Café Number 9

By Olivia Outlaw

Maya Lévêque bleeds confidence, and why shouldnt she? The college junior is a devoted assistant manager of her local coffee shop, the former superstar of the girl's basketball team, a talented musician with a voice like honey, and the most attractive woman on the East Coast. Her large circle of friends is ever-growing, but more importantly, so is the number of women she takes to bed. Loud whispers of her pleasurable expertise spread faster than wildfire, adding to the ease with which she approaches girls.
Relationships?
Not for her; not anymore, and she makes that clear each time.
As apologetic as she is when it happens, she can't control who catches feelings. Maya knows from experience that trying is pointless after a mistake she made freshman year. Being the cause of unexplained heartache, her already promiscuous reputation changed to something much more negative. Who cared if the rumors weren't true? She knew herself and didnt owe anyone a thing.
Then one day, Sayge El-Amin, a new student for the upcoming semester strolls into the café. She's stunning, and Maya knows she would do anything to spend the night with her. Maya tries to remove the mask of regal stoicism the other woman wears so well, and with each little crack, Sayge reveals parts of herself that stir something long buried within Maya.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olivia Outlaw
• Release date: Mar 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224613144

Book preview

Chapter One

The shop was alive with sound. The rough crinkling of papers and metallic clang of cooking utensils combined with energetic hisses from the machines while a constant murmur of conversation filled the air.

The fall semester started next week, so students had been allowed to move in. They rushed to Café Number 9, one of our Pennsylvania college town’s most popular spots.

It was a cozy little corner shop themed in warm colors and furnished with comfortable places to sit. Those in line pondered the decorative food within the case as their seated counterparts passed the time with personal projects, discussions, and early meals.

Mornings were always busy, but this was wild. One person left, and three more walked in. The talking crowd was a starving army, but the craziness was expected. The beginning of any semester was an important part of the year for us. It would determine our profits for the next four months, meaning if people were happy, they’d keep coming back.

The pressure gave flight to my feet and sent adrenaline through my veins. Working here could be as frustrating as it was exciting, but overall, I liked it. I loved meeting new people and watching their eyes light up when they tried something new for the first time. My favorite thing to do was turning grumpy customers into happy ones. It felt like I was making a difference in someone’s day, and having a person smile proved I was as good at the job as I hoped.

Aside from my connection with people, I worked tirelessly to be the best. I took and made orders in what felt like seconds, counted and requested inventory like I had a computer in my head, churned out schedules like they were on an assembly line, and got the café so clean it sparkled. It sounded corny, but it gave me a sense of pride and a little more purpose.

Everything I did made me well liked among coworkers, other students, and locals. I put so much time into this place that whenever I walked around town, I got waves, cool nods, or questions about being the coffee shop girl. It was surprising at first, but I liked it.

I caught the eye of a cute chick I’d flirted with in one of my classes after giving a group their drinks. I complimented the brunette’s top, letting my stare linger on her chest before watching her blush. She was flustered, but it was hard for her to look away. Her desirous eyes raked along my body and caused that primal urge to claw across my skin. I gave her a knowing smirk, and she giggled as she waved me off. I watched her rejoin her friends, glad she came by. It meant the ladies still liked me as much as I liked them.

I knew why.

I stood out.

I was extremely attractive. I was six feet tall with nice dark skin and deep brown eyes. I traded nauseating dresses and constricting tops for freeing sweats, comfortable suits, loose jerseys, and relaxing hoodies years ago. I started chopping my long black hair off not long after. It got shorter each year until I settled on my signature undercut with designs shaved into the sides.

Except for a bad knee, my body was built from constant workouts that left women staring as I approached with practiced words and tempting glances. I’d invite them to run their hands over my muscular shoulders and leave molten trails with their needy fingers until they slipped their hands beneath my shirt to caress my abs. I watched with heated gratification as they marveled at perfection while I melted them with my deep voice. I loved seeing them unravel at the smooth, sensual promises easing into their ears.

My favorite girls were the ones that paid attention to what was forever etched onto my skin; tattoos revealed secrets of the past, and the ink that was most visible was on my right arm. It was the beginning of a sleeve that started at my shoulder, where tiny, abstract images of my beloved pets back home in Florida had an eternal place. A recreation of my grandfather’s painting, a European coastline with human figures watching the sun set, took up the space beneath them.

The lines of his artwork gradually became a staff at my elbow. The sheet music spiraled down before turning into an acoustic guitar on my forearm. Hidden on the underside of my wrist was the name of an ex who passed when I was sixteen. On my shoulder blade was the detailed shape of France with my last name, Lévêque, in the middle to remind me of my family’s roots.

The tattoos were an intimate glimpse of my life, but they were an irresistible lure to the ladies of this town. I knew just what to wear while patrolling the bars. It had to leave the art open enough to be seen but covered enough to keep the girls wanting more. I approached women with ease, pulling them in until they couldn’t resist tracing the dark lines with their fingers. I almost shuddered remembering the light, lingering touches of my last girl. She was an older woman, in her mid-thirties, needing to let loose who kept up those soft caresses all night.

The women who really liked my tattoos couldn’t resist the piercings in the upper part of my ears. The shiny studs dared them to kiss and nibble a part of my body I never thought could feel so good.

Those same girls had a thing for pulling the chains I wore when they were feeling it deep or wanting it rough. The tightening around my throat sent feral bolts through me until I became as forceful as they desired.

It was assumed because of the way I looked that I had to be into girls.

That was true.

I was always open to giving the curious a new experience or letting those who were like me be themselves for a night. I was really good too, probably the best fuck in town; I made sure my woman got hers no matter who I was with, which made them call me back for many repeat performances.

Don’t reheat it! Make them a new one! A shout yanked me into the present. No, don’t charge them for it! We keep the guests happy here! The stern voice was from a small, scowling woman standing near the oven. I wanted to laugh at the scrunched brows and narrowed eyes that appeared whenever she got even the slightest bit annoyed. She was five-foot-three with a young-looking face that made it very hard for me to take her seriously sometimes.

The dissatisfied individual was Veronica Li, a senior who managed the café, and my roommate. She had a ruthless desire for excellence that not only made her great at everything she did but turned her into an amazing motivator as well. She was like a big sister with a ferocious protective heart. She’d always taken care of me, but after my accident, she proved she was the best friend I’d ever had.

I could handle her tenacious personality. It was why I was able to laugh at her irritated faces, but I understood how it overwhelmed other people.

I looked over at the two new hires in concern. One glanced up but went back to taking the next order. Seth had been a barista before, so frustrated yells were normal to him. The other, who’d gotten scolded, was standing frozen and wide-eyed behind the registers. This was Eleanor’s first gig, and she wouldn’t know how to react.

Hey? I called, walking over to tap her arm. Take a deep breath, and try not to overthink it. You’re doin’ fine; just don’t be afraid to ask for help. If Veronica’s too much, ya got me.

She let out a breath and nodded.

You cook, I’ll ring, I said, gently guiding her away to take her place.

We breezed through the next orders with Eleanor more comfortable. See guys, we got this! I cheered as the tension eased. We just gotta take our time and chill! The positive vibes in the air turned into excited sparks. That means you too, Li-Li!

Yeah, yeah, Maya. With two drinks in hand, she playfully hip-checked me as she passed. I tried to swat at her, but she was already too far away.

The way we balanced each other out was part of the reason Veronica picked me to be her assistant. I was her hire from back when she was a shift lead, and she’d repeatedly stuck her neck out for me. She believed I’d come back after I was hurt, was the reason I was promoted twice, and fought the owner to pay me a high amount for what I did. I wanted to show my appreciation, so I made sure we split the work of running this place right down the middle and never refused her requests.

Happy with the high spirits of our team, I readied to greet the next person. Sup, welcome to Café Number 9! What can I get you tod-

The moment I saw her, my breath was stolen.

I was hypnotized by her almond eyes. That piercing, umber gaze was draped by long, curly lashes. Her striking stare burned with arcane thoughts as it bore into me. Those eyes were searching so deeply that they crossed the threshold into my soul. With a single look, she knew every memory, thought, and desire I’d ever had.

God had taken his time to craft this unbelievable woman. She stood at a respectable height, maybe half a foot shorter than me. Her hair was a shimmering, wavy, shoulder-length brown that matched her eyes. She had a cute little nose with a ring through the right nostril and full lips that I wanted to kiss.

An ember ignited inside me when my gaze fell on her breasts. The tight, low-cut top made her tits pop. They were the perfect size; small enough to fit in my hands but still so sexy and full. The tips of my fingers tingled as I imagined her nipples hardening from my touch. I strained my eyes as I chased her cleavage, hoping to see even the slightest bit more of her warm, tawny skin.

My transfixed gaze didn’t stop; it went lower, following the delicious curves of her waist down to the thick thighs claiming my fantasies. They brushed together teasingly, making me dream of the intoxicating beauty they’d reveal when they opened.

I had seen attractive women before, but she was incredible. An animalistic hunger awakened, and I knew I had to have her.

Can I get a large hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll, please? Her voice was soft but clear, with a gentle insistence that made my ears ring. I hung onto the sound, reveling in its natural cadence until her brows furrowed.

The café’s existence assaulted my senses. Jarring noise from customers and coworkers stabbed my eardrums, too-sweet scents forced their way into my nose, and my field of view burst open. I saw everything at once and felt a sharp pain in my chest from not breathing for so long.

I was still at work.

My eyes darted between the woman and the people behind her. An alarmed bolt struck me, and I realized I’d kept everyone waiting just to stare at her.

My aching heart started to race as I looked down at the register in an attempt to hide the feeling of shock she caused. No matter how gorgeous a woman was, I always had control of myself. Somehow, she managed to make me forget everything, and looking anywhere else was the only way to regain my composure.

Whip cream? I forced out, acting like I’d been waiting for her instead.

Yes please, she replied in that wonderful voice.

Name? I still couldn’t even glance at her. I kept my mind on what was once instinctive. I grabbed a cup and marker, trying to remember how to do my job.

Sage.

Spell it for me. I wanted to burn her into my memory.

There’s a y after the a.

Sayge.

Yeah, I definitely had to have her.

I smirked to myself as I wrote her name across the cup, doodling a happy face too. After sliding her card, she walked away without looking back in my direction. She had seen but hadn’t noticed me; I was nothing more than a register maiden.

I was stunned.

Not every girl threw herself at me, but my good looks were always worth a second glance. I never got treated like an afterthought even during my first semester.

The next customer stepped to the counter, but I didn’t acknowledge them. I was still staring after Sayge. As she moved to a corner of the shop, I noticed something else about the girl with the fine waistline.

She had one of the fattest asses I had ever seen.

Her butt pressed against her pants and begged to be grabbed.

I couldn’t believe I thought a woman like her would just give out attention. Sayge’s looks were otherworldly; of course she’d have expectations to match. She wasn’t the type to be won in a day, but with time, I could shatter her notions of perfection and have her begging for me.

Li-Li? I called to my busy friend. Can we switch real quick?

I watched her eyes dart between me and Sayge before rolling. Fine.

I grinned widely and began to make Sayge’s order.

I knew to work fast enough not to bother anyone but slow enough to keep the sexy woman here a little longer. My eyes kept returning to that pretty face. With her head angled down, her fingers danced across her phone. Sayge’s visage was as neutral as it had been from the moment she stepped up to the counter, so I assumed she wasn’t very expressive. I felt the simmer of a challenge in my blood as I thought about her coming undone from my experienced fingers and tongue. The stony mask would fall away as she arched in ecstasy beneath me.

When I had both the drink and pastry in hand, I felt a little disappointed. Soon, she’d be on her way.

Sayge! I shouted above the crowd’s chatter.

Her head snapped up, and she walked over to the edge of the counter. Instead of me laying the order down for her to grab, I had her take it from my hands. She moved so carefully she avoided all chance of our fingers touching.

Once again, I was shocked.

It seemed like she’d seen right through my intentions, making sure to have no physical contact with me.

But of course she would.

I remembered her intense eyes. This intelligent, observant woman knew what I was going to do before I did it. Rehearsed lines and cheap displays weren’t going to impress her. She needed a unique experience. I could give her that and anything else she wanted, but I didn’t have much time left. I cursed internally, scrambling to come up with something to make her notice me until her eyes fell on the cup.

They narrowed slightly, and I knew.

Suddenly, she looked at me.

An electric current pulsed through my body the moment her powerful gaze truly locked with mine. She didn’t speak and didn’t move. She simply stared, as though my mere presence was enough to give her pause. Those aware eyes flashed with unknown emotions as she considered me.

A familiar confidence filled my chest, and I smirked at her. I couldn’t even guess what someone so beyond reality was thinking, but it didn’t matter. She knew I existed, and that was enough.

Chapter Two

Sayge stepped into the shop on a September afternoon. The sun illuminated her skin and gave her an ethereal glow as the outside gale pursued her. It waltzed through her hair, turning her into a fall goddess.

I watched, captivated, as she got in line, sexily running a hand through her windblown locks. Sayge was so effortlessly beautiful that she left my heart pounding and body burning. I counted the people, minutes, and seconds in anticipation of the moment when she’d step forward to match my gaze with hers. The world would fade away as her elysian eyes pierced mine.

My muscles tingled from the memory of catching her attention a few weeks ago. Every part of me screamed to hop the counter and make her mine, but I’d be unable. It was too soon to be that revealing. Making an unprompted, rushed move in public would have her scoffing in disgust. It didn’t matter how attractive I was. If I wanted a girl like this, I’d have to be very careful.

I rang the next few people up, alternating between taking orders and preparing food. I snuck long glances at the unreal girl lost in the digital world of her phone as I worked. I prayed she’d be looking back each time, but she never did.

Sayge had become a regular over the past few weeks, and strange though it might’ve been, I’d pretty much memorized her schedule. Mondays and Wednesdays were short early-morning visits; Tuesdays and Thursdays were afternoons or evenings where she settled at one of the tables to enjoy her food; Fridays were random, but she always came by; Saturdays she was a ghost, and I wondered anxiously if she’d stop showing up for good; Sundays she got here around ten and stayed for hours to study or sketch.

Usually she was alone, but there were times where she’d bring friends with her. I didn’t know most of them, but she seemed accepting. People of different races, genders, and sexualities made up her circle.

Despite her expressionless face when she was by herself, she came alive around those she knew. Her extraordinary eyes sparkled with excitement, and she revealed a breathtaking smile. Her pure joy burst from dazzling teeth, puffy cheeks, and cute dimples as she laughed. It was a melodic choir that enveloped me in warmth and left my legs shaking.

Sayge’s released happiness was one of the most amazing things I’d ever experienced, and her elation flowed into me. My heart soared, and I smiled to myself as though she was right beside me. The true distance didn’t matter; the simmer beneath my skin and powerful pull were all I needed to know we’d have a passionate physical connection.

The moment the final person walked away, excited electricity surged across my body.

Hey Sayge! I greeted with a wide grin, admiring the girl with the floral messenger bag.

Hi, she replied as her eyes drifted to mine.

The instant our gazes met, a fluttering sensation floated into my chest and left me weightless.

Gettin’ your usual? I asked.

Yes please.

A hopeful, little thrill shot up my spine. She was talkative today. Most times I got no more than a nod, but something made her speak to me. My smile widened even more as I let myself believe she was glad to see me.

Without breaking our eye contact, she grabbed the colorful wallet that matched her bookbag and went to unzip it. A protective urge came over me. She could pay like she always did, but it felt wrong to let her.

You’re good. The words escaped before I could think about them, and they made Sayge freeze as she stared at me in confusion.

Don’t worry, I assured, trying to stay standing under the tantalizing weight of bringing emotion to her face. It’s on the house.

She glanced at the people ahead of her before nodding. Okay, she whispered like we’d done something scandalous.

The breathy word sent a pleasurable sensation flowing downward as my imagination went wild. We hadn’t done anything, and she sounded like that!? When I actually got to touch her, the moans would leave her lips like a prayer.

For the first time, I was thankful she was looking elsewhere as she put her wallet away. I didn’t want her to see my heated smirk at the fantasy of her satisfied sounds.

Thank you, Maya, she said, leaning in.

Y-You’re welcome, I stammered in surprise as she walked off.

I stared blankly after her.

I didn’t think she knew I even had a name, much less enough of one for her to not peek at the tag on my chest. Sayge was perceptive, but knowing she’d taken the time to learn who I was shook me to my core.

Chapter Three

Loud laughter split the air. It charged the calm space with chaotic energy, making all heads turn towards the front doors of Café Number 9. The sound was so distracting that I stopped in the middle of handing a sleepy customer their receipt to look at the people walking in.

I saw seven or eight cheerful students striding into the shop. They were a big group, so I glanced at Veronica. She caught my eye and nodded in understanding. We were the only ones here, so if we were going to meet their demands and those of anyone else’s, we had to be several steps ahead.

I scanned them to search for anyone I might recognize. If they were a regular, we could get an early start on their order. I saw some familiar faces but couldn’t match them to anything on the menu, so I figured this group was a bunch of freshmen or transfers.

I turned back to her with a shrug, and she shook her head. We’d have to wait to see what they wanted while hoping a late morning rush didn’t begin.

The groggy person taking their receipt returned me to work briefly. I called out the order to my roommate then focused on the group by the entrance once again. They grew louder, and the shop hummed with infectious excitement. I watched, energized, as they parted to let someone come forward.

Sayge.

My throat tightened, trapping my breaths the second I saw her.

She stood with her head high as she took in the room with her piercing gaze. Her attention lingered on a couple at her usual table by the window before finding its way to the unoccupied couches that made up the small lounge area beside the doors.

She began marching in that direction without a word to the others. Sayge floated across the floor with light steps, moving like a royal with her straight back and even strides. I was awed by how easily the controlled motions came to her. I wondered if she was an athlete like me, who knew every muscle in her body from years of practice, or if she was naturally refined.

My gaze was drawn to that fatal waistline as she walked. I marveled at her wide hips. My tongue flicked across my lips as I dreamed about what she hid between those thighs, thick and strong enough to suffocate me when I went in for a taste.

Pressure on my chest reminded me that I needed to breathe, and my throat opened. The moment it relaxed, every other part of me did too. I almost melted onto the floor, but if I did, I’d lose sight of her ass.

I stood on legs of water just to gaze at her butt, and in those skinny jeans, it never disappointed. It battled against her pants like always, pleading to escape by pressing against the fabric. That juicy ass called to me, and if she was at my side, nothing would have stopped me from grabbing her by it and slamming her onto the counter.

Scalding coffee splashed onto me and burned away my fantasy. I hissed out a quiet curse and gripped my hand as I rushed to the sink. The cold water was soothing, and I frowned at the spot where I’d hurt myself. I backed into Li-Li on accident, who looked at me with amusement. I glared, but I wasn’t really mad at her.

It was just embarrassing, but whenever Sayge was around, it had become normal. I couldn’t focus when she was here. I still did my job, but it was with more spills, drops, and collisions than normal.

I was already back to staring at the hot girl despite the recent pain.

She sat down at the end of the pine green couch with her back to the window, which gave me the perfect view of her. Sayge’s eyes drifted to mine as her friends joined her. My heart gave a little squeeze, and I nodded in her direction. Sayge offered me a smile in return.

The small gesture set my body alight.

I was hyper-aware of everything, from the cool air caressing my skin to the fluttering in my stomach. I felt my heartbeat everywhere; electrified blood rushed through my veins, and my bones rattled from the excited slam of my heart against my chest.

I hoped before she felt happy to see me, but now I knew she was. I didn’t know when it happened or why. Maybe the free stuff, cute drawings on her cups, and questions about her day got her to warm up.

Whatever the reason, this bit of closeness left me loose and floaty.

A nudge from Li-Li reminded me of my work. More people had come in and were waiting for me to take their orders. I did but kept half my attention on Sayge.

She leaned against the arm of the couch with her colorful bookbag on the floor in front of her. That dazzling smile was stuck on her face as she talked to her friends. She’d throw her head back and laugh every once in a while. The motion revealed her tempting collarbones and unstoppable joy that filled me with warmth as the sound tickled my ears. I wanted to be the one to make her laugh like that and tried to lose myself in the dream but was unable.

Someone was disturbing the perfect fantasy and causing violent stabs of annoyance to pierce my flesh.

There was a guy sitting beside her who had become increasingly touchy the longer they were here. He alternated between keeping an arm around her and resting a hand on her thigh. If she moved even a little bit, he scooted closer.

I glared at his persistent hands. They mocked me, laughing at any idea I had about making her mine for a night. A wrathful storm devastated my insides when I considered the possibility of them being together.

A bitter glower contorted my face as I watched them. She could’ve been with someone, but there were way better options than him.

He was ridiculously lanky with short, rust-colored hair that reminded me of a rotting tree. I couldn’t see from here, but I knew he had some predictable eye color too, like blue or gray. When he spoke, it was in a high-pitched, rough, grating drawl that rose above the crowd and made me want to bash my head into a wall. I tried to understand what anyone could consider even aesthetically appealing about him and found nothing. He was an annoying twig, so I didn’t get how Sayge could settle for someone less than average.

I stared hard at the two, unable to figure out what she saw in him. The more I looked, the more I noticed how little Sayge reacted. She never stopped him, but she never reciprocated either. She ignored him most of the time, and I started to wonder if this was one sided.

The idea made me tense and angry.

This man might’ve had no claim to her at all but had the audacity to act like he did!?

Or what if they were together but she was dissatisfied?

Suspicion crawled up my spine as I thought about him only groping her so much out of fear she’d slip away. Whether they were a couple or not, I sensed he was insecure and well aware he couldn’t keep her interest.

It went against my rule of not ruining relationships, but it would be easy to take her from him. Was it really wrong if I swooped in to rescue her from worse than mediocrity? One night with me was better than years with him.

To my surprise, Sayge got up. She said something to her friends, those bright eyes looking at each of them before sidestepping around the table. An excited thrill shot through me when I realized she was going to get in line. I planned to ask about all the people she’d brought along until that gangly guy walked after her.

They stood too close, sometimes brushing against each other when they stepped forward, and my eyes focused on the parts of their bodies that touched.

I strained my ears to listen to their conversation, but I only got faint words that revealed nothing about their relationship.

...sure you want to pay for all this? The last person ahead of them finally got out of the way, and Sayge’s nice voice slid into my ear. For a moment, I contemplated ignoring the guy. Pretending he didn’t exist would make it easier to enjoy her.

"Yeah, it’s