You asked for it! (After Hours: a prompted story)

A few days ago, I asked for inspiration for a flashfiction story. I liked the ideas everyone gave me so much I decided to write something longer.

The requests: A bakery / coffee shop setting, hot sex, caramel or sugar glaze, no characters named Jack

Here is the first part of the result. I plan to write another couple of parts, so expect the next one January 29 and the last (?) February 6.

After Hours

“Okay, sure. I’ll close up. No problem.” Cory hung up the phone, scowling. He hated closing the shop, especially when he wasn’t supposed to have to do it. He couldn’t say no, though. That's what he got for working for his older brother. Still, working here got him free room and board while he finished up his last year of college, so he couldn’t complain. Much.

He directed a baleful glare at the clock above the bakery’s counter. Ten minutes to nine. He’d be able to lock the door in just a few minutes. Cleaning up and counting the money would take longer, but it wouldn’t be too bad. If he went back and started cleaning now, he could leave sooner.

Pleased with the plan, he headed to the back and started on the stainless steel counters.

Five minutes later, the bell above the door jingled, signaling the arrival of a customer. He huffed out an annoyed breath. Who the hell came into a bakery at five minutes to nine? Knowing his luck, it would be some jerk wanting a customized birthday cake iced in just a few minutes.

Wiping his hands on his apron, he stalked to the register. A lone man stood before the display case, looking over the offerings inside it. In his least helpful voice, Cory said, “Can I help you?”

The customer lifted his head and offered Cory a tentative smile. “I’m sorry to come in so late. I just really needed some coffee and something sweet.”

Cory immediately felt bad for snapping. Kyle was one of their regular customers, a young doctor from the local hospital. He’d never been anything but nice to Cory, and he was cute, too. Cory had spent the past couple of months admiring his tall, sleek physique and his big hazel eyes, made even larger by his glasses.

Tonight Kyle’s exhausted, drawn face told Cory he must have had a bad day. If coffee and a donut would help, Cory was more than happy to provide them. Hell, he’d provide a lot more than that, if he thought Kyle wanted him to. He smiled. “Hey, Kyle. Rough day?”

Kyle shrugged, but his expression was anything but nonchalant. “The victims of a really bad multi-car accident came in. We couldn’t save them all.”

Cory didn’t know what to say to that. “Oh, wow. That sucks.” He poured some coffee into a mug and handed it across the counter. “What else can I get you?” How about me?

Kyle’s gaze raked him up and down, and for a brief moment, Cory thought Kyle would say something along those lines. Unfortunately, all the doctor said was, “I’d love a glazed donut. I know they’re bad for me, but they’re so good I can’t resist.”

I’ve got some things you wouldn’t be able to resist. Stifling his ridiculous thoughts, Cory selected the biggest, most sugary-looking donut he could see and passed it to Kyle.

Kyle grinned. “Thanks, Cory. I guess I’d better take my sugar fix and get out of your hair. How much?”

“On the house.” Some little devil in his head made him add, “You don’t have to rush off. I don’t mind if you hang out a bit while I close.”

TO BE CONTINUED…

I hope y'all don't think I'm too mean for cutting the story off here. Bwahahahaaaa!

Don't worry, I'll get to the hot sex very soon. :)

And of course, if anyone has any comments or ideas re. the story and where you think it should go, feel free to let me know!

Cassandra Gold

Special Delivery coming soon from Freya's Bower

www.cassandragold.com