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“Notlongingso much anymore, are you?” Destiny’s voice came from behind Hunter. “In fact, you seem rather satisfied at the moment.”
He turned. As usual, Destiny was standing in the doorway of her shop with a beverage, her black hair pulled into a knot on the top of her head, and her silver jewelry glittering.
“If you sign the contract, I’ll throw in some custom-made patio furniture for the front of your new store,” he offered.
She gave a throaty laugh. “Duly noted. You look good.”
“So do you, but rumor has it that not even flirting will get you to tell me the alleged Mariposa Street secret.”
“Secret?” Her eyebrows shot up. “Mariposa Street has a secret?”
“So I’ve heard.” Hunter glanced to where Nico was sweeping the front sidewalk of the pizza parlor. “Hey, Nico, what’s the Mariposa Street secret?”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about, boy.” Nico huffed and waved his hand dismissively.
“Guess you’re out of luck.” Destiny raked her approving gaze over Hunter’s jeans and T-shirt. “At least in terms of so-called Mariposa secrets. Based on your energy at the moment, you might have some secrets of your own.”
“Don’t we all?”
“I hope so.” She smiled. “Live in the light, honey.”
Though Hunter had no idea what that actually meant, he said, “You too.”
He crossed the street to Meow and Then. The two girls were coming down the porch steps, both of them carrying bags filled with cat-themed purchases.
Good.
The word popped into his head. Though his competitive side told him he shouldn’t be glad that Aria had sold a considerable amount of merchandise—the last thing he wanted was for her café to increase in popularity—he couldn’t help a surge of pride in her.
She’d started this café through hard work and determination, much the same way he’d started his career. Even if he took his intense attraction to her out of the equation, he’d admire her tenacity.
He entered the café, and the cat-shaped wind chimes above the door jingled. Aria was in the Cat Lounge, wiping down the tables and straightening the chairs.
Hunter’s pulse increased. Just the sight of her flooded his veins with heat. Under her apron, she wore a cotton skirt and a loose shirt with the sleeves rolled up past her elbows. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail that swung behind her with every step, and she paused every now and then to pet one of the cats. He could almost hear her low, crooning voice.
He curled his fingers into his palm. He wanted to grasp her ponytail and tilt her head back so he could kiss her deeply until they both had to come up for air.
She looked up, her gaze colliding with his through the window separating the two rooms. Hunter’s spine tensed. They’d come to more than just atrucelast night, but he knew well that the cold light of day could change everything. And he had no idea if she—
A smile crossed her face. Though brief, it had the strangest effect of lifting his heart.
She crossed to open the Cat Lounge door. “Come in, quickly. After Porkchop’s escape, I’m extra cautious with doors.”
He stepped inside, breathing in her scent as he passed. A couple of the cats glanced his way, but most of them were too busy licking their paws or lazing in patches of sunlight to bother with him.
Hunter set his briefcase down. “I see you had some customers.”
“Yes, they were students over at Skyline.” Aria ran her hands over the front of her apron. “Taking a study break. Can I get you some coffee?”
He shook his head. She brushed a lock of hair away from her temple. The crystal stud in her nose shone in the afternoon light.
“I…I didn’t mean to fall asleep in your room last night.” Her mouth twisted as two spots of color appeared on her cheeks. “But really, you’re a far more effective sleep aid than warm milk or even Ambien.”
“That was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a while too, mysomething resembling a friend.”
“I’m glad to know that.” Pleasure flashed over her face. “So, what are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you.” The truth came out before he could think better of it.I couldn’t wait to see you.
