I spin around.
My heart slams against my ribs and my gaze clashes with his.
Those same intense green eyes that have haunted my thoughts since the night we met.
My green light.
Matthew takes a step closer, his expression a mixture of concern and determination.My pulse quickens.A flutter starts in my stomach that has nothing to do with skipping breakfast.
Lou clears his throat, breaking our trance.“Are you going to introduce me to your friend, Amy?”he asks, eyes twinkling.
“Right,” I stammer.“Lou, this is Matthew.Matthew, this is Louis.But to everyone lucky enough to know him, he is Lou.”I smile at the sweet old man.“He always has the right words at the right time.”
Lou waves off my compliment.“Amy makes me feel so at home here.Call me sentimental, but they just don’t make coffee shops like this anymore,” he says, a hint of pride in his voice.“All these modern places popping up everywhere, with their sleek lines and minimalist decor… there’s a soul to this place that’s becoming rare these days.”
Matthew’s gaze lingers on the worn wooden counter and the faded photographs.His jaw tightens and he rubs the back of his neck.“You’re right,” he says.
“Listen to me going on and on.Where are my manners?!Join us.”Lou gestures to the chair beside him.“Amy and I were just about to enjoy a coffee together.”
“We were?”I ask, caught off guard.
“You haven’t had your coffee yet, have you?”Lou points out.
Matthew notices my hesitation.“Thanks, Lou, but I really can’t.I just need to talk to Amy for a minute about a business matter.”
“Nonsense,” Lou insists.“Business can wait.You youngsters always have your priorities mixed up.”
I open my mouth to argue.“Lou—”
“Amy could use a break after the busy morning she’s had, and so can you.In fact, she’s going to fetch those coffees right now,” Lou concludes, shooting me an expectant look.
“I—I’ll be right back,” I say, my voice tight.
I spin on my heel and march toward the counter, shoulders knotted with frustration.
Reaching the coffee machine, I slide the glass pot back into its warmer.Helen sidles up beside me, eyes wide.
“Is that Bancroft’s lawyer sitting with Lou?”
I sigh.“Yes,” I reply, grabbing two mugs from the rack.
“Why’s he back?”Helen presses.
“Probably to finish the meeting James interrupted yesterday.”My hands tremble slightly as I fill the mugs.“Though Lou seems intent on playing matchmaker.”
Helen’s lips curl into a mischievous smile.“Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.”She nudges me playfully.“He’s real easy on the eyes.”
Understatement of the year!
I roll my eyes, fighting the heat rising in my cheeks.“I’m engaged, remember?”I flash my left hand at her.
“Oh, please,” she waves me off.“I saw what James did to you yesterday.It’s no secret I never really liked that man for you—”
“Not now, please.”I cut her off, my voice brittle.
“I’m worried about you,mija.”
“Helen,” I say, my tone final.“We’ll talk later.”
