Page 58 of Where Roads Lead

“Good morning,” I said hesitantly when I was finally face to face with him.

He looked good with the backward hat he always seemed to have on. Usually, I made fun of men who wore hats indoors, but it really seemed to work for him, so I held my tongue on the matter.

Right as I opened my mouth to utter an apology for my behavior the day before, Will cut me to the chase.

“I know you usually order a latte, but I’ll give you the coffee for free if you’ll sample something new I’m trying out.”

I blinked in surprise.

“Well, I can’t say no to free coffee, can I?”

He turned, preparing the mystery drink as I watched curiously. He stirred the coffee with a spoon until it was a mouthwatering golden color and then slid it across the counter toward me.

I took a tentative sip, savouring the taste.

“Will.” I froze.

“What?”

“Is this…”

“What’s wrong? Is it bad?”

“No,” I exclaimed. “It’s amazing! And it’s pumpkin!”

He rolled his eyes as if it weren’t a big deal, but I felt a warmth in my chest that he’d thought of me.

Because he had, hadn’t he?

Will wasn’t an ass; he just liked to masquerade as one for whatever reason. I’d let him pretend he hadn’t been thoughtful and considerate and he could pretend that he hadn’t gone out of his way to stock his café with a beverage he knew I’d requested.

“So, you like it then?”

“Uh, I more than like it, Will,” I told him with a dumbfounded stare. “In fact, if you were ordained, I’m pretty sure I’d already be married to this coffee by now.”

He snorted. “Well, good, because I have an order of it coming in, and I have a feeling you’ll be the only one drinking it.”

“As long as you keep this stocked, you’ve got yourself a loyal customer for life.”

“For life, huh?” He raised his brows.

“Well, for a very long time. At least until I find somewhere with equally decent coffee. I wouldn’t hold your breath.”

“And what about after you leave?”

“Who knows?” I shrugged. “If you keep making my coffee taste this good, you might just have to run me out of town to keep me away.”

“Somehow, I doubt it’ll come to that.”

“Are you aware there’s a line?” Ava appeared beside Will with a look of displeasure etched into every furrow of her face.

“Oh, sorry.” I turned, noticing the few stragglers who had fallen in behind me. “My fault.”

His face went slack at the sight of her, eyes hardening. In turn, hers flared with quiet anger that I had a feeling was close to bubbling toward the surface.

“I’ll just take this and go.” I pointed a thumb behind me. “Thanks for the coffee, Will.”

The look Ava sent me made me wish I hadn’t said anything at all.