I flip on the lights and the music, and turn on the coffee machine before heading out back. I accept the early morning deliveries of milk and fresh baked goods, and stock the fridges and display cabinet. The menu focuses on simple food, like sandwiches, quiche, and lasagna, so not a lot of cooking required. Drinks and sweet treats are the most popular items. I’m putting the last of the muffins on a plate when the first customer knocks on the glass door. I set down the tongs and let them in, while flipping the sign to Open.
The morning rush picks up just as Will arrives.
“Morning, boss,” he says, rounding the counter and grabbing his apron from the hook on the wall.
“Hey, Will,” I say in greeting, accompanied by a roll of my eyes at the teasing way he calls me boss. We’ve been working well together and his easygoing manner is a breath of fresh air, unlike the atmosphere at my old job. I put the lid on the almond milk latte I’ve just made and pass it to the customer, as Will slides into place behind the espresso machine.
It’s a busy morning. I lose myself in taking orders, prepping food, and refilling the display case. Will whips up coffee after coffee, clearing and wiping down tables between customers. We’re like a well-oiled machine.
Things have finally calmed down and Will’s gone on a break when the door chimes again. I glance up to see Kit walk in. My pulse increases at the sight of his piercing blue eyes.
I’m happily surprised at the brief flash of a smile he throws my way, as if manifesting my thoughts from this morning. Somehow, I know his smile is a rare thing and I’m honored to have it directed my way.
“Welcome to Coffee and Cake,” I say in my brightest voice when he approaches the counter. I really must ask Cam what the Cs stand for. “What can I get for you?”
“Just coffee.”
“Espresso. Double shot?”
His eyes widen, apparently surprised I remembered his coffee order. “Yeah. Thanks.”
I grab the group handle and fill it with grounds. “How’re the electrics?” I ask from behind the machine. He’s taken out his phone and is staring at the screen. I warm when he puts it back in his jacket pocket to look at me.
“Your uncle said someone’s coming around tomorrow or the next day. I can survive until then.”
“Cool.” The espresso machine hisses as hot water flows through the grounds. “Once again, I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
He waves a hand. “Don’t be. I don’t cook much anyway, so it’s not really a problem.”
Finished making his coffee, I don’t pass it over straight away. Instead, I take a plate and load it up with a huge slice of carrot cake, then push the plate across the counter.
Kit raises his brows.
“You don’t like carrot cake?”
“I… ah…”
“It’s on the house,” I say. “As an apology for all the trouble at the cabin.”
“I don’t—”
“Yeah, I know, it’s not necessary,” I say, echoing his words from the night before, “but I’d like you to have it. It’s the best carrot cake in town.”
A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “If it’s the best, how can I say no?”
He picks up the plate and I hand over his espresso. Our fingers touch—just a small graze, but electrifying. From the way he looks at me, I wonder if he feels it too. The noise of the coffee shop fades into the distance. It’s just me and Kit, eyes locked.
That is until Georgia breaks the spell. “Well, look who we have here.”
We turn our heads in unison, but before I can open my mouth, Kit speaks.
“Hi, Georgia.”
“Morning, Kit.” She’s bright and bubbly, eyes flicking between us.
“You two know each other?” I ask.
“Sure do,” Georgia says. “Kit and I go way back. Right, Kit?” She winks at Kit, who obviously has no idea how to respond to her teasing. “Actually, I haven’t seen you in the store the last few days. You haven’t run out of soup yet?”
