“Open it.” He smiled as she lifted the lid.
Lila looked inside and gasped. “This is adorable!” She pulled out a necklace with a tiny coffee cup and saucer charm. “You didn’t have to buy me this.”
“I wanted to. Now you’ll have something to remember our time together.”
She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling. “Thank you, TJ. That’s very kind of you.” Before she could stop herself, she rose on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek. The moment she did, her eyes widened, and she stepped back. “Oh… I’m sorry… I…”
He touched his cheek and smiled before he gazed into her eyes. “I’m not.”
Chapter Thirteen
They ate in relative silence, and Lila tried not to think about her kissing his cheek or his remark afterwards, but it was hard. Maybe he was just being flirty. Guys were like that. Or could there be something more? Who was she kidding? Guys weren’t attracted to her. She rarely dated and never got asked out for coffee or anything like that.
Okay, so she worked long hours at the hotel restaurant, but still. As hard as her mother tried to matchmake for her… oh, good grief… she needed to stop thinking about this.
“Is something wrong?” TJ hedged. “You suddenly look a little out of sorts.”
Her head snapped up. “No, nothing. I’m good.”
“Really?” He leaned on their makeshift counter and drummed his fingers against the wood. “You’ve got this funny, far-away look, and I swear your lips are moving, like you’re talking to yourself.”
“So what if I am?” She shot back.
He held up both hands. “Nothing, nothing! You’re fine. Go ahead, talk to yourself. Quietly or whatever.” He took a step back, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.
Lila sighed. “You’re making fun of me.”
“No, I’m not,” he said, closing the distance again. “I just want to help if something’s bothering you. Is there?”
She looked at him, saw the sincerity in his eyes, and her heart melted. “No, not really, but thanks for offering.”
“Sure. Any time.”
A customer approached, sparing her from further embarrassment. Lila watched as TJ greeted the woman with effortless charm and wished she could be that at ease. At the hotel, when things got busy, she rushed and barked orders. No wonder she’d been short with the octogenarian crew at Pleasant Beans those first few days. Maybe she should take a page from TJ’s book, slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment.
He talked to everyone like they were old friends, his light British accent melting half the crowd. Lila focused on helping customers, and before long she forgot about the kiss and the comment.
Paddy and Mary soon wandered over. “It’s our turn to come check out the festival,” Paddy said. “How are things going? Oh, and since I’m here, could I get a coffee?”
Lila laughed. “You didn’t think to pour yourself one before you walked over?”
“No, it’s more fun to give ye the business,” he laughed. “I’ll even pay.”
She fixed his cup, black as always, and handed it over. He paid while TJ chatted with another couple. Paddy winked. “Isn’t it grand, just the two of ye working in this booth? Having a good time, lass?”
Lila hedged. “Well, I guess.”
Mary giggled. “You must be enjoying your time alone with a handsome man serving coffee.”
Several nearby customers turned their way and smiled. Great. Now everyone would think they were an item.
“Well, have yerself a good time, lass,” Paddy said. He raised his cup in a toast then took a sip “Ah, just right.” He winked again. “I’m taking Mary to buy her something shiny.”
TJ smiled. “There’s a jewelry booth down the way. I bought Lila a necklace there.”
Paddy and Mary exchanged identical looks of delight. “Isn’t that nice,” Paddy winked once more.
Several customers’ gazes shifted to Lila’s throat. One lady came right up and studied the necklace. “Oh, it’s so cute!” She turned to TJ. “You bought it for her?”
