-CHAPTER 1-

He loves how coffee boosts his sexual frenzy and energy.

Theo couldn't explain how it makes him empowered and dominant. But away from those thoughts, he decided to put on his khaki apron and drink his morning cup since every full day shift they were always given three free drinks of their choice.

Which is one of the most favorite parts of his work.

Look sharp. He complimented himself on the mirror, oh he loves how his stainless name tag shines when it catches the light.

Theo
Call me love

The hands were capable enough to hold his warm latte as he steps out of the kitchen. He was assigned to handle some coffee orders for this morning, perfect for vixen hunting for him.

The fellow baristas, as usual, were fascinated by his crimson hair. Awkwardly, Theo casually pouted his lips and proceed to work on the two orders.

Lovely. He gazed at the married couple while making two Iced Macchiato with salted caramel. The lips were pursed as he started to pour rich espresso in the grande cup with an adequate amount of milk and sweetened it.

That satisfying foam that made his lips arched in to smile, a daily sign that he is passionate about his job.

"Two Iced Macchiato for Evelyn." His deep American accent announced their other for them to hear it from the distance. As Evelyn wanted to stand up and take their order, his husband did it instead.

He stood proudly with his corporate attire and thanked the barista for making their coffee, he even complimented his hair.

That was wholesome. He thought. It was a moment for a grin while wiping his hands with a cloth. He never imagined himself being happily married, he hates kids for crying out loud.

Matthew, his fellow workmate is holding a tray of Croissants as he approached him. "Hey mate, can you sort these fresh goodies for me? I have to work with the ice cubes and replace the tray."

"Oh, of course." The tray was warm as soon as he held it. Theo sorted the croissants inside the display tray where other pick-sized desserts are aligned as well such as cinnamon roll and other stuff that Theo couldn't familiarize.

The ice cubes start to make a sound as they fall on a big stainless container where they are stored. Matthew got curious about the girl which Theo got laid with, Theo was open to a conversation solely for him.

Well, he didn't hesitate to ask. " How the blast last week?' Rita was a good pick." He saw how Theo rolled his eyes, well, is there anything new about Matthew other than getting curious about someone's sex life?

He gave it a short laugh. "Well, as usual. I mean, nothing new about 'crippled sex drama'." Emphasizing the last phrase, they both chuckled, Theo, can sense something. Matthew has been really curious about her ever since Rita found this cafe.

Lips got twitching as he watched Matthew getting kinda intrigued after a few questions. "I mean you could date her if you want." He suggested.

"Hell no! I won't give it a try. And I'm sure she likes you." Matthew had to do something not awkward so dried up his hand using his apron.

"Like oh come on, you know the usual that I do. It's just sex, no bullshit okay." Theo explained the same thing as he took a sip on his morning cup. "Oh c'mon buddy, I got you covered." That made Matthew chuckle.

Nonetheless, Matthew just couldn't deny it. He's been hiding his interest, but he's quite skeptical about it. And that resulted in an awkward atmosphere between them, Theo could ignore it and just get back to work. He knew him too well for a long time.

Women. Theo was amused, he hadn't been interested in someone for a long time.

Pile after pile. Sort after sort. His attention is occupied with these trays of pieces of bread and sweets that he tried to master for a long time.

He also wants to try bread and pastry aside from being a full-time barista. Theodore wanted to keep someone alive in his memory by practicing it.

That made him sigh. It was unbelievable for him to survive in New York with this work. Weekday calm morning with a crowd waiting for their drinks, it makes him happy.

Serving their customers gives him pleasure, he doesn't want their satisfaction to disappear. Genuine service, always his thing. Always reminds him of someone.

Sun is definitely filling up some parts of his beloved New York Grinds, the folks as well are eager to boost their 'morning-head' on what they serve.

The wooden accent of the area suddenly turned gold-ish, a perfect site as if they were watching an actual sunrise.

A box of cups to sort, he was tasked to carry them from the delivery truck into their stock room. The customized coffee cups are actually for the cafe's anniversary.

"You didn't read the memo don't you?" Joe noticed his confused face so he had to ask. "It's the New York Grinds 25th anniversary. Are you gonna do it like last year? The cafe would be even more popular on Twitter, who would've thought having topless baristas are actually gonna kick-off?" Talkative Joe, he actually forgot to take care of the stock checklist from talking too much.

Theo abhors flashbacks from his life but last year was worth mentioning. They didn't expect the crappy idea of being topless while making some coffee, all from the owner. Matthew even mentioned that they got popular on Twitter but he doesn't care that much.

Given that the cafe has a bunch of jock like workers, it turned out pretty well. But as for Theo, he does get laid for women or two, even threesome or foursome, prosperous year for his sex life.

He was glad to give pleasure, give cash in exchange for some willing client for the wildest fantasies. Having red hair is ridiculously unique for such.

"Perhaps that calls for a short meeting later?" He asked Joe while checking up some stock boxes.

"Yeah yeah Apparently." His nod was abrupt and clearly in focus on work in a swift, making him continue also.

Thinking about this year's event, he's actually planning to take a break from hookups and focus on work. He would love to have no women involved and solely for work, might even wanna visit his cousin in Las Vegas. So many thoughts while working, he just finished sorting the cups.

"Theo, how about making a 'snickerdoodle'? I'll get some cream cheese from the fridge for a moment." Matthew sounds urgent as he finishes some orders. "Cool, sure." Swiftly enough, he faced a young-looking corporate woman with a good shade of blonde.

"Could you repeat the whole order for me? What would you like to get milady." Theo cleared his throat and gave a smile. Jasmine on the other hand fixed her poise and observed his name tag. Yes, he is. That confirms for her.

And her smile appeared as her blood rushed in. Sizzling visuals indeed, I wonder how hot he is underneath.

"Okay so I want Iced Snicker Doodle, whipped and a caramel drizzle on top. Large." Emphasizing the drink size while looking down was a good chance for Jasmine to flirt with her tone.

Large. "Oh, you mean grande?" The energy was suspicious for Theo, in a sensual way. Pursing his mouth, he met her alluring eyes and they were inviting.

"Yeah, my apologies. Grande." Repeating the word, she looked down somewhere in his pants. Not getting distracted by how his jaw was formed, she would love to hold it sometime. Oh heavens, I can't believe I'm doing this.

Theo was once again amused, leaving a sensual grin on his lips. Tch, of course, she is. Women like this are up to something, and always end up with the right assumption. He was about to cancel these hook-up plans just for now but he presumed that he might wanna give it a shot. She seems worth it.

Inside her heels, Jasmine's toes are actually moving due to nervousness. Intimidated and hyped at the same moment, she couldn't believe how stunning and gorgeous he was. Oh my hormones, you're blessed as fuck.

A well-behaved lady, that's what she was before she opened the cafe's glass door. Given how wanton she was on her ex, it was even more boosted by him. Confidently confirmed that the rumors were true.

At the table, while waiting, her Sephora foundation is opened for a little retouch moment. Her schedule starts at nine-thirty that's why she has to hurry. Silly of her, Jasmine actually did some rehearsing when she was in the cab. She never felt this glad for a long time, impressive.

The gals also mentioned some certain words for him to get to 'chase', to get his attention and real deal there are said mechanics which are quite discreet and impressive. Jasmine was hesitant to try such a deal, however, she was convinced of how platonic and safe it is. I hope he doesn't disappoint.

Then someone at her back cleared his throat. "Mind giving your order? Here's your drink, and you can call me Theo." Abruptly as she could, her legs crossed formally and impose a lady's poise. Idiot as it sounds.

That's it.

"Okay love." Jasmine spits the cue word with a sweet smile on her lips. Up close, she couldn't believe how alluring that eye color is. She rarely met gray-eyed people, even in her workplace. Too beautiful to behold.

Jasmine was caught off guard and blinked her lashes a few times. Theo smirked when he heard the appropriate response that he expected, it was even more impressive in a sensual manner.

A wanton woman indeed. I wonder how she performs, well I might pick her up this time and set the date early. That should do it.

"Alright Jasmine, I see what you're up to. When would you like to talk?" Casually, Theo said as he gave her the straw for the drink. Her face was unreadable, hyped, thrilled, shocked, Theo was clueless.

When it comes to this part, it takes a lot of common sense to grasp the whole thought of being discreet. And as usual, his clients must be mindful of where they put themselves into.

Checking her Tom Browne wristwatch, Jasmine realized that he was running late to work she fixed herself and stood up. "Maybe we could do it outside." Assuming that he saw her time, she smiled innocently and grabbed her coffee.

Theo was left grinning but he eventually followed her outside while looking at her ass. He couldn't deny that her well-toned waist looks irresistible to hold, especially when thrusting. Damn, oh boy. Theo was thankful to hide his boner denting his pants through an apron.

The other side of The New York Grinds where the bikes were parked is discreet enough for them to talk. He observed carefully her corporate vixen once again. Car keys, coffee, and phone all in one hand. She must be a busy woman indeed. Why spend time on carnal goodies?

Outdoor air made her breathe properly. "Finally. Wow, you look really dashing in person." His eyes followed her hands to her chest to see how 'overwhelmed' she was. But nope, that was a moment of a gaze on her glorious breast. He wondered how he would fit his hands.

"Of course an English blood. You probably heard the carnal stuff that I do. Are you sure about this milady?" Leaning on a rick wall of the establishment, he crossed his arms.

"Your politeness is stirring me up. Theo, I am a woman of my deed, of course, I am mindful, you're welcome." That was the first time that Jasmine mentioned her name in that voice. His cock gone mad. Oh, honey, I would love to hear my name over and over when I get to wreck you. He contained his thoughts by pursing his lips.

"How did you heard about me then?"

"A colleague of mine, Kristy. Perhaps you remembered her? The bank teller." The woman answered. And of course, Theo couldn't remember how Kristy controlled his orgasm by putting a cock ring. He didn't get to masturbate after that night for so much release, she even drank some.

His mouth got round while nodding. "Great, so you might wanna set the date early because I'll be busy for some time-

Jasmine cut him off with that gasp. "Great, this Friday night! I can't wait for it."

The way she actually responded made him entertained, he scoffed. "Oh yeah and another thing. And how would you like to be . . . fucked?"

Okay, I can do this. I got to embrace this kink, badly wanting this. "I would . . . like to be a whore, more like . . . a slave." Jasmine was carefully admitted.

It was understandable for Theo. Some women are skeptical about claiming their sexual kinks, that's why he is willing to help them embrace and explore some. Even trusting to propose on a platonic sexual partner is also indeed hard. Theo is glad to meet these open-minded and free-spirited women, they deserve to fulfill their fantasy.

But he couldn't help his mouth smiling wider. They were looking at each other, hazed. Regardless of the open parking space under the Elm trees. His ears can almost hear her thoughts. "I know exactly what to do with naughty whores."

As the space between them got smaller, his voice got serious and deep. Hell would freeze if Jasmine won't admit that it made her legs melted. In a closer space, Theo was looking at her nose up close and tilted his head. "Of, course. Whatever pleases you." His calloused hands gripped her jaw.

"I bet you like cursing huh?" initial pleasures, made him grit his teeth.

Jasmine answered, "Of c-course, oh God." That hoarse low moan, exciting indeed.

"We'll do it really soon. How about sealing the deal?" Aggressively using her jaw, he jerked it towards his face crashing their lips together. Both tongues were doing their choreography, feeding their carnal for fuck. Lips were inviting and luscious, Theo could describe it all day. Hard as steel, his sex pole wants attention, a head or a hand should do it.

I could fuck her in this wall right away! Ending the kiss, Jasmine could see their saliva as they parted their lips. No words could describe how wonderful their lips met, which made her crave for more and more.

Her lungs were gasping for air, but she focuses instead on his eyes. "Who else kiss on the first meet?" she asked, curious and chuckling

"I thought you're a good girl after all." She couldn't resist that smile. Theo gave her a grin while holding her shoulder.

Her chest thumped in anticipation. "Of course, I'm a good girl." Jasmine's posture suddenly fixed and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. Theo smiled and closed his eyes, he finds it sweet.

Not until she snaked her hands under his apron and cupped her raging cock on his jeans. She even massaged it shamelessly.

"Hard. I can't wait for this machine of yours, see you here on Friday then." Jasmine put her contact card in his pocket. That was her exit, leaving Theo hard and pissed. A few minutes after, he got back inside to work.

+++

Ella pushed the glass door of the unfamiliar cafe, feeling disgusted at the same time. She just saw people licking their faces off in public, outside this establishment. Like seriously? With her companion, Kath, they both sat at a table for two.

Instead of being bothered because this cafe is new to her, she quickly got her things on the table. Mac book, notebook, and some papers that need to be done this morning, a hectic university work indeed.

"Like seriously, we could've been more productive at the cafe beside two blocks away from the university" she shared her complaints to Kath while tying her hair. But to be fair, the cafe embodies a good ambiance, a good place to be productive.

Kath was also fixing hr hair. "Shush honey, it's just a 20-minute ride from the campus, not a problem to my car." She shrugged her shoulders at the end.

Ella rolled her eyes and crossed her legs and opened her laptop, inviting her sanity to get busy.

Not so long from that, a man walks in with a khaki apron. The man who kissed someone outside earlier. That's when Kath found out that he was actually a barista on The New York Grinds, she was intrigued by that thought. A whole serve. Crimson haired jock.

Kath couldn't help but to purse her lips and pushed her laptop screen to see Ella's face. "Remember that red-haired guy from earlier? Who just kissed someone outside, he was actually working here. Goodness." She couldn't hide her giggles while whispering.

Moving her eyeballs towards the counter, he saw the man and nodded. "Yeah . . . quite obvious cuz his apron." Ella remained uninterested and continued typing but with pouting lips.

Her friend asked, "Okay, what will be your drink for this morning?"

Ella was so focused on annotating, the keyboard was making a fast-paced sound. "Iced white mocha with a white chocolate drizzle, grande size. Thank you." Kath felt ignored and dishonored that her brows crumpled.

"I see you're ignoring stuff, that's actually why we are here." Kath suddenly stood up and grab Ella and her wallet.

"Hey!"

"Order with me."

"Fuck, wait up." Ella's steps almost tripped while walking towards the counter. What's up with her?

They picked the line with a few people. "Ella, for once you should try this kind of hunting. I mean, the gals from the church told me about this cafe. A lot of good-looking guys are here in the new york grinds don't you believe that? I wanna freaking try, just for once for crying out loud." She explained as if it was a thesis defense. Leaving no choice, Ella shook her head and prepared her money.

"I mean the red-haired looks really hot as hell." Coming from a woman who visits the church, Ella couldn't help but smirk.

"Yeah, sure. It suits him. Definitely loves to lick faces and vaginas as we saw earlier." Ella blew a sarcasm while putting a long gaze on his face. He was quite favored in beauty and gorgeousness but she chose to be quiet. She was thinking more about her drink.

"Totally agree. Don't you like it? Oh c'mon, I sometimes think that you're a lesbian." Kath's arms were crossed while looking at her.

"Of course I do have an interest in the opposite sex. Stop that crappy assumption. No wonder you have terrible taste in guys. And we have no more time for dicks, we have a semester to slay." Teasing, She felt like she earned one point. A good laugh for Ella.

"Bitter."

"Shut up, but yeah there's nothing wrong with admiring such eye candy," Ella explained and both girls giggled their asses off. Not noticing that it is their turn to order.

"Good morning, welcome to The New York Grinds. How would like to drink your coffee?"

Kath's voice was hyped and full of energy. "Hello! Uhm, let's see." Ella can't look at her being flirty for too long so she focused on something else. Eventually staring at someone to be precise.

Theo met their gazes with someone who's on the counter. Gorgeous.

The woman spoke in front of her, playfully. "Okay Uhm, we would like to have some iced white mocha with white drizzle and Iced Matcha Espresso with vanilla syrup and frappe, all grande." Her proud friendly smile infected Theo to do the same, not until she looked down on his crotch as she mentioned grande. Holy fuck. Theo ignored such shenanigans and gave it a low smirk.

Ella felt ridiculously embarrassed, she was also shocked when he gave it a smirk and he actually gets her joke. She just pursed her lips and grabbed some cash from her purse. When the order was fixed, they were told to wait five to eight minutes to prepare so they decided to take their seats back on their spot.

"Goodness, that was intimidating as hell. His sex appeal was fucking drooling don't you think." Kath jokingly spoke as she opened her book. Her anticipation to socialize always leaves Ella dumbfounded. They are totally opposite, she prefers the ordinary. Quite frustrating for her because of this unfamiliar environment.

Leaning closer to whisper, she complained. "Yeah, and why are we even here? Such a flirt Kath calm your shit down. Who knows if you're really craving for some grande sizes." And that made her friend bit her lip and force herself not to laugh.

"We were actually here with dad before going to church then I saw this hottie, and I said wanna be here again because he's too fucking hot I can't even. Crimson hair, chicks dig that." She was so talkative and nosy as hell, she was wondering why this friendship lasted for five years. She knows how Ella hated noise. They hid their laughs really well, both of them couldn't even focus on her screen.

Tap after tap. She and her keyboard were busy. She had enough of those dirty grande jokes, especially coming from a woman who goes to church regularly. Two pages of typing were not really productive for her since it'll be a long quiz, she has to cover more topics. Ella was at ease and undisturbed, thankful enough for her patience since their drinks aren't served yet.

Suddenly her eyes focused on somewhere, more specifically on the next table. Her instincts sensed the tension nearby, she felt him staring at her far from just assuming it. Theo was serving a drink to a middle-aged woman nearby the girls from earlier. Remaining silent, he greeted the woman and gave her a drink.

"He's on the next table is in it?" Kath's eyes widen under her glasses, talking distinctly. Ella pouted and avoided her gaze to focus on him one last time. And just like earlier, their eyes met.

Crap!

That was awkward. She focused again on working to think of nothing else. Kath was intrusive as hell, any ridiculous idea always showing up on her mind.

"Could you ask him for a tissue?"

"Have it your way, I'm busy here." Ignoring her, her attention was driven by work once again.

"Ugh, for once. You might wanna try it." Kath doesn't care if she pushed Ella too hard. She was here after all to have a good time, she loves buggering her. She couldn't wait for her to ask for a tissue while pursing her lips.

However, Ella was kinda annoyed and rushed the words into her mouth. "Just wait for our drink and I'll ask for it, okay-

"Mind if I serve now your drinks ladies? Here are your drinks. You can call me Theo, enjoy your drinks." Theo gave his innocent smile and serve them, he didn't mind calling their names because they were busy and they are near to the counter. He was expecting an answer, maybe just a single answer so that he could at least play with these girls.

Ella and Kath weren't ready for that to come, the voices went silent and the atmosphere went formal. The girls gave space for their drinks and Ella finally asked for the tissue. Kath even hid her flutters by taking a sip of her drink.

"Tissue, of course. Give me a moment." It wasn't the answer that he expected, he quickly changed the mood and wiped his hands on this apron. Theo isn't sure what to feel, I might really wanna focus to on work.

His hands quickly reached the tissue for two people. Theo was pissed but there was no reason why not sure what to think either. He was pissed because these girls, or girl, aren't really his client at all. He was waiting for a response.

Desperation was out of nowhere, he doesn't want to be pissed just because of that reason. No grounds to claim one of them, he already had a client after all. Is this some sort of craving for another foursome?

That made the gentleman feel awkward. "Tissue, enjoy your drinks ladies."

"Thank you, and nice hair by the way." A woman finally replied to him. He looked up and met her eyes covered with glasses. As per being observant, Theo witnessed her face up close that consist of freckles and that looks pretty on her for some reason. He was clueless about how wide his smile was, and she also smiled slightly back.

I can't believe that. But casually, Ella ignored what she said and did not think about it further. Of course, his hair was nice. She continued her work and typed the wifi password from the receipt.

Thank goodness he's, gone, that creeped me out. Focusing on their online school portal, someone chatted on her Twitter.

@kittyKath
(Nice compliment huh)

Her brows narrowed and started typing.

@parkerella
(I was just being nice, ignore shit okay?)

@kittyKath
(okay)

Ella chose to lower down her screen and dissed at her. "Focus, okay. Ain't got time for grande sized." Emphasizing her wide eyes to make her understand, she just gave her a laugh.

An eternity of long minutes after she decided to pause from work and definitely ignore the whole world around her. They spend their morning at this cafe already, it is a cue to check her wristwatch. Eleven-thirty in the morning, seeing that makes her think for lunch.

That's when she knew she was already starving, even though a tummy grumble didn't declare such. What to eat, what to eat. Ella's eyes were dashing from corner to corner of this ambient venue.

Ella was mindful to not crave too much and also to regulate her calorie intake. And about her purse, it is a must to save a lot since expenses are getting demanding in the last years of uni work. Might as well ask her.

"Have you ever thought about being a working student?" Ella was kinda indecisive on what to say next, she sounded so random.

Kath on the other hand understands how random it is. "Nope, I mean if you're gonna apply for it, it'll be tough." Ella nodded as her mind was buried on how much she badly wants to earn for at least.

"The upcoming days will be really hard. I mean we have so many expenses and I can't just rely on my family. I have to be useful Kath, for at least. And not to mention that we have some books to purchase and other stuff." She smiled hopelessly, she felt bad for the one who sustained her money. Ella sighed, she had been thinking about this for over a week now.

Kath had a light of hope when she smiled and put her elbows on the table. "Well actually. I'm quite thankful that I am privileged and lucky, and . . . I could lend you some cash if you want to." She always wants to help her friends, she hoped that Ella would let her.

Ella was left dumbfounded and quite unsure about what to say. Both of her hands rested on the table as well. "Well, Uhm. . . thank you but actually I can't accept that offer. And I would like to be independent this way Kath, and we both know how much I wanted to grow here in New York since I arrived here from Chicago. I really hope that you will understand." She explained sincerely, and at least for her, she has a good support system.

"It's alright, good enough. And I also heard something from July though." Kath pertained to their friend, probably busy on the campus so she couldn't be with them.

"And what about it?" That was indeed intriguing for her, for she badly wanted to earn in the most ways possible.

And her friend explained as if it was the main mechanic. "Well it is kinda odd at some point but trust me, it is easy money. And the silly part, it has to do with baristas."

Ella was naive and clueless, making her brows narrowed. But instead of asking further questions, she would like her to continue. "Okay okay, I'm in. So what is this all about?"

"I don't know, I should've asked more." Kath continuously typing her phone as she messaged July because she would like to help her friend. Ella told her to ask some further questions, she couldn't help but be curious.

And the silly part, it has to do with baristas. Theo's brows expressed their confusion from the distant voice.

Fascinating. His tongue streamed his upper teeth from left to right as his interest was completely immersed, the mouth couldn't help but chuckle. However, he had to boil some espresso.

+++

Leo_Polaris
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