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“I expected nothing less.” A teasing smile played on her lips.
Was she expecting me? Had she been hoping I’d show up? I had to remember she was my competition, not a potential love interest. I’d shot that idea down a long time ago. There was no way Brooke Langley would ever go for me. We were too similar. And I couldn’t forget I never measured up.
I suddenly realized we were very much alone, tucked between two stacks of shelves hidden from the front counter and seating area.
My jaw tightened. “I need my business to be successful.”
“Don’t we all,” she said dryly.
I fell back on my old standby, a well-placed challenge. She always reacted beautifully to those. “You should have known this would happen. You weren’t going to be the only coffee shop forever.”
Her cheeks turned pink as her eyes flashed with irritation. “And yet it had to be you.”
“I saw an opportunity, and I took it.” It was the truth, and I’d felt good about it until I stood before her.
She nodded, not confirming or denying my assertion. That burned in my gut. I wanted her to challenge me, to fight back. I needed her to be that feisty girl from high school. The one who taunted and teased me. The only thing was—it got my blood pumping for a different reason now.
“The offer for a coffee still stands.” She turned as if she were going to walk away.
I studied her expression, trying to figure out what she was thinking. Coming away stumped, I said, “I’ll take it.”
I’d prolong my time with her to figure out what she was thinking and what her plan was. Surely, she had one.
I followed her through the maze of bookshelves to the counter. Her round ass was perfectly encased in her black slacks. Her scent—maybe honeysuckle—reminded me of running through neighborhood backyards to sneak up on her lemonade stand. Everything about her pulled me in.
I shook off the feelings of desire as she rounded the counter. My visit was about assessing the competition, not sleeping with the owner.
I watched as she made my drink, grabbing the to-go cup and pouring from the bold brew. She knew exactly what I liked. Was it because of our history, or was she good at assessing her customer? If so, she had a skill I hadn’t acquired yet.
She got to know her customers and anticipated their wants and desires. Could I do the same? Or was that her strength?
She carefully placed the lid on the cup, checking to make sure it was sealed before setting it on the counter in front of me. I pulled out my wallet, but she covered my hand with hers.
I stilled with her smaller hand covering mine, the warmth sliding up my arm to my elbow. Her eyes widened at the contact before she quickly pulled back. “Your money’s no good here.”
“You won’t survive giving away your coffee for free.” The statement was harsher than I intended.
“It’s a coffee for an old friend.” Her voice was soft. Sweeter than I deserved.
Was that a flash of disappointment in her eyes? Was she hoping for a different guy, the one she saw on the baseball field when I was in my role as Dad? “Is that what we were—what we are?”
Her forehead wrinkled. “Honestly?”
I nodded as she searched my face for something.
“I have no idea.”
“Fair enough.” I swallowed thickly. I wasn’t sure why I felt so out of sorts. I’d come to check out her store and taste her coffee. Nothing else. So, why did I feel like I’d failed some kind of test?
“Enjoy the rest of your day,” she said before moving down the counter to greet the next customer.
My interactions with Brooke were rocking my control. I needed to avoid her. I needed to focus on my business, my product, my customers, and my plan for opening day, not the owner of the competition. It didn’t matter how gorgeous she was or whether she had similar goals in life. There was no emotion in business. It was all spreadsheets and numbers. Black and white.
Being attracted to my competition would only hurt me.
“You get any inspiration at Java Coffee?” Christopher asked when I returned.
“I have a better feel for her business model.” She was a natural with people. I couldn’t say the same.
