“Okay then.” I scoot out of the booth and stand, definitely needing air. “I’ll start tomorrow. Thanks for meeting me on such short notice.”
There’s an awkward pause where neither of us knows what to do. Do we hug? Shake hands?
She’s my goddamn wife. My dick has obviously been inside her more times than either of us can probably count. But I have absolutely no clue how to end this meeting.
Seeming to sense my trepidation, she slides out of her side, stands, and puts a gentle hand on my shoulder. “See you tomorrow, Trevor.” Then she kisses my cheek and walks into the back, gripping her diary under her arm.
I walk out the front door and absently touch my cheek where her lips pressed only a moment ago. I stop and look back at the darkened shop, shocked to find myself wishing it had been more. Because even though I don’t remember who this woman was tome, there’s this strange tugging in my gut I haven’t felt since… well, since I don’t know when.
And for the first time since waking up in Landstuhl, I’m actually looking forward to something. Who’d have thought that thing was working at a little coffee shop in a little town on a little street?
But maybe it’s not about the shop or the town or the street at all.
I touch my cheek again and swear that even though it’s been five minutes, I can still feel the heat of her lips.
Chapter Twenty
Ava
I’ve never been so nervous about coming to work. Becausehe’scoming to work today. And I already know being near him will be both amazing and a form of torture.
The morning rush is just about done when I see movement over my left shoulder. I tense up for a moment before realizing it’s just Jason coming in from the back.
His brow lifts and he checks his watch. “I know I’m two minutes late, but dang, Ava, I’ve never seen you look more disappointed in me.”
I blow out a hefty sigh. “It’s not you. I’m expecting Trevor. He’s going to be working with us today. I’m just not sure what time he’ll be here.”
He ties an apron around his waist. “Should I start looking for another job?” I can’t tell if he’s making a joke until he winks at me and says, “I’m kidding. I know you love me, Ava.”
“You’re the best. I’m not looking forward to the day you earn your masters degree and decide this place is beneath you.”
He steps closer. “Who says I’m going anywhere?”
“Me. Isay it. You’re going to end up running Starbucks someday, not slinging coffee at my little coffee house.” I sigh.“I’m just going to miss you. And replacing you… ugh, I don’t even want to think about it right now with everything else going on.”
My eyes close. Then Jason’s arm comes around my shoulder. “It’s going to be alright,” he whispers in my ear. “You just need to give it time.”
A throat clears behind me, and I turn and see Trevor standing on the other side of the counter.
It’s still shocking whenever I see him. The scruff on his face makes him look so completely different than before. So roguish and manly. And maybe a little bit dangerous. I almost laugh thinking Trevor could be anything other than a teddy bear. But then my almost-laugh turns into an almost-cry when I realize that was the old Trevor. Nobody really knows who this new Trevor is. Including him.
“Hey,” I say.
He doesn’t even acknowledge me. His eyes are laser-focused on Jason. Right, he wouldn’t know who Jason is—or who any of the employees are. None of them were at the party.
“Trevor, this is Jason Murray, our assistant manager.”
Jason stretches his arm across the counter, holding out his hand. “Nice to… uh, it seems weird to say meet you, because we already know each other. Have for a few years.” He waves a hand around after they shake awkwardly due to Trevor’s casted forearm. “Do you really not remember any of this?” He glances at me. “Do you not rememberher?”
I’ve never seen this look on Trevor’s face. Is it anger? Frustration?
“I might not remember,” Trevor says, squaring off his stance, “but I still own this place. Don’t get too comfortable, Mason.”
“It’s Jason,” Jason says defensively, stepping forward.
What’s going on here?
Chelsea, Gray, and a few customers are staring. I motion for Trevor to come behind the counter and follow me to the back, where I take his elbow and pull him into the office.
