Temptation or Insanity

Temptation or Insanity?

         'Hi Gerri, the usual?' Kathy always kept my table by the window ready at the same time each day.

      ‘Yes, thanks.’

 

      I sat down and closed my eyes as the warmth of the sun radiated through the window through my thin blouse and onto my back. When I opened my eyes I saw him at an adjacent table drinking a mug of coffee.

       

     His lustrous black hair shaped neatly into his neck, his after-five shadow and those dreamy come-to-bed eyes. I watched him for a while and when he looked up, I held his gaze longer than I intended.

     'Gerri? Your Caffe latte.'

     'Oh…Thanks, Kathy.'

     'Anything to eat today?'

     'No... actually yes, I'll have a ham and cheese croissant, please.' I can stay a while and watch him a bit longer. No harm in that.

     A pang of guilt knotted in my stomach. What am I thinking I am happily married?

     I held the warm glass mug between my hands, blowing on the froth and glancing in his direction. This time he held my gaze. I averted my eyes and went to get up and leave.

 

     'One ham and cheese croissant. I threw in extra ham for you today, enjoy.'

     'Damn.'

     'Is something wrong?'

     'No nothing, Kathy. It looks great, thanks.'  I'll eat this and then get out of here.  

     Using the knife and fork I cut through the soft, flaky pastry. I wound up the long strands of cheese around my fork. Looking up, I caught him looking again and smiling. His smile stirred something deep within my soul and I was compelled to smile back.

     'Everything okay, Gerri?'

     'Everything is great, thanks.' Perfect timing, Kathy.

     My whole body tingled every time I felt his eyes on me. I looked for a wedding ring on his finger. If he is married I would feel much better and could put this down to a flirtatious interlude between strangers.

     But no, something compelled me to stay and see this mystery through to the end. I could not ascertain his marital status.

     Shortly after, Kathy came over with a piece of lemon meringue pie with strawberries, passionfruit and cream on top.

     ‘What is this?’ I gave Kathy a puzzled look.

     ‘Compliments from that guy over there.’ Kathy hooked her thumb over her shoulder and raised her eyebrows.

     ‘I can’t accept that, I don’t even know the man.’

     ‘No, but you two have been making googly eyes at each other since you got here. Hey,it’s free, don’t knock it. You know how much you love lemon meringue pie.’

       ‘Yes, but how…?’

     ‘He asked me, so I told him.’ Kathy shrugged and headed back to the kitchen. Should I look up and gesture my thanks?

     I chanced it and glanced up nodding my head. He held his mug of coffee up and smiled. I watched his sensuous mouth curl up on one side and a shudder of delight coursed down my spine.

     I scooped a spoonful of the fluffy dessert and swirled it around my mouth. I closed my eyes enjoying the texture of the creamy lemon custard. Knowing it came from him somehow made it taste even more pleasurable. I picked off a large strawberry and bit into the sweet, juicy fruit. As I did I caught him smiling.

***

   

      ‘Dad, Mum is daydreaming about Antonio Banderas again,’ shouted Kelly.

      Steve walked through to the lounge and smiled. With my legs curled under me on our plush leather lounge, I indulged in a piece of lemon meringue pie.

       I looked up through dark eyelashes at Steve and then re-started the Banderas movie I watched.

     ‘Oh? Where did you meet him this time?’ Steve winked.

    'Kathy’s Coffee Cuisine.’ My amber eyes sparkled as I held Steve’s gaze. He laughed and kissed my cheek. 'See you tonight.'

     ‘Let’s go, Kels,’ he said as he grabbed his keys.