Mythical Knights: Darker Cravings

Mythical Knights Reading Order:

1. Brightest Shadow
   
2. Dark Within
   
3. Not a Gentleman's Christmas (optional) 
4. Bravest Flame
   
5. Darker Cravings
   
6. Darkest Judgment

Nicole Bernard shuffled into the coffee shop, desperate for coffee. It was 10:30 pm, and she wouldn’t be out if she hadn’t already packed her coffeepot.

There were still a bazillion boxes to fill. Her blonde hair, normally a shiny and pretty golden, was probably an off-color gray from the mess she’d made while packing. Not that she was out to impress—this was just a local coffee shop on a Monday night. She was surprised they were still open.

She couldn’t help pausing, though, as she came in. Evidently, this place was a student hangout during the week. Most tables were filled with students, some college, and some high school, by the looks of it—all with perfect hair and makeup, yet trying to appear as if they didn’t care how they looked.

Coffee shops—the dating scene. Who knew?

Nicole slid into line, staring at the menu. Normally, she bought a cappuccino or something like that, but tonight she needed a little more kick. She was bound and determined to get the majority of the packing done since she’d slacked off over the weekend. Nicole wasn’t about to be one of those people who did all their packing at the last minute.

When it was her turn to order, she asked for a double espresso. She slipped out of the way to let the next person order. With her head down, she studied the displays of different coffees, teas and other paraphernalia littered all over the counter.

Near the pickup area, Nicole noticed a large bucket filled with business cards. A sign announced the shop gave away a sampler pack of different coffees to a lucky winner every week.

Nicole shrugged. She never won anything, and though she was moving away in a week, if she won, the office would appreciate the prize. She pulled one of her business cards out and tossed it in the bucket.

“Double espresso cappuccino?” the clerk behind the counter called out.

She grabbed the cup, partially irritated that the clerk who’d waited on her a few moments before didn’t even remember her now. Was she that forgettable?

Considering her lack of a dating record, maybe she was.

“Night owl too?” came a sultry male voice.

Nicole almost tossed the cup at him when she spun around. He was very close to her—gosh, he was tall. Dressed in a navy crew-necked sweater—a touch stuffy for the warm spring night—he gave her a polite smile and gestured to her drink.

She couldn’t see his eyes. They were encased in a pair of wraparound sunglasses.

“No,” Nicole replied. “Why?”

“Double espresso at this time of night?” he said, one dark eyebrow rose over the shades.

“Oh. I just…I have a lot of work tonight.” She fixed her eyes on the cup to avoid his stare, which was practically tactile through the glasses.

And that was just through the glasses. What if she met his actual eyes? Gah!

He smirked and turned his head to see if they’d finished his order yet, then brought his gaze back to her.

“Pulling an all-nighter, then?” His voice was sinfully sexy, and Nicole felt her insides starting to melt. His complexion was fair, though his hair was dark, dusting his shoulders and brushed out of his face. It highlighted the strong jaw and almost-air-brushed, perfect cheekbones.

He looked her up and down, and her whole body quivered.

God, how long had it been? At least a couple of years since a guy had even looked at her twice, much less carried on a conversation that didn’t involve numbers, spreadsheets or programs.

“I hope not,” she replied, realizing he’d been waiting for her to answer. She took a sip of her coffee. The extra shot of espresso slapped her taste buds, and part of her was disappointed. It would’ve been nice if the barista had gotten her order wrong and given her a few more minutes talking to the guy.

“Well, good luck,” he said, that strange quirk of a smile on his face.

“Thanks. You too,” she muttered, though she wasn’t quite sure why. As she stepped past him, her arm brushed his, and they both inhaled at the shock of contact.

“Sorry.” He stepped out of her way.

The clerk called out his order, and Nicole saw he was picking up two cups of coffee.

Darn.

She’d hoped he was single.