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I press a soft kiss to her lips and smile at her. “Well, first you’re going to finish your beer. Then we’re both going to get ready for Petra to make the announcement. Which, let’s be honest, we both know you kicked my ass, so I’ve got to master my fake smile for when I congratulate you in front of the town.” She laughs and her eyes brighten just a little.
“Thank you, Harrison. I’m going to head home and freshen up.”
I glance at my coffee-stained shirt. “Guess I should do the same.” I kiss her once more as we say our goodbyes, and I hate that she has to go to her house. I can’t wait for the day where we live together.
I know I’m probably getting ahead of myself here, but I’m all in with this woman.
A few hours later, we’re both standing behind the counter of Mug Life. Petra wasn’t kidding when she said the entire town would be here.
February looks stunning in her red dress. It shows off how perfect her body is and my dick has definitely taken notice. I suddenly want this over with faster than before. I need to rip my girl out of that dress, sooner rather than later.
“Everyone, hello, hey, up here,” Petra says, standing between us. “Thank you all so much for coming out tonight. Here in this envelope, I have the winner of the latte competition. Harrison and February have both given us two amazing lattes, but there can only be one winner.” She looks between us and smiles. “Ready?” she whispers.
We both nod and it’s adorable how nervous February looks. I cross my fingers, hoping her name is read when that envelope is opened.
“Here we go,” Petra says, holding up the white envelope.
I reach behind Petra and grab February’s hand, twisting my face as if I’m nervous. She laughs, squeezing my hand as Petra grabs our attention again.
She tears open the envelope and pulls out a piece of paper. “Congratulations, Harrison Riggs at Mug Life Coffee Shop.”
As my name is called, February drops my hand. I snap my head to her and she’s forcing a smile, looking out at the large crowd that is shouting for me.
“Feb,” I whisper.
“Speech,” someone yells.
I glance from the crowd back to February, but she’s not looking in my direction.
“Come on, Harrison, say a little something,” Petra urges.
I clear my throat and smile as I step in front of Petra. “Thank you all so much, but are you sure you got this right? I mean, I tasted February’s Ninjabread latte, and I’m kinda shocked.”
They all laugh, thinking I’m joking, but I’m not. I can’t believe they voted for me over February. Petra wastes no time shaking my hand and having the photographer snap photos of the big win. I try to plaster a smile on my face, but it’s extremely difficult when my eyes are focused on February talking to Lennon. The disappointment is so clear on her beautiful face.
“I knew you’d win,” Lindy says, batting her eyes.
“Way to go, boss,” Tony says, slapping my back.
“Stop standing here and go over to her,” Bren whispers beside me.
I snap out of my stupor and walk away from all the chaos and over toward February.
“Congratulations,” Lennon says, forcing a grin.
“Feb…” I begin.
“Congratulations, Harrison,” she says.
“You should’ve won.” I lean into her and press my lips against her ear. “I’ll have Bren lock up. Let’s go back to your place like we planned.”
She swallows, trying to hold back the tears I see shining in her eyes. “Lennon needs me tonight, so we’ll catch up tomorrow. Goenjoy your win.” Lennon wraps her arm around February and they head for the door.
“February, hang on,” I say.
“Harrison, we need another picture with Bren and Tony. I promised them,” Petra says, grabbing my arm.
“Petra, I need to take care of something.”
