Focus.That was code forleave me alone.
TJ studied her for a moment longer, then turned to refill the cream pitcher. Maybe he’d said something wrong. He must have. Because afterward, Lila had gone from warm to distant in record time.
He leaned against the counter, watching her help a customer with a slice of pie. She laughed at something the man said. A sound that hit him square in the chest.So, you can still laugh and have a good time… just not with me.
The thought stung more than he expected.
He tried to shake it off. He had bigger things to worry about. His work, and that blasted offer in New Zealand. But somehow the only thing on his mind was the way Lila had smiled at him last night. The way she’d delighted in their dance. He could still see it in her eyes, feel it in how she’d relaxed in his arms and trusted him to lead her through the steps.
Now that smile was gone.
TJ forced himself back into motion. Taking orders, greeting customers, doing what he did best: pretending everything was fine. But as the morning wore on, he couldn’t shake the uneasy sense that something between them had shifted.
And worse… he wasn’t sure how to fix it.
TJ pushed the thought aside and rang up the next sale. A familiar laugh cut through the bustle, and he didn’t have to look up to know who it belonged to.
“Tristan!”
He grinned despite himself. “You’re back already?”
His mother beamed as she approached with TJ’s father in tow. “I couldn’t resist showing your dad this adorable booth! You two have made quite the little business here.”
His father tipped his hat toward Lila. “So this is the famous coffee girl I’ve been hearing about.”
Lila blinked, cheeks coloring. “Oh, I wouldn’t say famous.” She gave TJ the side eye, as if to say,what have you been telling them?
“Well, anyone who can keep my son from working himself into the ground deserves a medal,” he said cheerfully. “Or at least a cup of that fine brew.” He offered his hand to Lila. “Charles Jones. Eleanor has told me all about you.”
TJ let go a nervous laugh and handed him a cup. “Here you go, Dad, on the house.” So, his mother had been talking about Lila.
“Now that’s my kind of business.” His father took a sip and sighed. “Smooth. You sure you want to leave this behind for New Zealand, son?”
Lila’s hand faltered mid-pour. Is that what had her so quiet? TJ shot his father a look. “Dad…”
“What?” His father shrugged. “Just saying. Seems like you’re doing fine right here.”
“Dad,” TJ warned, his voice dropping in pitch. Good grief, did the whole town know about the offer?
His mom gave her husband a light swat on the arm. “Oh, stop teasing him, Charles. You know he hasn’t decided yet.”
Lila smiled, which looked forced. She glanced between his parents and him.
His father leaned against the counter. “Well, wherever you end up, you’ll do great.”
TJ managed a grin. “Thanks, Dad.”
His mother turned to Lila. Uh-oh! “You take good care of him while he’s here, all right? Heaven knows he forgets to eat when he’s busy.”
“I’ll try,” Lila said softly, and stared at the counter.
“Try hard,” his father said with a wink. “The man will live off caffeine and popcorn if you let him.”
TJ rolled his eyes, but Lila laughed, just enough to make his heart twist. He wanted to tell her he wasn’t going anywhere. That New Zealand didn’t mean anything. That she did. But would it scare her? Heck, the realization was scaring him! But he couldn’t deny it…
His parents were already walking away, chatting about apple fritters and antique stalls when his father turned and waved to them. “See you tonight, son!”
TJ nodded and waved back. When they were out of sight, he turned to Lila. “Sorry about that.”
