Her Valentine Family by Renee Andrews Read Free Book Online Page B

bad thing?” he asked as she passed through the doorway.
    â€œNo, I don’t suppose it would.”
    The entrance was narrow, causing her to brush against him as she went through. And she instantly realized that there wasn’t anything that could warm you up quicker than human contact.
    A sign inside the door proclaimed the night Art Night, and Jessica noticed a couple of easels were actually set up in cozy corners of the café and that the artists, possibly some of the art students from the school, were painting on canvases while patrons sipped coffee and admired the local talent.
    â€œHello, Mr. Martin,” a group of kids called from a table in the corner.
    Chad returned the greeting and then made his way to a welcoming alcove on one side of the shop, where a wide bookshelf housed a bounty of eclectic titles and a comfy couch bordered by fringed antique lamps gave the impression of privacy within the public café.
    â€œThis okay?” he asked, motioning toward the burgundy sofa. He moved a couple of beaded floral pillows out of the way so she could sit down.
    â€œYes, very nice,” she said, taking in the assortment of coffee-themed paintings adorning the red brick wall. She looked at the small name at the corner of the paintings and wondered if the artist, Gina Brown, was actually here, painting while they chatted. “I love the art night theme.”
    â€œThat’s one of the things I like most about coming here, the atmosphere. They promote local artists, musicians, singers. It makes every visit here unique, something special.”
    Jessica immediately felt special, just being here with Chad.
    A waitress came over. Like the other waitresses and waiters, she wore black from head to toe and had her hair pulled into a low, classic ponytail. “Hello, Mr. Martin, I’ve got my biology homework ready for class tomorrow morning,” she said.
    â€œThat’s good,” Chad said, “but I didn’t come here to check up on my students. We really are here for the coffee.”
    The girl smiled. “Sorry. Just thought I should let you know.” She withdrew a small pad and a pencil from her pants pocket. “So, what would you like this evening?”
    â€œWhat do you want?” he asked Jess.
    â€œJust coffee.”
    â€œRegular or decaf?” the waitress asked, but Chad intervened.
    â€œJust coffee?” he asked. “Don’t you want to try something a little more special?”
    Jessica laughed. She really hadn’t gotten into all of the fancy coffee drinks, since her grandmother’s farm in Tennessee had been about as rural as you get and much less modern than Claremont or Stockville. Even though they were small towns, the quaint coffee shop proved they’d kept up with the times. And Jessica was still catching up. “What do you suggest?”
    Chad scanned the list of specialty drinks scrawled in fluorescent chalk on a neon-trimmed standing blackboard. “How about the white chocolate mocha?”
    â€œOkay, I’m game,” Jessica said to the waitress.
    â€œAnd for you, Mr. Martin?”
    â€œJust coffee, regular, please.”
    The waitress nodded and left to retrieve their order while Jessica gaped.
    â€œI thought you said I should get something more special than regular coffee.”
    He smiled. “Because I think you’ll like it. Not me, though. I’m a regular coffee kind of guy.”
    â€œAnd how do you know I’m not a regular coffee kind of girl?” she asked, as the waitress put two oversize mugs on a tray and headed back to the alcove.
    â€œBecause,” he said simply. “You’re special.”
    Jessica could feel her cheeks heating and tried to figure out the best response for his flattering statement, but Chad saved her from the task when he continued talking.
    â€œSo, I figure we have about fifteen to twenty minutes left if you’re wanting to get back home in time to