“I’m sure I can figure it out.”
I snag Willow’s apron from the hook and toss it at my newest employee.“Throw this on so you blend in.”
He raises a skeptical eyebrow at the little peacocks on the front.
“The prices are on the menu over there,” I say, ignoring his obvious disdain for the apron.I’m sure we’ll laugh about it later.“Just type them in and press subtotal.”
His stubbled jaw pulses as he loops the apron over his head and steps up to the register.
I listen to each order before heading over to the espresso machine to start whipping up drinks.Two cappuccinos.A latte with an extra shot of espresso.One Americano.An iced mocha.An irritated woman who wanted a BLT with egg but had to make do with a lemon-poppyseed muffin instead.The clock in the corner ticks away, and I catch myself checking it every minute, waiting for Tilly to arrive so I can relieve Ethan.
The fact that he was so willing to jump right in and help makes my heart do a happy little dance inside my chest.I really found myself a good man.
Even if he’s not mine to keep.
I flick the thought away.No time right now for sob stories.
With the morning rush over, I grab a bus tub from beneath the counter and start clearing tables.Once the mugs are in the dishwasher, I’m going to drag Ethan into my office and kiss his face off.
Assuming no one else comes in.
The instant the thought crosses my mind, the front door swings open, and it takes all my willpower not to scream.
I glance up to offer the newcomer a tight smile and nearly drop the bus tub.“Steve?”
The man grinning from the doorway slides off his aviators, tucking them into the pocket of his bright-pink Hawaiian shirt.In his left hand, he holds a small cardboard box.
What in the world is he doing here?Normally, he comes with his family for the Fourth of July.Last I checked, it’s only June.
Steve’s smile stretches into a grin, and he throws out his arms for a hug.“Surprise!”
Not knowing what else to do, I shift toward him, bus tub and all, enduring what might be the most awkward hug ever witnessed.
“What are you doing in town so early?”I ask, stepping out of his embrace and propping the tub on my hip so my arms don’t give out.
“I had a bunch of extra vacation days, so I thought: Why not head down now to see the lay of the land?”He runs a hand through his cropped brown hair.“I can’t believe it’s been a year since I saw you.Feels like only yesterday.You look great, Chloe.Then again, you always do.”
“Thanks.”
Steve’s head lifts, and his eyes widen.I don’t need to turn around to know Ethan is behind me.I can feel the man’s presence like an electric current humming through my blood.
Ethan looks the newcomer up and down, his expression impossible to read, before relieving me of my bus tub.
I should probably say something to cut the tension.Do I introduce them?That wouldn’t be weird, would it?God, what would I even say?
Hey, Ethan, this is the guy I used to hook up with every July.Steve, this is my…
Ethan is my what?I doubt he considers me his girlfriend—especially after the comment I made in the car about us being just a casual hook-up.All I know is, I’ve never felt about Steve the way I feel about Ethan.
Clearly, Ethan and I need to have a conversation about this, but for now, I go with, “Steve, this is Ethan.Willow had to run out, so he’s helping me for a bit.”
Steve’s smile falters.He mumbles, “Nice to meet you,” but his tone implies the opposite.
Ethan grunts his acknowledgement, then turns around and escapes into the kitchen carrying the tub.
Forcing a smile, I nod at the box Steve is still holding.“What’s that?”
He glances down, as if he forgot the thing was in his hand.“Oh, yeah.I brought you a gift.”
