Page 34 of Sunrise & Serenity

“I’ll be waiting,” she says. “Though I’m regretting not buying a coffee maker while I was in town today. Rookie mistake.”

She unbuckles her seatbelt and reaches down to collect her camera bag and the bag of clothes she bought today. The movement sends a hint of honeysuckle drifting my way.

I hate that I take a deeper breath. Just because she smells as good as she looks doesn’t make her any less of a pain in my ass.

Though I’m apparently the only one who sees her that way. My sister clearly loves having her around, and Dad already seems to have a soft spot for her. And then there’s Chance. The memory of him flirting with her is enough to make my jaw clench.

Which is a ridiculous reaction to a ridiculous situation.

She pushes her door open and climbs out, then turns and gives me a slightly too wide smile. “See you bright and early.”

I’m usually decent at reading people, but I have no idea whether she’s gotten past her irritation with me or is secretly plotting my murder. Both seem equally likely at this stage.

Still unsettled by my reaction to her, I just tilt my chin, wait for her to shut the door, then shift gears and drive a little too fast toward the peace of my cabin.

CHAPTER 9

SAGE

My mouth waters at the enticing sight before me.

And I’m not talking about the frustratingly gorgeous, broody cowboy standing on my porch.

It’s the silver thermos he’s holding, the one with wisps of steam trailing skyward from the opening. A second later, I inhale the heavenly scent of freshly brewed coffee.

This early in the morning, not having a mug of it in my hand feels like cruel and unusual punishment. I’m kicking myself for not thinking about my caffeine requirements yesterday. At this point, I’d happily take it by IV.

Biting my lip, I peek up at Holden, willing to set aside any irritation with him I might have been holding on to since we met. “Any chance I can have a sip?”

He frowns, then glances down at the thermos before holding it out to me. “It’s for you. I’ve already had one.”

An irrational surge of warmth floods me. He remembered. It’s a small kindness, but one of the first he’s genuinely volunteered. With a little too much enthusiasm, I snatch the container from his hand and take a soul-affirming gulp.

It’s hot and delicious. Just strong enough without being harsh. Eyes closed, I let out a heartfelt sigh. Then I smile at him—a real smile this time. “And here I was thinking you were more the ‘pull you by the hair’ than the ‘bring you coffee’ kind of guy.”

He tips his head down, the brim of his hat hiding his eyes. “Never know. Hair pulling and coffee making might both be in my skill set.”

My mouth goes a little dry, and an image hits me out of nowhere. Holden twisting his big hand in my hair and pulling it until my face is turned up to his, ready for his mouth on mine.

Nope. I am not going there.

His jaw flexes, almost as if he can see what’s going on in my head. I quickly change the subject. “I take it you have a coffee maker, then?”

“Yep.”

“You might have me banging down your door in the mornings just so I can get some.” I pause as the words register. “Uh, I mean, of your coffee. Until I get a coffee maker of my own.”

His brows arch. Way to change the subject, Sage.

“I’ve heard about New York folk and their coffee addictions,” he drawls. “Can’t risk you going through withdrawals when I’m out on a trail alone with you.”

Relieved to be back to sparring, I snort. “It’s not my fault coffee is my love language. Besides, you can’t talk. I wouldn’t put it past you to push me off the side of a cliff, coffee or not.”

I catch what might be a flicker of a smile before it disappears. “Just drink it and get in the truck, City.”

Ignoring the unwelcome nickname, I take another sip and hum in approval as I lick my lips.

He zeroes in on my mouth, and a little zing goes through me, shortening my breath. But a second later, he abruptly turns and leads the way to the truck, opening the door for me again. Before I have a chance to ask him to hold my coffee, he takes it from me so I can use both hands to climb in, then hands it back once I’m buckled.