When the bell chimes, I know it’s her before I even look up. There’s something about the way Autumn enters a room, like sunshine and storm clouds, all at once. I miss my best friend so much, but I’m happy she’s enjoying being in love. She deserves it.
“Julie Loveland.” She uses my full name, which means I’m in trouble. “We need to talk.”
“Good morning to you too, Autumn Alexander. Coffee? Chocolate croissant? Did you bring me pumpkin bread, or do you have an explanation for why you’re using my government name?”
She stalks to the counter, dark hair pulled back in a messy bun, wearing one of Zane’s flannels over her yoga clothes. “I just ran into Craig at the grocery store.Craig. Downing.I nearly panicked, watching him buy organic brussels sprouts. He asked about you.”
“Brussels sprouts?” I focus on the important part. “Hehatesvegetables. Must be an impostor.”
“Jules.”
“What? He used to count a serving of ketchup as vegetables. It’s hard for me to believe.”
Autumn shakes her head. “He moved back. You cannot see him again.”
“I know.” My stomach drops, but I keep my voice steady. “You and everyone else in Cozy Creek know that. I’m not falling for it again. I refuse.”
“Good, because I might have told him that you’re thriving, glowing, and dating someone that you’re madly in love with.” She pauses. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”
“Autumn!”
“He was so jealous. No way I was giving him any hope. I’m sick of him! He needs to go away—forever!”
Blaire nods. “I agree with her.”
I hand Autumn a lavender latte without her asking. She’s addicted to them.
“Everyone knows I’m not with anyone. He won’t believe it.”
“I don’t care. You’re unavailable.” She grimaces.
“This sucks,” I whisper. “Craig being back wasn’t on my autumn bingo card.”
“I know. I’m really sorry. But that’s not actually why I came to see you.” She takes a sip of her latte, suddenly looking uncomfortable. “I needed to warn you about something else. Someone else actually?—”
The bell chimes, cutting her off.
“Shit,” she mutters, and I turn to see why.
“Oh. My. Goddess.” Blaire freezes when she sees him.
Nick Banks stands in the doorway like he’s stepping out of one of my dreams. Dark slacks; button-up shirt, rolled to his elbows; and messy, dark hair. His honey-brown eyes are tired, but when our gazes meet, I feel that familiar gravitational pull that makes my stomach do somersaults.
“Nick!” Autumn practically squeals, which is weird because Autumn never responds this way to anyone. She rushes over and gives him a side hug. “Zane said you might be coming to town.”
He hugs her back, but his eyes stay planted on mine. “Hey, Autumn. How’s married life?”
“Amazing. Exhausting. But oh so worth it.” She pulls back, glancing between us with barely concealed panic. “I was just here to get a coffee from Jules and was, uh …”
“Gossiping about my ex,” I offer, trying to stay calm, but I am completely unwell. He’s the last man on the planet I expected to see today. “It’s just the usual Tuesday morning entertainment.”
“Right. That.” Autumn backs toward the door, shooting me an apologetic look. “I should go. I’m making pumpkin bread today.”
“Autumn,” I say as she floats across the dining room.
She mouths,I’m sorry, behind Nick’s back as she escapes. “Bye! Good talk, Jules! Back to the grocery store I go! I literally left my basket in the produce section.”
The bell chimes as she flees, leaving me alone with the man who’s been haunting my thoughts since last year.
