Lance doesn't even know about Grandma's house. He's never been here, he barely even knew she existed. I'd made sure of that. After the first time I showed up at her door with a story about how he called me a stupid bitch, she made me promise never to bring him around.
So how could anyone know I “always liked this house”?
"Alice?" Madison notices my change in expression. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, just a weird text." I set my phone face down on the counter, not wanting to look at it anymore.
Madison leans closer. "What kind of weird?"
“Just... nothing. Wrong number.” I force a smile. But even as I say it, I can't shake Madison's warning.
I take another sip of wine, trying to push away the paranoid thoughts. The message was just a coincidence. It has to be.
Chapter 4
Alice
ThebelljinglesasI open the door to the Cozy Cup. Madison waves me down at my usual table. The scent of freshly brewed coffee hits my nose every time—it’s like heaven.
“You know I already had my coffee this morning,” I say, pulling out the chair that makes a screeching noise against the hardwood floors.
"Too bad. We're having more." Madison grins, sliding a mug toward me. “I was bored at home.”
The bell above the front door catches my attention. I have to do a double take. His golden badge reflects the light as he approaches the front counter, greeting Ms. Diane like they've known each other for years.
Sawyer.
My stomach does something complicated.
“What are you staring at?” Madison looks in the same direction I am, making it completely obvious. “Or should I say who?”
“Goodness, Madi, could youbemore obvious?” I whisper, hoping he doesn’t look this way.
He makes me nervous. When he stood up for me at the bank, I froze.
“Who is that?” she squeals, leaning toward me while trying to keep her voice down. “He’s one fine cop. I can’t believe I’ve never seen him before.”
“He’s a cust—”
“Hey,” Sawyer greets us, all easy smile and confidence. His black hair is freshly cut, tapered on the sides. “Alice, right?”
I force myself to meet his eyes instead of staring at how his uniform fits. “Yes, sir.”
“I’m Madison, by the way,” Madison practically beams at him, then shoots me a pointed look. “I’m her best friend.”
“Nice to meet you, Madison. I’m Sawyer.” He extends his hand, and she shakes it enthusiastically.
“So how do you know Alicat?” she asks.
“Alicat?” He chuckles, and something about the way he says it makes my stomach flutter. The way his voice wraps around the nickname—warm, teasing—makes me forget how to breathe for a second. “I like that.”
“He helped me with a difficult customer the other day,” I explain, my cheeks warming.
“You know, I’ve got to say,” Sawyer turns his full attention to me, those dark eyes holding mine with quiet confidence, “you handled that situation really well. I don’t know what I would’ve done if someone called me stupid.”
“Yeah, you kind of get used to it dealing with people’s accounts all day,” I shrug, trying to sound casual.
“Well, it was nice seeing you again,” Sawyer grins, adjusting his grip on his to-go cup. He hesitates, like he wants to say something else. “Maybe I’ll stop by the bank later today.”
