Noah:Just don’t be late.
Me:yes, sir!
I shake my head, dropping my phone back into my purse.
Leave it to Noah to be so overbearing this early in the morning. He’s always played the big brother role to a T.
If only he knew that I’ve had thoughts about him that certainlyaren’tbrotherly at all.
I’ll admit, I stood at the barn door for a little too long yesterday before making my presence known. I couldn’t help it. He looked so good standing in the middle of it, his hands on his hips as he lookedat every minor imperfection. I could tell it was overwhelming him, the thought of having to rebuild it, but he would do it anyway if it made his sister happy. That’s just who he is. A stand-up kind of guy. Dependable. The type of guy you can lean on when the going gets tough.
That’s why I know he’ll make this wedding the best this town has ever seen and help me save my business.
That email about rent being due is just another reminder of how badly I need this. I have the money, thanks to the savings I padded back when I was actually getting clients, but it’s dwindling fast. I shouldn’t even be here buying coffee and breakfast, but it’s a necessity to get through this day with Noah. That’s an acceptable splurge, right?
Noah.
Pain-in-my-ass yet oh-so-amazing Noah, who is doing all this for me and his sister out of the kindness of his heart.
I know it’s unfair to put the future of Chambers Charming Ceremonies on his shoulders, but Ineedthis. I can’t let another thing go awry. I can’t be a failure at business. I’m already destined to fail at love. Isn’t that enough?
“Here you go.” Kai slides the bagged bagel my way.
“Thanks,” I tell him, grabbing it off the counter. “Could I get one more thing?”
I’m late.
Sure, I gave Noah a hard time and swore I wouldn’t be a problem for him, but it’s not my fault Mr. Taylor took all six of his dogs on a walk this morning and got tangled in the crosswalk, leaving me stuck at the stop sign while I waited for him to sort his life out.
I just hope this coffee in my hand works as a peace offering. It was going to be mythank-youfor letting me help, but now it’s an “I’m sorry I was late” gift.
I yank open the door of Stick Taps and come to a skidding halt right in front of a very grumpy—okay, so he always looks grumpy—Noah.
His big arms are crossed over his chest, and his lips are turned down into a frown. “You’re late.”
I hold out the to-go cup of coffee. “I got this for you. It’s black?”
It comes out as a question, and I’m unsure why. Probably because I have no idea how Noah takes his coffee, but black seemed appropriate, given his usual demeanor. It matches his soul and all.
He stares at it skeptically for several moments before finally taking it from me and bringing it to his lips. I watch—admittedly far too closely—as he takes a sip.
His Adam’s apple bobs when he swallows, makingmeswallow, too, even though there’s no reason for it to be so attractive.
I avert my eyes, but not before seeing a softahhroll off his lips.
“Good?” I ask, looking at the floor.
He grunts in response, then turns on his heel and marches toward the bar.
My feet follow him before I realize I do. He nods toward an empty stool, and I slide onto it, clutching my own coffee between my hands as I watch him pop open a familiar-looking yellow box.
Sunnie’s.
Also known as thebestplace around if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth.
I guess Noah was this morning.
He sets out two napkins, pulls a delicious-looking fritter from the box, and places it on one before sliding it my way. He grabs another from the box, takes the napkin and fritter, and leans against the back counter, one leg crossed over the other. He bites into the dough, which I know is light and fluffy and just sugary enough. A few pieces of the glaze cling to his lips, and I barely resist the urge to leap across the counter and lick them away.
