The chatter of the employees and the aroma of fresh coffee at Perky’s coffee shop were a welcome distraction from the thoughts racing through Nina’s mind. Perky’s was a small, cozy shop, tucked away in a quiet corner of town. As Nina stepped inside, a warm and inviting atmosphere greeted her. The tension in her body eased, save for a persistent knot in her neck. Compliments of her wine date with Rosa.

Nina ordered her usual—a large black coffee, extra hot—and found a seat by the window. Nina watched as the world outside stirred, the streets filling with the familiar hum of morning traffic.

She finished her delivery runs early and would work a shift at Perky’s, but they hadn’t scheduled her for Sunday. Nina had a day to rest, relax, and pamper herself.

Nina took a sip of her coffee, the liquid hot and bitter on her tongue. She savored the taste, letting it ground her in the present moment. Nina couldn’t let herself become distracted.

“May I work out that knot for you?” A firm, masculine voice asked.

Nina looked up from her coffee, her eyes meeting Liam’s. He stood by her table, his hands tucked into his pockets, a small smile playing on his lips. His dark, tousled hair complemented his tight-fitting black t-shirt and faded jeans, which hugged his thighs. She could see the outline of his chest muscles beneath the thin fabric, and her stomach fluttered as she pictured those muscles pressed against her before chiding herself again.

“Liam, what are you doing here?” Nina asked. She sensed the heat of his gaze on her, but she tried to ignore it. “I mean, shouldn’t you be at work?” A fib, she knew he was off.

Liam chuckled, a low, sultry sound. He pulled out the chair next to her and sat down, his eyes never leaving hers. “Rachel and I are off today. I figured I’d be a good fiancée and grab some coffee for her.” He leaned back in his chair, his eyes roaming over her body, taking in every curve and every line.

“Fiancée?” Nina asked, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “I mean, I thought you two were just dating. I didn’t realize you were engaged.” She took a sip of her coffee, trying to hide her surprise behind the rim of her cup.

Liam grinned, a wicked glint in his eye. “Since Thanksgiving, to tell the truth. We wanted to keep it quiet, but I guess the cat’s out of the bag now.”

Nina mustered an affirming nod, hiding a frown behind another sip of her coffee. She was stunned speechless. Rachel and Liam were engaged. She had always assumed they were just a casual young couple, flirting and having fun. But engaged? That changed everything. Didn’t it?

Liam’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched her react. “Yep, and Rachel started an engagement-long bachelorette party. Fear of missing out and all that. It’s why she was... you know... towards you yesterday.”

He leaned back, his eyes down and his hand running through his hair. “I mean, Rachel was quite... forward, wasn’t she?”

Nina’s cheeks flushed a deep red, and she looked down at her coffee. “I didn’t notice. Rachel was only being friendly.” Her body tensed at her own statement, the knot in her neck pulsating with each beat of her heart.

The weight of Liam’s gaze on her was heavy.

“Come on, Nina. You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed the way she looked at you. The way she flirted with you. The way she... touched you.” Liam’s voice was low, almost hypnotic, as he leaned in. Nina’s skin prickled from the heat of his breath on her ear.

“Well, her fear of missing out on fun before marriage explains why she’s been so... friendly, I suppose,” Nina admitted as she sipped her coffee.

Liam frowned at Nina’s admission. “Well, just so you know. We had a talk, and she won’t be so... friendly, without asking you first. I did not grow up this way. Speaking of asking permission, you never answered my question. May I work out that knot for you?” Liam asked, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and sincerity.

“Yes, please! I mean, yes, I would like that. The knot in my neck is quite painful. I need the release.” Nina cringed at her awkward adolescent answer. 

Liam smiled, a soft, reassuring smile that seemed to put her at ease. “Alright, then. Let’s get you comfortable.”

He stood up and walked around behind her, his fingers brushing against her shoulders as he positioned himself. Nina took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as his powerful hands worked on the knot in her neck. Liam’s fingers were firm but gentle, kneading the tight muscles with a skill that surprised her. He worked in silence for a moment, his touch sending waves of warmth and relaxation through her body. Nina let out a soft sigh, her eyes fluttering closed as she leaned into his touch.

As the knot in her neck unraveled under Liam’s skilled fingers, Nina sensed the sensitivity under her sweatshirt. Her nipples hardened, and her breasts became heavy and full. She cursed her lack of a bra. She shifted in her seat, trying to ease the growing ache between her legs, but it only pressed her thong deeper into her sensitive flesh, making her gasp.

Liam’s hands paused for a moment, his fingers still pressed against her neck, before he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Did I hurt you, Nina?” Concern laced his voice, and she felt his warm breath on her skin.

Nina shook her head. “No, you didn’t hurt me. I’m just... sensitive right now.” A hint of truth behind her words. “But thanks for asking. Many people don’t.”

Liam continued his massage before looking thoughtful. “I bet we are more alike than you think, Nina. Manners? A top priority. A wedding? Well, Rachel would rather throw money at a marathon of debauchery, ending with a Justice and a Marriage License. Me? I want to do this right. Give Rachel a high-class wedding ceremony.” Liam nodded to himself in a soft, almost intimate voice.

Nina nodded, her eyes still closed as she tried to process his words. Liam wanted a high-class wedding ceremony? That didn’t seem to fit the image of the carefree, flirtatious young man she knew. But then again, Nina realized, she didn’t know him. Not really. She had only seen the surface—his outward appearance, the charming smile and quick wit. Nina never took the time to delve deeper, to discover the man beneath the facade.

“You’ll never get that day back... your wedding day, I mean,” Nina said, her voice soft and thoughtful. “I think that’s sweet, Liam. It shows that you care about Rachel, that you want to make it special for her. She’ll love that.”

Liam chuckled, his fingers continuing to work their magic on her neck. “See, it’s like we share the same brain-cell.”

Nina smiled at that. “Except I’m old enough to be your mother.” Nina said, her voice soft and teasing.

“Age is just a number, Nina. Honestly, I’m attracted to older women. They know what they want. They’re confident, sexy, and they know how to treat a man right.” Liam’s voice was a low rumble, his breath warm against her ear.

Nina perceived the heat of his words, the sincerity behind them, and she found herself drawn to him in a way she hadn’t expected. He was a flirt, a charmer, yet held more than superficial charm. She found his depth and sincerity irresistible.

“You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?” Nina said in a whisper.

It was Liam’s turn to blush, his hands leaving her neck with an awkward jerk, a first for him, but his resolve returned as he rotated to her side. “Hey! Have drinks with us tonight! We know a place with nice little booths that seat four. It’s a dive, but the drinks are cheap, and the company is… you. What do you say, Nina? Fancy a night out?” Liam asked, leaning in closer, his voice low and inviting. Nina could smell his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and citrus, and she leaned in, wanting to be closer to him.

“Yes, but Gerald works late. He couldn’t come...” Nina said. Deep down she wanted to go, but was using her husband as an excuse.

Liam gave a quick rebuttal. “Any fourth would do. A friend, a cougar maybe. Someone, anyone, to throw at Rachel so you and I can enjoy ourselves.”

His eyes searched hers as Liam pulled back, waiting for her response.

Her stomach fluttered at his words, a mix of excitement and nervousness. She had never considered having drinks with a younger couple before, let alone an attractive, sensual couple like Rachel and Liam. Their gaze and flirtatious behavior sparked a sense of vitality in her that had long been dormant. Nina knew she needed to decline, to end this adventure now. But she didn’t desire to.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, and nodded. “Alright, Liam. I’ll go out with you and Rachel. And I think I know just the cougar to join us,” Nina said.

Liam’s smile widened to a point that would have been unsettling a mere day ago. But now, Nina found it charming.