New York Minute

A short story by Karolina Wilde

This story contains: her and him, contemporary romance, lovers reunited, star crossed lovers, public place, goodbyes, cunnilingus, blow job, quickie, goodbyes, self-pleasure

The line at the coffee shop is almost out the door. Even after a year in Manhattan, I’m still disconcerted by how crowded everything always is. Maman is no different, and I barely fit inside as I join the line.

I fidget in place, frustrated with the conversation I just had with my agent. It’s strange to say this as a NYT bestselling author, but I don’t want to write romance anymore. I’m not trying to be difficult. It’s just… how can I continue writing in a genre I’ve come to believe is bullshit? 

Then I notice the broad shoulders of a guy ahead of me. 

I’m captivated by his muscular arms and perfect shape. His simple jeans and dark t-shirt complement his light brown hair. I stare at the back of his head, hoping he’ll turn so I can check out his jawline. As if he senses my gaze, he looks over his shoulder, and our eyes meet.

My whole body goes numb. For a moment, I can’t breathe.

It doesn't matter that I've only ever seen him on a monitor. I’d recognize those coffee-colored eyes anywhere.

Oliver.

***

Finally, after a long day at work, I can relax on a quick dungeon run with my fellow gamers. 

"Hi, guys. What's up?"

I perk up and my chair creaks at the sudden movement. The voice is new, and its owner sounds hot. I clear my throat and adjust my headset. Focus, Luna.

“Hey, man, all good. Just been waiting for you to join,” says our group leader, Caspian. "We're ready to form up and head to the dungeons. You good?"

"Yeah," he says, his voice raspy and low. It tickles something deep in my belly. "Let's go."

I unmute my microphone. "What are the groups?"

On my screen, I see Caspian put colorful markers around the little tavern where we’ve gathered. Earlier today, I picked a new outfit for my character, a badass woman-warrior fit. I move the avatar to the center of the tavern to catch the attention of the new guy.

"The group number is above your avatar. Group One is blue, Two is red, Three is green," Caspian says. "Stand on the markers, please. I’ll take the lead on Group Two."

I stand on the green and lean closer, staring at my screen. Please, let the new guy be in my group. My face lights up when his character moves towards me. 

“I’ll take a lead on Group Three,” the hottie says. 

Love a man who takes charge. 

"Hello, hottie," I mutter, inspecting his avatar. He plays a tall, broad-shouldered elf. 

"What was that, Luna?" Caspian asks.

Shit. I forgot to mute my mic.

"Nothing, nothing," I say quickly. "Scrolling on Instagram."

I press the mute button and double-check that I'm really muted.

Caspian laughs. "I wanna see what's on your feed. Mine's only funny dog videos."

I remain silent, waiting for the rest of the group to take their spots. 

"Okay, let's split up and head to the dungeons," Caspian finally says. “When you're ready, head into your group's Discord channels."

I jump to Group Three, and the others follow. Desperately, I wrack my brain for a way to strike up conversation with the hottie. 

"Okay, guys, ready to kick ass?" His voice fills my headset, and my insides melt. He’s all calm and collected, like he’s totally in control.  

I unmute my mic. “Hell yeah.”

He chuckles, and the sound sends a shiver down my spine. My chat window flashes pink in a new tab. Someone sent me a personal whisper in the game. 

@FancyRat: Nice outfit. 

Hottie noticed my avatar. 

***

Damn him. Damn, Oliver and his perfect, square jaw. His lips are even fuller in real life than they looked in pictures and videos. 

My emotions are all over the place. What the hell is he doing in Manhattan? In my favorite coffee shop? 

I’m tempted to run, but my feet are frozen in place. His eyes widen. The bastard recognizes me. Stepping out of line, he moves towards me.

I can't believe this is happening. 

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