Literally saved by the bell, Dylan smirked at the sound of the ding-like chime, alerting the two someone either exited or entered the coffee shop. Conversing with his twin about his new renter was the last thing he wanted to do.
“You should go up front, tend to the customers, while I finish up the inventory.”
“Sure thing,boss.”
Boss. Why the hell did she always have to call him that? After all, they were equal partners since taking over the shop from their aunt and uncle a little over two years ago. And if any of them were the boss, it would be more Samantha. Up until about six months before, Dylan’s involvement had been a part-time gig, since he was living and working in their hometown of Boston about ninety-five percent of the time. But when his life was suddenly turned upside down, he made the choice to move to Fortune’s Bay full-time, pouring all of his attention into the coffee shop. Destiny’s Brewwas the ultimate distraction.
About an hour later, still in the back office, Dylan completed the inventory, then placed an order in with the local supplier. He could hear the cackle, coming from the Early Brew Crew, growing louder. There was always some discussion the group fell into and this morning was probably no different. Still, he figured it best to head to the front and help his sister, who was most likely ready for a break by now anyway.
“Sam, you ready for a—”
Dylan’s mouth dropped mid-sentence when his eyes caught who was sitting at the communal table, animatedly conversing with the Crew.
“Am I ready for a what?” Samantha tossed a towel at her brother—his jaw dropped, gaze fixed on the center table.
“Uh—” He blinked, his reflexes barely catching the towel. “A break. You ready for your break?”
Seemingly eager to get off her feet, Samantha all but squealed in delight. Sure, she was the more dramatic of the two, but still, no one should bethatexcited about a break.
“Heck yeah, I’m ready for a break.” She poured herself some freshly brewed coffee, almost instantly taking the mug to her mouth for a sip. “Besides, the Crew has some new fox they’re sinking their teeth into, giving the newbie a rundown of good ‘ole Destiny and all things Fortune’s Bay for almost an hour.” She shrugged as she moved past him. “I may as well offer my two cents.”
And by her two cents, Dylan knew his sister would likely share how their Aunt Katie and Uncle Stan, the original owners of the coffee shop, were brought together by means of Destiny.
Use of the word ‘fox’ to describe Chloe D was spot on. Now perched between Hillary and Dan, the foxy author was fully engrossed in convo. Her golden hair, no longer a hotmess, a smile that undoubtedly won hearts, and eyes that—
Caught him staring.
Look away, Dylan Hawke. Look the hell away,he internally scolded.
But it was too late. Chloe D’s chair scraped against the hardwood floor as she stood, head slightly atilt.
“Aren’t you the guy who—”
“You barked at this morning?” Dylan was agape at his own quip-sational interruption.
Apparently she was, too.
Now approaching the counter—with all sets of eyes belonging to those seated at the center table watching—Chloe cleared her throat and said, “Barked? Isn’t that a tad harsh?”
“Well, uh—”
“Besides,” she interrupted, “I was only going to ask if you were the guy who recommended this amazing coffee shop.”
Face, ears, neck, a shade showcasing his embarrassment, Dylan lowered his gaze from her scrutinized stare and said or did nothing but wipe down the counter with the towel his sister had tossed at him only minutes before.
“Right. Well, I guess—”
“You always so loud and animated this early?” His eyes landed on her again.
“You mean like a barking dog?” She scoffed, then pointed to herself with a half-smirk attached to her hard-not-to-look-at face. “This right here, is me acting on pure adrenaline and caffeine. Had I not been so abruptly awakened this morning, I would no doubt still be fast asleep in bed.”
“Believe me, I won’t ever wake you again.”
“You promise?” She winked.
“Yup,” he replied without the slightest bit of hesitation.
“Good, because I thrive on sleep.”
