A Lesson to Learn

Chapter 8

Rey blushed and returned his smile. "Thanks, Kylo. Are you ready to try your first of many First Order pumpkin spice lattes?"

"First of many? Someone's feeling cocky." Kylo laughed.

"Well, you liked that other one you had. And I'm confident enough in my coffee to know that you'll love the one I make." Rey quipped back.

"I think I would love anything you offer me, Rey." Kylo smirked. With that, Rey left him to stare after her as she turned to make his drink.

***

Kylo wasn't sure how a mere human like Rey could make him lose his breath every time he saw her. He always felt like he had been punched in the gut by her presence and now fully understood the mortal phrase "breath-taking". Even in her dirty black apron and mussed hair, seeing Rey was enough of a luxury for Kylo. He watched her carefully as she made his drink, taking in her taut stomach, small frame, and long, slender legs. She had a smattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks, and he almost moaned with the way she was biting her lip as she concentrated on making his coffee just right. Kylo didn't try to hide his admiration for her or her body, figuring that if she had had the boldness to take in every inch of him as he walked in, it would only be gentleman-ly to return the favor.

When Rey returned with a cup in hand, Kylo straightened up from where he was leaning over the counter. He grabbed the cup from her hand, briefly amused at how comically tiny her hand looked next to his gargantuan one. As their hands brushed together in the exchange he felt a warm jolt of electricity go through him, completely unrelated to the steaming cup of coffee. He brought the coffee to his lips and did a big show of taking a quick whiff and then a long sip as he looked over at Rey past the brim of the lid. He hummed in appreciation and licked his lips as he put the cup down, drawing out the silent interaction and reveling in how Rey's attention was solely focused on him, waiting for his reaction - her big eyes wide and full of anticipation.

The coffee smelled strongly of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice - it was a heart-warming smell that made Kylo feel at ease and reminded him of his enjoyable evening last night. The taste itself was delicious. The coffee was robust and strong, the flavor profile of the pumpkin spice was complimentary but not overwhelming, and the splash of milk added a nice creamy undertone to tie it all together.

"Well?" Rey prodded impatiently.

"This is truly great coffee, Rey. Probably the best I've ever had." Kylo replied. Not that I've had that much coffee as a demon who doesn't really need that stuff... But I could definitely drink this every day, especially if it meant I get to see you.

Rey sighed a sigh of relief and then waved him off. "You big old charmer. Best you've ever had? I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kylo."

"I mean it! I was afraid it would be too sweet with the way it smelled, but it is much spicier than I would have imagined. And your actual coffee is obviously well-sourced." Kylo enthused.

Rey felt her cheeks warm under his praise as she answered, "Well, we try to source locally for our roasted beans and we make sure whoever we get them from has fair trading practices and good quality of beans and roasting styles."

"I can tell. Really." Kylo said as he took another long taste. He then looked at Rey, and held out his free hand to touch her arm. "Your whole shop is divine." I would know, he added in his head.

"Thanks, Kylo. I'm proud of what Poe and I have done here. You should check out some of the books while you wait for our lunch date. Unless you're too busy with the work you're doing." Rey offered.