Chained by Jaimie Roberts Read Free Book Online Page A

was strawberry. It didn’t take a genius to know who this was from.
    Feeling lighter than air, I grabbed the coffee and Danish and made my way out. I was just finishing off the pastry when I walked into the coffee shop. By now, I was high on the strawberry scent.
    Tim looked up with a big, beaming smile. “Ah, I was wondering if that was for you.”
    I smiled back. “I found it on my doorstep this morning.”
    Tim leaned over a little, placing his hands on the counter. “Very tall, longish dark blonde hair, and a beard?”
    I nodded, feeling my heart start to beat rapidly. “Yes, that’s the one.”
    Tim smiled. “One of your many admirers. He probably thought it was only right to return the favour after all the coffees you must have bought him. Which one is he? The regular coffee with two sugars?”
    I shook my head. “No. He actually doesn’t request coffee in the mornings.”
    Tim widened his eyes and leaned back. “Ah, just someone who admirers you from afar then.”
    I actually sighed, but what made it worse was it wasn’t just any old sigh. It was one of those sighs when a girl thought about a boy. In that moment, I actually wished it were true. My obsession with him was getting out of control, but I just put it down to the fact that I didn’t know him. I didn’t know many of them, but Kit was a total mystery. A puzzle within a puzzle.
    In the end, I found my voice. “I just think he’s repaying me for giving him some food yesterday, that’s all.” And that was all. It wasn’t because he liked me, or wanted to know me. He was simply making a gesture. Granted, it was a very lovely gesture, but just a gesture nonetheless.
    Tim looked at me skeptically. “Hmm… I may think otherwise, but there you go. Do you want the usual?”
    I nodded. “Yes, please.”
    Once all the hot drinks were ready, I made my way towards the soup kitchen. The sun was out today, but it was still a bit nippy.
    In the distance, I saw my usual group sitting on the steps. Then my heart rate picked up a notch when I noticed Kit was there, too.
    “Good morning, everyone.” I was more cheerful than normal and I think everyone noticed. Well, Thomas definitely noticed.
    “Well, good morning, Olivia. Are you going to tell us his name?”
    I briefly looked towards Kit. I could feel the nerves kicking up. I really needed to curb my feelings. “Whose name?”
    Thomas smiled. “The guy who’s putting that smile on your face lately. Don’t get me wrong. You always have a smile on your face, but lately? Let’s just say it looks more animated.”
    Wayne started laughing. “Fuck, Thomas. What shit are you coming out with now? Instead of being your usual vulgar self, you’re coming out with words such as animated. What the fuck?”
    Thomas snarled in Wayne’s direction. “I’m just being polite. I know Olivia gets a little uncomfortable with my normal self. I was just trying to show her some courtesy.”
    “By embarrassing her?” Rachel snapped. She looked back at me, placing her hand on my arm. “Don’t listen to them, Olivia. They’re just bored and you’re their only form of entertainment in the mornings.” She rolled her eyes.
    Deciding to change the subject, I smiled and handed out the drinks. “Here you go. Nice and hot.”
    One by one, they took their drinks. I looked over at Kit and saw him in the same position. I wanted to say hi and thank him, but he was giving off his normal don’t come near me vibe.
    In the end, I thought to hell with it and started walking towards him. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the others watching me. I guess they all knew I was a glutton for punishment. I just didn’t think Kit would be mean to me now.
    “Kit?” I said as I neared him. I saw him visibly cringe. “Kit, are you okay? I just wanted to thank you for—”
    Suddenly, he shot up from the steps and glared at me. “Don’t talk to me. Don’t say my name. I don’t want you anywhere near me.” He walked off and I felt the