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We stand for what feels like hours, lost in each other’s eyes, but then I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn around to see Petra Daniels, an advice columnist for theMagnolia Gazette.
“I’m glad I found you both here.” Her eyes fix on both of us and her fiery red hair is done up in a tight bun. “I’m thinking of doing something fun…” She doesn’t finish her sentence and I think she’s talking about doing a shot, or dancing on the bar when she continues, “As you know, February is latte month.” She smiles. “So, I wanted to see who has the best latte in Magnolia Point. Sort of like a competition.”
My eyes grow wide and I glance over at Harrison. He’s all smiles at the mention of a competition and I narrow my eyes at him.
“Doesn’t that sound fun?” Petra asks. “Each shop comes up with their own flavored latte, and the winner gets a whole spread in the Magnolia Gazette, and a mention on all our socials.”
“I already know who I’m voting for,” Paxton says.
“No, vote for my girl Feb,” Lennon sings out.
Could a competition help drive business to my shop? If I won, could that help bring in sales? To be featured in theMagnolia Gazettewould be huge. I know tourists love to read the paper to look for local happenings around our small town. Being in there could help bring me to the next level.
And any shout out on social media is always a plus.
“Friendly competition, I hope,” Harrison says, but I’m already plotting out all the ways I can wipe the floor with this man.
“Sure. Yes, of course,” Petra says back. She continues going over the details as she smiles at Harrison and a pang of jealousy rushes through me. I’m sure it’s just because I don’t want Petra being biased when she judges the competition.
“Will you be judging?” I try to step between her and Harrison.
Petra holds a hand up to her heart. “No, I won’t be judging. It’ll all be online.”
I smile as the idea takes root. “It’s a great idea, Petra. Thank you.” For people to vote, they’ll have to come into the shop to try one.
“So, start creating. I’ll give you both a week to come up with a recipe and add it to your menu. It’s going to be so much fun.” Petra saunters off, and I’m left gaping after her, trying to think about what recipe I should use for this latte.
“It’s so exciting, right?” Lennon asks me.
“Yeah. I think so.”
We’re all still standing in a crowded bar, and Harrison stands next to me. He’s tall, slender, packed with toned muscles. Hisdark hair has that styled, messy look. It also appears like he runs his hands through his hair a lot. It’s longer on top, and it’s thick and makes me wonder what it would be like to runmyfingers through it.
When I was pretending to work in his shop I never got a chance to really check him out, and now that I have…I want more.
I want to see the tattoos on his arms. I can only see traces of ink dancing down his forearms from underneath his shirt.
I push the thoughts away as I think about the next few weeks. The work I’ll need to do to come up with the cleverest of all lattes. Something with my two favorite flavors—praline and gingerbread.
“It sucks we’re meeting under these kinds of circumstances,” Harrison says. “All in good fun, though.” He laughs, but Paxton steps closer.
“Don’t let him fool you. Harrison is very competitive. Did he tell you he won prom king in high school?” Paxton nudges his friend.
“I voted for him back then,” Lindy interjects, sidling up closer to Harrison.
“And I thank you for that,” Harrison says back with a charming smile.
Gag.
Lindy flirts with anyone, and I don’t know why my blood turns slightly warm at the sight of her flirting with Harrison.
I shouldn’t care.
Right?
Right?
“Well, I think I’ve had enough excitement for one evening.” I pull Lennon aside. “I’m going to head home for the evening.”
