Charlie & Her Alpha

Chapter Five: Bean Water & Cookies

Charlie pushed open the heavy back door of her coffee shop, Jason in close tow right behind her. Carrying the box of new books Charlie had just bought for the shop.

She liked to buy random books and keep them along the wall of her coffee shop Incase they entice someone to stick around and order more coffee is how she explained it to Jason. Although, more often than not the good ones were stolen leaving old poetry and Shakespeare behind. But she never minded it. She bought the books from thrift stores and used bookstores- she found joy in picking them out then watching them find new homes with her customers.

“Anna? We are coming in through the back babe- do you need help upfront?” Charlie called out as she hung her coat and keys in the tiny backroom office. 

Anna was her primary employee, her absolute rock who managed everything and everyone in that shop. Charlie often dreamed of making enough to pay Anna more or better yet, open a second location and let Anna run it as a franchise shop. She was a pretty brunette from the middle of nowhere midwest, with freckles, plumb pink lips, and a rowdy little boy she had at the ripe age of 16. 

Charlie had met her in the checkout line of the grocery store. Anna didn’t have enough to cover the bare basics and Charlie had insisted she let Charlie pay her bill. Twenty-five dollars. That’s all it was. But Anna only agreed to it once Charlie said she could pay her back. The next day, Anna showed up at Charlie’s not yet opened coffee shop with a jar of change. The young woman then proceeded to count it out at a record speed, even as her then 2-year-old son tugged at her shirt hem and the loud clamor of drills and shelves carried on around her. 

Charlie accepted the money but only because she knew the hit to the young woman’s pride it would have been to have her pocket change refused as p*****t. Just as Anna had lifted her son and turned to leave, Charlie told her to show up the next day at 7 am to learn how to use the espresso maker, she also promised to have a sitter (Jason’s little sister) on hand to watch the baby if she didn't have child care. The best investment she ever made was without a doubt, Anna. 

A mere six years later and her store was thriving, Anna was the store manager, and an adorable 8-year-old named Jax got to do his homework in the bay window of her store. With help, of course, from the regular group of elderly men who spent all their afternoons sipping cappuccinos and talking about the old days. Happy to share their knowledge with anyone who would listen and Jax loved nothing more than a good story. 

“Yeah, can you grab the cookies from the oven and bring’em up. I spy a study group heading our way from the university and I bet they need cookies with their bean water.” Anna called back to Charlie just as the steam wand of the espresso machine went off.

Charlie chuckled as she loaded the cookies from the oven tray onto a display tray. Anna could sell anything to anyone. Literally, anything. 

Jason had already made his way out to the lobby and put out the new books. He now sat next to Jax and was listening attentively to the 8-year-old describe his day at school. Apparently, there had been a science experiment involving a volcano and Jax was trying to persuade any adult he could into helping him build one at home.

Charlie smiled at the sight. She was only 29, yet somehow when she looked at Jax she felt like her time to have a Jax of her own was running short. But she still had so much to do in her life. So many more goals to accomplish before she threw herself into motherhood.

Having not been brought up by her parents past the age of nine, Charlie was dead set on being the most present, attentive, and loving mother a child could have. She knew the moment she was pregnant everything else would fade into the background so she wanted to make sure she was 100% ready before she and Jason took that step. 

If Jason had his way though, she would already have had one baby and would have another on the way. 

She must have let her longing eyes linger a moment too long as Anna cleared her throat behind her. Charlie turned to see a very knowing look across Anna's freckled face, her eyebrows raised and lips tugging into a smile. 

“Take it from the teen mom, kids can wait. Love my Jax, but I am happy to loan him to you anytime you need a reminder of why you need to wait.” 

They both laughed at that, turning to face the boys in the lobby again.

Charlie helped Anna fill the orders of the study group. As expected, Anna had sold all but one of the cookies to them. 

“Do you mind watching the front while I run in the back to count out? The afternoon bank pick-up should be here any minute and I’m a bit behind!”

“Sure thing, go!” Charlie responded as Anna swapped out drawers and rushed to the back to count.

I really need to hire someone more reliable to help her. 

Charlie thought to herself as she restocked the milk bar and wiped down the front counter.

“Hey so, uh, I may have just promised Jax we would make a volcano at your house tomorrow so, yeah If Anna is cool with it he and I are gonna run to the store and get what we need.”

“I’m cool with it. Keep that little goblin as long as you like!” Anna called out from the back before Charlie could answer.

She had astounding hearing. Even with all the noise of the shop and the dropping of change from the drawers, Anna had heard Jason’s request.

Charlie narrowed her eyes at Jason, “Why do I sense this is going to result in a mess in my yard?” 

Jason gave her a sheepish smile before giving her a swift peck on the cheek then hoisting Jax onto his back.

“Bye Auntie!” 

Jax called out with a wave as Jason ducked through the shop's doors.

Charlie melted a little more inside at the sight of her fiance with Jax. 

Faster than she would ever admit, her thoughts of Jason as a dad quickly went south becoming thoughts of how Jason would accomplish his end of the process. 

My gods, what is wrong with me?! 

Charlie’s inner voice scolded her as she felt her breasts grow heavy and that spot on her neck started to tingle at the thoughts of what she wanted Jason to do to her.

Suddenly the chime of the store’s doorbell went off, yanking Charlie from her exceptionally naughty daydreams.

Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the man who walked in through the doors. Dark worn jeans, a very well-fitting black t-shirt stretched across what looked to be a perfectly sculpted torso. Each arm decorated in dark swirling ink. Black slightly curly hair pushed back messy atop his head as he ran his hand through it. A black motorcycle helmet held in the other.

Goddess bless me this is torture. Why, WHY would a creation like this walk into my shop while I’m just here daydreaming of what a man like that could do to me- f**k. ANNA, HURRY UP.

Her inner voice yelled loudly in her mind as she willed away her dirty thoughts and put on her biggest customer service smile as the beautiful man approached the counter.

The main area was mostly empty now, the study group was happily chatting in the side room where the books were and the regulars had left for the day.

He took a look around as he walked slowly to the counter. Charlie tried to look normal as her heart began to race out of control in her chest. Her n*****s hardened as that damn spot on her neck began to throb in exquisite, delicate, pain. 

She sucked in a breath as his eyes finally met hers. A sultry grin pulling at his mouth.

Golden green, so vibrant against his tanned skin and rich black hair. 

He finally flashed her a real smile and she thought her heart might stop. Instantly she felt her core tighten as her need threatened to soak through her underwear.

He sucked in a breath as well, an eyebrow slightly raising at her, his head tilting ever so slightly to the side. She swore she saw his eyes flicker out. As if they flashed black but so fast, she didn’t know if it was his eyes or her own playing tricks on her.

“H-hi” Charlie finally got out “uh-um what can I get started for you?” she asked

The man’s smile deepened. 

Gods be damned, why does he have to look so good. If I didn’t have Jason I swear I might fall to my knees right here.

Her inner voice could not be contained.

The man stifled what appeared to be a light laugh. Running his hand back through his hair, 

“Well, I’ve never been in here- heard it was good though. What do you suggest I try?” 

His voice. Goddess bless, Charlie wanted to simply fall apart at the low, sensual voice this man had just spoken to her with. Something about it was familiar- but she couldn’t place where or why through the thoughts his voice was bringing to her mind. He sat his helmet down on the stool along the counter that faced the espresso machine.

“Well, what do you like? We can make just about anything coffee-related, and we are almost out of all our baked goods but I’ve got a cookie left that's all yours if you're in the mood for something sweet.” 

Charlie forced out the words with a smile. Fighting back a blush that wanted to wash its way over her face each time she met his burning gaze.

There it was again- that flash of black in his eyes. This time it was Charlie who tilted her head. Her eyes narrowing slightly at the man.

“You have incredible eyes Sir,” she said to him, almost in a whisper.

He cleared his throat and rolled his shoulders back just barely at the compliment.

“Thank you, I can say the same of yours.” 

His grin was devilish on his perfect lips. Charlie was going to combust, she was sure of it.

One more smile like that. One more, and I will run out of the shop or I will melt into a puddle on the floor.

He cleared his throat again, holding a hand up and covering his mouth as his grin widened in another dazzling smile.

“How about a cappuccino and that cookie you mentioned. I think something sweet sounds perfect right now.”

“Sure thing!” 

Charlie said all too fast as she threw herself down to get the milk from beneath the machine. The quick flash of cold air was welcomed as it cooled the heat that was building throughout her entire body.

Popping back up, and slamming the milk too hard on the counter she cursed lightly under her breath as it splashed out of the container and onto her neck. 

Quickly she grabbed a towel and wiped down the front of her shirt, moving to her neck to make sure she got all of it off her. A gasp escaped her as her hand slid over that spot on her neck.

“Everything alright?”

The man’s sensual voice had dropped even lower as he practically purred the words out to her through that perfect devilish grin.

“Mmhmm” was all she could manage as her whole body fought back at the shivers of pleasure now coursing through her system.

“Just a bit clumsy today” she added as she poured the milk and started to pull the shots.

“Well good thing the boss is not around then,” he said as he watched her every move from behind the machine.

“Well, actually she is, because uh, well, she is me.”

That sounded much better in my head. I swear it did.

He chuckled and the sound made her heart skip another beat.

“Oh really? You look so young to own such a successful shop- I hope my assumption did not offend you.”

Charlie cleared her throat, “No not at all, I get it a lot, and well at 29, I’m starting to cling to young assumptions.” she huffed out with a light laugh in reply.

Handing him his drink, “Oh damn, wait, the cookie!” Charlie whirled around right as Anna stepped back out from the count.

“All done-” 

Anna suddenly went entirely still. Her eyes widening and her heart racing as she locked eyes with the man.

“You alright girl?” Charlie asked as she reached around her to get a plate for the man.

“Y-yeah, all good. Where is my son?”

There was a hint of panic in her voice. A quiver of fear laced in the words.

“He’s with Jason at the store, they are gonna make a volcano or something tomorrow at the house remember- you sure you’re alright you’ve gone so pale. Babe, here, come on back into the office and sit down a minute.”

Charlie quickly leaned over the counter, sliding the man the plate with the cookie,

“Be right back with ya” she said as she gently led Anna back into the office.

“Just low blood sugar I think. Too much espresso, not enough actual food.” Anna mumbled as she sat at the desk.

“Here, eat this and I will text Jason to grab us all some dinner with Jax on his way back.”

Charlie handed Anna a granola bar and a bottle of water from her bag. Quickly shooting Jason the message. 

“I need to get back out there- you okay to sit tight for a minute while I ring that guy up?”

“Y-yes, I'm fine, go. I will be fine, go, go.” Anna waved her out the door, still pale but breathing a little lighter.

“Is your friend okay?” asked the man, a little sliver of worry in his voice as he did.

“Oh yeah, she's just been on her feet all day, forgot to eat but she’s just fine” Charlie replied.

“Well here, this should cover it. I need to run but thank you, the coffee was great and I will enjoy this cookie on my way home.” 

The man pushed off the stool and slid some cash under the plate before grabbing his helmet.

He swiftly made his way to the door but before opening it, he turned back around to face Charlie,

“You're not hiring by any chance, are you? I've got a cousin who is looking for a job at a place like this while he is at the university.”

“Yeah actually, I am. Send him over sometime between 7 am and 4 pm during the week, that's usually when I’m here. We always need good help.”

“Fantastic, thanks again.”

“Wait, uh, what is your name?” Charlie called out as he turned to actually leave.

“I’m Jamie Blackstone,” he said with another beautiful smile, “and you are?”

“Oh, I’m uh Charlie. You can call me Charlie,” she replied with a sheepish grin of her own.

“Well Charlie, it was wonderful to meet you. Perhaps I will get to see you more if my cousin meets your standards.” and with a wink, he finally pushed all the way out of the doors and into the rays of the late afternoon sun. 

Charlie felt another wave of pleasure rock through her form as she watched him walk away. The sound of her name in that sultry voice would haunt her dreams in the best of ways that night.