I move quickly to the drip coffee station, needing room to breathe. I’m not sure why I’m so bothered by him. As I fill a to-go cup, I glance over at Jamar wiping down the espresso machine and Chaz, who has abandoned his restocking task to zero in on the man. He exudes a force that makes him look twice his size.
I’ve seen Chaz jovial and charming. I’ve seen him grieving, funny, loving, and sexy. But I’ve never seen him angry or threatening.
“I’ll take it from here,” he says to me, his tone curt and insistent.
I step aside because I have no idea what’s happening and retreat to the espresso machine next to Jamar.
“That guy’s been in here before,” Jamar whispers. “Gives off creeper energy.”
I nod in agreement, but all my attention is on the scene playing out in front of me.
The man’s calculating stare doesn’t flinch as Chaz gets in his face. “What do you want?”
“Just here for a coffee.”
“My coffee’s good, I’ll grant you that. But you’re not from town, so I doubt you’re making the trip just for coffee.”
“I like the spot,” he says, his tone deceptively casual. “Are you the owner?”
“You already know that,” Chaz shoots back, his jaw tightening, his voice pure steel. “So, you can tell whoever you’re working for that my business and this town are not for sale.”
The man’s smirk is slow and deliberate. “Everything’s for sale with the right offer, but my interest here is more personal in nature.”
Chaz leans in, his expression hard and ruthless, his voice dropping to a dangerous level. “I’ve got something personal for you. Get the fuck out of my café.”
The man doesn’t cower, but neither does he argue. Instead, he steps back, his gaze shifting over to Jamar and then lingering on me before he turns and walks out, leaving behind a long, cold shadow.
“Fucking developers,” Chaz mutters, his voice taut with restrained fury. “I’m not against progress. Building up Bayside could be a good thing. But that’s not what they want. For them, it’s all about money. They don’t give a shit if they destroy the environment, the local economy, or the people in this town. I’m tired of fighting them. Sending some lackey to scope things out for the big boss, playing head games, and trying to intimidate—”He cuts off his rant, and his gaze softens on me, losing some of his anger. “Sorry, it just boils my blood.”
I nod, but my heart hasn’t slowed. The words tumble in my head.
I’m tired of fighting them.
It should have occurred to me that Chaz would advocate for this town. That he would have been directly involved in protesting against Townsen Industries trying to bulldoze their way into Bayside. I’ve kept my distance from that side of the business. Still, I’m aware that this is what my father does. This is whatIdo. I’m a shareholder. I’m his heir.
Will it matter to Chaz that I have no intention of going back to work there? That I’ll never run his company? Or will he see it as a minor distinction with no real difference?
Closing time finds me still trying to settle myself. The café feels colder now, despite the fireplace. Jamar leaves first, locking the door with a wave. The counters gleam, and everything’s prepped for tomorrow. With the day over, Chaz lets his shop-owner mask fall away. His hands flex restlessly as if he’s itching to punch something.
I will tell him, but now isn’t the time.
I place a palm on his chest, feeling the rapid pounding of his heart. “I’m sorry that man tainted your day. I can see how upset you still are.”
He shakes his head, frustration coursing through his body. “I’m just sick of it. As Bayside becomes more of a tourist attraction, more developers show up. That’s why we need to have the waterfront designated a protected area. That would preserve its historical significance and limit large developments.”
“That’s a massive undertaking.”
“It is, but it’s worth it. I’m prepared to fight for what I believe in.”
He’s loyal, passionate, and fiercely protective. But the very things I adore about him may also be what drives us apart. That’s not a thought I can bear right now. I have to trust that these next two days will bring us even closer. Trust that when I tell him, nothing will change.
His arms come around my waist, his lips on mine. “Let’s not waste any more time on him. Tonight, I just want it to be us.”
“That sounds perfect.” I lean into him a bit longer, letting his warmth chase away the lingering chill.
Putting that motherfucker out of my head isn’t easy. If it’s not one developer, it’s another. But that’s a fight for another day. I’m not going to let it ruin the night with Lexie. I’ve been looking forward to bringing her home.
The raised bungalow with its dormer windows and wrap-around veranda was remodeled years ago when I could finally afford it. A fresh coat of paint, an updated kitchen, and new furniture—I didn’t want to erase my mom’s memory but tohonor it. I tried to make the house feel like a place she’d still be proud of while creating space for Sophia and me to grow.
