Heat creeps up my neck, but when I look at Bentley, he doesn’t seem to have heard anything.
The bell over the door rings, and I look over, happy for anything to distract me from Bentley and my scowling grandpa and great-uncle. I don’t know what they’ve got against Bentley, but they arenotfans.
My stomach flips when I see Camden walk in.
But he spots Bentley staring at me and growls.
He actually growls.
It’s like the cafe suddenly goes silent. Even the espresso machine pauses in mid-hiss.
Camden looks at me and gives me a look that reminds me of when he was telling me to come with him. My cheeks fire up. He clears his throat and straightens his shoulders like he’ll play off that growl that just came out of him.
“Morning.” His eyes flick to Bentley. “Hey, think you could do me a favor? Swing by and pick up some truffles from Duluth for the restaurant?”
Bentley blinks. “Uh…sure? If you need it.”
“Great. Appreciate it.” Camden claps him on the shoulder, and Bentley, looking equal parts confused and amused, drains his coffee and heads out.
I chase after him before he can hit the sidewalk. “Bentley—wait. I’m sorry about…whatever that was.”
He chuckles, easygoing as ever. “It’s fine, Juju. I didn’t stop to consider that maybe you and Camden had…something. Guess that answers it.”
I make a face. “It’s—complicated.”
What am I supposed to say when Camden wants to keep it a secret?
“I just…I’m really hoping we can stay friends,” I add.
“Of course. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll probably see you tomorrow…if he doesn’t send me on another errand.” He laughs.“Your coffee and blueberry muffins…andyour Hungarian mushroom soup…and grilled cheese…all are too good to pass up.” He winks. “See you later.”
When I walk back into the cafe, I find Camden leaning against the counter, smug as a tomcat.
“Seriously?” I hiss. “Yougrowled?”
He raises a brow. “Got the job done.”
Papa Hector and Uncle Hal crack up at that. I didn’t even know they were listening. I glare at both of them, and they sober up.
“You liked it,” Camden says.
“I didnot.”
He smirks and pushes off the counter, lowering his voice so only I can hear. “Your cheeks are red, little tease. Redder than your oven mitts.”
My eyes narrow. “Because I’m annoyed, and I just had to go out in the cold to make sure Bentley was okay.”
He scoffs. “That guy is just fine. I saved you from his relentless flirting. Besides, if anyone’s going to flirt you up, it’s going to be me.”
My pulse skitters. “Camden?—”
“Juliana,” he murmurs, eyes glinting with mischief. “Did you let him know you’re not into him?”
I roll my eyes. “That is none of your business.”
He straightens, all teasing gone. “Really?” he asks, his voice soft.
I huff. “Yes, I told him I’d like to just be friends.”
