My brothers exchange looks, smirks forming one by one like a pack of wolves scenting weakness.
Dex leans forward on his elbows.“You look good today, Summer. That color makes your eyes pop.”
Her cheeks flush instantly, and I’ve never wanted to strangle someone who shares my DNA more than I do right this second.
“Cut it out, Casanova.” I kick Dex under the table again, harder this time.
He just laughs.
Cas, bless him, steps in.“Penny’s stopping by in a while,” he says casually.“I think she wanted to talk to you, Sum.”
I exhale, grateful that at least one of them has functioning brain cells.
Jude barely glances up from the menu.“Eggs on toast and a black coffee.”
Cas grins.“I’ll take a couple of those cranberry scones in the display case, and that caramel latte Penny got last time.”
Dex snorts.“You ordering chick drinks already?”
Cas shrugs.“Don’t judge. That thing tastes like heaven.”
Dex shakes his head, grinning.“Pancakes with maple syrup and a black coffee for me, darlin’.” He flashes Summer a wink.
I swear to God I’m two seconds away from putting him through the pastry case.
I clear my throat.“What’s today’s specialty?”
Finally, finally, her eyes slide to mine. Blue meeting brown. And for a moment, the air between us goes still. I hear the faint hitch in her breath before she starts listing the options.
“Uh, today we’ve got gingerbread muffins with vanilla glaze, cranberry-orange loaf, and our peppermint chocolate scones.”
Her voice wobbles just slightly, and I bite back a grin.
“You know what?” I say, not looking away.“Surprise me.”
She blinks.“To drink?”
Her voice goes a little squeaky. I have to force my mouth not to curve into a full smile.
“What’s your favorite?”
Her brows knit together.“My favorite?”
“Yeah.” I lean back, pretending like my pulse isn’t doing the damn rodeo.“Your favorite hot drink.”
She hesitates, and for a second, an honest, unguarded second, she holds my gaze again. There’s a spark there, whether she admits it or not.
“Oh. Um…probably the Sugar & Spice Latte. It’s got espresso, cinnamon, nutmeg, a little caramel.”
“Perfect,” I say quietly.“Bring me one of those.”
She nods too quickly, scribbles the order on her pad, then turns and retreats like her life depends on the distance between us. The red ribbon in her hair bounces as she walks away, and I can’t pull my eyes from it.
Dex chuckles low.“You’re screwed, man.”
Cas smirks.“He’s not even trying to hide it anymore.”
Jude mutters,“About time,” before sipping his water like this is all old news to him.
