicked and ran.” Tasha sighed. “But… I’ll tell you one thing. It was beyond the shadow of a doubt, the best kiss I have ever had. I don’t know how to explain it, but it felt like the man was charging my whole body with electricity, making every inch of me feel so alive.” She smiled in a dreamy way, reliving the experience for a moment. “It was the kind of kiss that I’ll remember even when I’m old and drooling all over my pancakes at some nursing home. I can still feel it.”
Unconsciously, Tasha ran a finger across her lips.
Katy grinned. Her gift had hit the mark again. It made her feel so happy to see that first blush of love.
“See I told you that last night would be your night of fairy tales. I think he just might be your Prince Charming,” Katy said, her voice taking on a musical tone.
Katy’s green eyes shimmered with excitement, wondering who this mysterious man could have been and how she could get Tasha and him back together. The direct approach wouldn’t work since she didn’t know who he was, but maybe she could figure it out.
Katy leaned in and said, “You should really find out who he. It might be hard for him to find his princess. Especially since you didn’t leave a shoe behind. Or did you?”
“No. I didn’t,” Tasha said, a frown on her face. She got up, holding the two hot cups in her hand. “He’s not going to come looking for me, and I’m not going to look for him either. I mean… I would love to see him again and apologize for running off like that.” Her voice lowered. “And… of course I wouldn’t mind another kiss. But, let’s get real here. There’s no way I would find him. Do you realize how many people live in this city? And I don’t even know if he’s local.” Tasha sighed in dismay, knowing it was hopeless. She would never find her Prince Charming again.
“You’d be surprised. The world works in mysterious ways. Maybe if you’re lucky, things will work out in your favor.” Katy winked, cleaning a piece of glassware with her rag, her plump cheeks showing off her slight dimples. “Trust me, if you want to find him, you will.”
Tasha just shook her head. “You’re too optimistic. The world doesn’t work like that. It just wasn’t meant to be, that’s all. I’ll find someone else… hopefully.” She added, remembering how long she had been without a significant other.
Katy just smiled, still polishing the glass in her hand. “It’s almost ten, you should get to work before Faith gets angry. You know how grouchy she can get when she doesn’t get her espresso on time.” Katy reminded her.
“Shoot… you’re right!” Tasha fished into her pocket and pulled out a ten-dollar bill, tossing it on the counter before hightailing it out of the café, hoping she could make it back to the History Department before ten or her boss would surely have a fit.
Katy watched Tasha fly out the door, coffee cups in hand, and considered. Sometimes fate and true love needed a little help. Katy decided to do a little digging and see if she could figure out who Tasha’s Prince Charming was.
Chapter Eight
By the time she made it across campus, all the way to the large brownstone building adorned with a multitude of windows from top to bottom, she was out of breath, a small layer of sweat forming all over her body from the unusually hot October weather. She struggled with the large door until a student was kind enough to help her out. She breathed a hurried thank you before rushing inside, heading for the stairs. Of course, the building had no elevator, and her boss’s office was on the top floor. She sighed before making the trek, trying her hardest not to spill the drinks on her white blazer.
Finally, she made it to the top, panting. The soft padding of her feet against the
carpet accompanied her as she reached Professor Mason’s office. The door was cracked, and Tasha knocked as best she could with both her hands occupied.
“Come in.” A stern voice called from within.
Tasha pushed the door open, placing the woman’s coffee on the corner of her desk, where there was an open space among the various textbooks, artifacts, and stacks of papers. “Here’s your espresso. Black,” Tasha said, trying to compose herself.
Faith looked over at the grandfather clock at the back of the room. “You’re late.” Her thin pink lips pressed together into a hard line. At that moment, she looked like she was made of stone, not a hint of emotion displayed on her stern expression. Tasha glanced at the clock herself. It was 10:01. She groaned inwardly. Really? I’m one minute late. Tasha remained still and quiet. Protesting would only make things worse.
Faith stared her down, but when she made no reply or excuse, she grabbed her cup and took a sip. She grimaced. “This is horrendous. Did I not tell you I wanted sugar?”
“You said black…” Tasha answered.
“Black means no milk, not no sugar,” she answered, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s too late for you to go back to the café now. Just go to the faculty room and get me some packets of sugar,” she ordered. “And Tasha?”
Tasha was already heading toward the door when she stopped, turning to face the woman that drove her crazy with her unreasonable demands and unclear directions. “Yes?” she said through gritted teeth, doing her best to look like she was smiling rather than picturing herself tossing her cup of coffee in Faith’s face.
“I will not tolerate this in the future.” With that, she turned her attention back to her laptop, Tasha already forgotten.
Tasha left the room, eager to be freed from the woman’s presence. Her skin was already crawling with disgust. She didn’t mind grading papers or meeting with the students, but being Professor Mason’s personal lackey was definitely not in the job description. Tasha’s hands clenched into fists as she tried to contain her anger. Why did I take this job? Oh yeah, I needed the money. Tasha wondered if she could find another job that paid as much. Probably not, but she was determined to keep her eyes opened. It couldn’t hurt to look.
Cafe Love: Cupid's Cafe Box Set Books 2-4 Page 18
