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Yep. I caved and signed up for that dating app Caroline met Josh on. My loneliness got the best of me and until ten minutes ago I thought I had no chance with my sexy, scowling neighbor. Now I have no idea what to do.
Just because Adrianmaybeflirted with me a little, doesn’t mean he’s actually interested. I can’t get hung up on him. It’s highly unlikely a man worthy of being in a museum would want me anyway.
So, with a heavy sigh, I message Kyle. What’s the worst that could happen?
Chapter eight
Adrian Carter
“Thankyou,”Isayto Poppy when she brings my white chocolate chai and blueberry muffin to my booth.
“You’re welcome, sugar.”
The bell chimes above the door and my gaze snaps over to catch Juliette pushing her way in. She rakes her hands through her windswept hair with a huff.
“The wind is brutal today,” Juliette says as she unravels the deep brown scarf around her neck and then shoves it into the beige tote bag hanging from her arm.
“I know!” Poppy exclaims as she walks back behind the counter. “I was afraid of being blown away on my way here this morning.”
Juliette’s green eyes scan the shop, landing on me. She gives me a small smile and I shift in my seat.
“Good morning, Adrian.” Her voice holds a warmth I wish it didn’t.
I shouldn’t have let that line slip yesterday morning. It was too tempting–shewas too tempting–the moment I caught her staring at me. My opinions on relationships haven’t changed, so even a friendship with Juliette is foolish. And yet this morning I came here. The place I knew she’d be.
I give her a nod in reply to her greeting and try not to be obvious in my perusal. She’s always so beautiful. Every version I’ve seen of her is soft and lovely in a way that makes me want to pull her close. I hate how effortlessly she’s slipped into my mind. My resolve should be much stronger than this.
“Can I get a winter spice tea and an almond croissant please, Poppy?” Juliette asks when she steps up to the counter. She reaches down to adjust one of her knee-high socks and I tear my eyes away, clenching my jaw.
“You got it, honey. It’ll be right out.”
“Thank you!”
I keep my eyes on my laptop until blonde curls and a tan sweater come into view. Juliette is sitting across from me, her green eyes sparkling.
“This is my favorite booth, you know,” she says. “It has the perfect view of the square with the lake in the background. I’ve sat here most Saturdays for years.”
That explains why the last time I sat here she gave me that cute frustrated look.
“I can move.”
She waves a hand at me. “You were here first. I figured you might like some company though.”
“What made you think that?” My words come out more teasing than gruff and she grins at me.
“Your easygoing grin, of course,” she says and I can’t help but chuckle.
“I’m working. I won’t be good company for you.”
“I’ll be reading. So I think we’ll make perfect company for each other,” she says as Poppy walks up to deliver her tea and pastry. She thanks her then takes a sip of her tea.
“Don’t expect any riveting conversation,” I warn her, and she raises a brow. I stifle a grin at her reaction. “Alright, I’ll work and you’ll read.”
She smiles and pulls out that same worn copy ofThe Great Gatsby. There’s a floral bookmark placed toward the end of it. I’m itching to find out why she’s read that book so many times, but I hold in my question. When she opens it I spot notes in the margins and various lines highlighted. My curiosity is overwhelming when it comes to Juliette, but I can’t give in any more than I already have.
We settle into a surprisingly comfortable silence. I would have expected Juliette to attempt to start a conversation with me, but her focus has been entirely on her book. I, on the other hand, haven’t gotten past the email I was writing when she walked in. My eyes keep flicking up at every clink of her teacup or flip of a page. It’s hard not to stare at those pink lips and honey-blonde hair.
I force myself to look out the window, only to freeze when I notice not one, not two, butall threeof my brothers crossing the road. Grayson spots me through the café window and a wide grin splits his face. This is terrible.
