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I turn my head to see Claire, my high school girlfriend.
I grin as I take her in. “Claire Reynolds, I can’t believe it.”
“Claire Marx now,” she corrects.
It’s not at all surprising that she’s married. She wanted that even back in high school. I wasn’t ready for such a commitment at such a young age. It made leaving for Saint Pierce that much easier for me.
“Congratulations, I hope it’s everything you dreamed it would be.”
Her smile is bright as she nods. “It truly is.”
“Hey, Claire. I’m sitting here too,” Paxton says, sipping his beer.
We all laugh, drawing the attention of a few more friends from the past. The conversation flows easily as we all catch up. Some are married, some divorced, and some are still looking for the right one. Then there are some, like me, not looking at all.
Don’t get me wrong, a night of letting go would be amazing. It’s been months since I’ve had sex and my balls are almost as blue as a Smurf.
“Told you a night out would do you good,” Paxton says, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yeah, it’s been cool catching up with everyone.”
I mean that, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that my mind has also been preoccupied with February Frost. I can’t get past her sneaking into my shop.
Is she wanting a clash of the coffees? Because I don’t do failure. If she wants a fight, she’ll get one.
I turn my attention back to Paxton, straightening myself on the bar stool. “This has been fun, but I need a plan to deal with Frosted Foam.”
He gives a hearty laugh, finishing off his beer. “Frosted Foam?”
I lift my shoulder as I glance around the crowded bar. “Seems fitting.” My eyes shift back to him and I grin. “You said she was single. How about you go in there and flirt your way to getting her to spill what she was up to?”
“You’ve lost your damn mind. I’m not going to do your dirty work. I’m all for competition, though. My brothers and I are constantly up against other breweries.” He takes a momentary break, the silence lingering as he contemplates. Then, a mischievous grin slowly creeps onto his face, revealing a hint of amusement. “Fight fire with fire. Come up with a new coffee, possibly something with frosted foam. She can try to figure out what you’re up to, but none of that matters without the success of your shop.”
He’s right. The only way to beat the competition is to havethesuperior coffee shop. That is something I can do.
Hopefully.
The moment the thought crosses my mind, the entrance to the bar swings open, and in walks my competition. She’s quite possibly the sexiest woman in this joint, and she’s seemingly unaware of the fact that she has every man in this place staring at her.
My eyes burn into her as my mind spins with all the things I can do at Mug Life. Her eyes collide with mine, making my heart literally skip a beat. I offer a subtle yet inviting grin, carrying a touch of playful charm as I raise my beer in salute to her.
Game on, Frosted Foam.
Chapter 3
February
What ishedoing here?
My heart flutters in my chest and I stop dead in my tracks. I stare into the dark eyes of Harrison Riggs. Why does he have to be so darn good-looking?
It’d be easier to ignore him, and his shop, if he weren’t gorgeous.
“Want to get a drink?” my bestie, Lennon, asks me as we step into The Diddled Fiddle late on a Saturday night.
My attention turns back to her. “Yeah, sure.”
“Oh my god. It’s Harrison Riggs. We have to say hello. My older sister used to babysit him.”
