I wanted friends like that. I wanted to feel like I could walk along the streets of Strawberry Springs and belong. I’d wanted that for years.
I was about to close the door when my eyes were drawn to movement under the staircase. A man with dark hair was coming out of the back entrance of the coffee shop below me.
He let out a long sigh and started rolling up the sleeves of his flannel, which exposed strong, tattooed forearms.
My mouth went dry as I stared. I was curious. So curious that I wished I was closer so I could see more details.
Was this Theo? The coffee shop owner?
He was different than I expected. I’d pictured an older man who was finally following his dreams.
Not a man who belonged on a magazine cover.
Holyshit. He was hot in a way that should have been illegal.
He was older than me with wide shoulders and a chiseled jawline. He was covered in tattoos, something I didn’t think I would ever find attractive, but I did.
If I were a character in my book, I’d run down the stairs and find some way to introduce myself to him. I’d say I justmoved in upstairs and looked forward to trying his coffee. When he answered, I would tuck a piece of my blonde hair behind my ear and hope he found me as interesting as I found him.
But this was real life and I was no romance heroine. A man like that would not go for a woman like me. I was complicated with a past that had left scars I couldn’t talk about. There’s no way he would have the patience.
The man walked forward and got into the only other car parked behind the building. When he was in the driver’s seat, I swore he looked up.
I made sure to go back inside before he saw me.
2
THEO
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Kerry Winsor:Everyone! I have news! Someone finally moved into that apartment above the coffee shop!
Comments:
Jade Clark:Damn, I was hoping that would stay empty.
Kerry Winsor:Growth is good! And we need something for Wren to do.
Wren Hackett:I don’t love agreeing with Kerry, but I agree with Kerry.
Jade Clark:No, you’re right. But who knows if we’ll like them, you know?
Tammy Jane:Who knows if Theo will like them, you mean. I bet they’ll be running into each other a lot. Anyone know who it is? If it’s a nice young lady, we should warn her.
Jackie Anne:Unless someone finally changes his mind.@Theo Murf,any chance of that?
Theo Murf:No.
“There he is!”
A voice made me jump. This time, Marjorie was hiding behind a trash can. I hadn’t seen her when I walked up to the store.
“Fuck,” I said under my breath as I pressed a hand to my chest. “Do you really have to do this every day?”
“How else am I supposed to talk to you? I’m a busy woman now.”
“Can you at least pick the same spot?”
