Page 134 of Pumpkin Spice Promises

I set it face down on the desk. “No.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“You’re obsessed with me.”

“I’m trapped in a business with you.” He dropped into the chair across from the desk and stretched his legs out until one boot nearly hit mine.

The shop had finally quieted.

Friday afternoons were unpredictable. Some weeks we had three people arrive fifteen minutes before closing with dashboard lights they’d apparently ignored for six months. Other weeks the entire town seemed to remember we deserved to go home.

Today had been merciful.

Carson’s truck remained in the far bay waiting for a Monday part delivery. Everything else was done.

Dad had left sometime after lunch, though his thermos still sat beside the coffee maker, which meant retirement had once again become flexible enough that he’d probably be back before dinner.

Outside, the September light had started turning softer and the air a little cooler.

Jax leaned back. “Where are you taking her?”

“Dinner.”

“Well that just about narrows it down.” He rolled his eyes, waiting for me to continue.

“Rosie’s.”

His eyebrows lifted. “You’re taking Carson Rome to the Spicy Pumpkin Tavern for your first date?”

“It has food.”

“It also has Rosie.”

“I’m aware.” I looked at him, a brow raised. “You’re weirdly invested in my life.”

“You’re weirdly defensive for the first time in your life.”

I returned to the paperwork hoping he would leave me the hell alone.

He didn’t leave, and that was the problem with older brothers. Silence rarely discouraged them.

“You nervous?”

“No.”

“Liar.”

“I’m not nervous.”

Jax studied me. I hated when he did that because eventually he landed too close to something true. “You haven’t gone on an actual date in months.”

“So?”

“So, you usually look less annoyed before them.”

“I’m annoyed because you won’t go away.”

“Right.” He stood and grabbed his things before stopping at the office door. “Don’t screw it up.”