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I remembered the freedom I felt when I opened my lemonade stand. Anything was possible. I was in control of my prices and my recipe. At least until Brooke showed up a few houses down with the same product.
My coffee shop was no different. I wouldn’t accept anything less than success. I didn’t have time to waste hanging out with my competition. I needed to be completely focused on the opening and making the business succeed so I could give Cammie what she needed. A stable home, a present dad, and money to secure her future.
ChapterNine
BROOKE
“The grand opening is on Saturday,” Hailey said from her chair across from my desk.
The sign on Bean Rush’s store window had been changed fromOpening SoontoGrand Opening this Saturday. Everyone was buzzing about the news.
Every time a customer mentioned it to me, I smiled at their excitement, even if it felt fake. I was worried about what it meant for my shop and me, but worse, it was hard to reconcile my fear with the man I spent last Saturday with.
He’d been warm and approachable with Cammie and Hunter—nothing like the guy I exchanged barbs with in high school. Or maybe he’d been that guy all along, but I’d never seen below the surface. It wasn’t like we’d had deep conversations.
“What are you going to do about it?” Hailey asked, breaking through my thoughts.
“What do you mean? There’s nothing I can do. I assume most people will be there, taking whatever samples he’s offering.”
“So, you're admitting defeat?” Hailey asked.
My nose scrunched at her characterization. I’d never been a quitter. “I’m not giving up. But everyone wants to see the new shiny thing.”
“There’s nothing we can offer here that will divert attention from the grand opening?” Hailey tipped her head to the side.
I was interested in the idea, but at the same time, I didn’t want to take away from Ben’s big day. Since when was I worried about his feelings? Probably when I found out that he was a single dad with an adorable little girl.
“I’m sure there’s something, but is it a good idea?” I was thinking about the newfound friendship we’d seemed to develop because of Cammie and Hunter.
“This is business. You’re competing for the same customers. You need to draw them away from the grand opening and give your customers a better option.”
I threw my hands up. “So, what are you suggesting? Free coffee for everyone?”
Hailey was quiet for a few seconds, considering my outburst. “It’s not a bad idea.”
“You can’t be serious.” I’d said it as a joke, not meaning for her to consider it.
“He’s already drawing your customers away that morning, so you won’t be losing any money. You’ll be reminding your customers why they come here.”
“For free coffee?”
“Your shop is comfortable and familiar. They already stop here as part of their daily routine. It’s important for them not to change things up, not to realize it’s just as easy to change their routine to Bean Rush.”
“You don’t think it’s a little shady?” It’s something I would have done back when we were competing against each other as kids. One time, I lowered my prices, and he did, too, then it continued until I’d finally made mine free. I got just as much satisfaction from the long line at my table as I did counting my change. There were many ways to come out on top.
That thought had my mind careening toward other fantasies of me on top, riding his cock while he cupped my breasts and tweaked my nipples. Except in this fantasy, he wasn’t saying he wanted to win; he was saying how irresistible I was.
“It’s good business. You can’t just roll over and give up that day. Everyone will be looking at you to see how you react.”
When Hailey saidroll over,that fantasy popped into my head again, except Ben was on top, hovering over me while thrusting inside me. I just knew he’d feel amazing. Fanning myself with a nearby pad of paper, I wondered when the office had gotten so hot.
“Will they?” I sipped my water, trying to soothe my suddenly very dry throat.
I’d noticed the gleam in my customers’ eyes when they asked about Bean Rush. Like I was the center of some new drama they couldn’t wait to witness. If I did nothing, I’d lose my customers’ respect.
“You know I’m right,” Hailey said with no bite behind her words. Instead, her tone sounded resigned and a little worried.
I sighed. It was a good idea, and Hailey was right. I shouldn’t just roll over and do nothing. I owed it to myself to fight for my business. “We can post it online, and I’ll ask Abby if she can stop by to take photographs.”
