“Still a can or two left,” he deadpans. He faces me again. “Thanks for the cake.”
I watch him head to a table on the far side of the coffee shop near the window, heart jumping a little when he takes a seat.
“Hey, Earth calling Felix.” Georgia waves a hand in front of my face. “Oh, you have it bad!”
“What?’ I ask, eyes snapping back to her.
“So, Kit is the guy you were talking about at dinner? The man of mystery?” she says in a low voice then sighs. “I see the attraction. He’s got that sexy older man vibe going on.”
I have to agree there. Today he’s rocking dark growth along his jaw, the stubble giving him a slightly rough edge. The blue of his sweater makes his eyes pop and draws my gaze. I tear my eyes away, and lower my voice to match hers, although I don’t think he can hear us from where he’s sitting. “I have no idea if he’s into men or not—”
“Oh, he’s into men all right.”
“How do you know?”
“Oh, hon, I saw the way he was looking at you. I’d say he’s got a thing for sweet young things.”
“Who’s looking at who?” Will asks as he comes in from the back, overhearing us even as we’re whispering.
Georgia inclines her head to where Kit is sitting. She holds a finger to her lips. “Shhh. Our Felix has a crush on Mr. Tall, Dark, and Mysterious over there.”
Will glances across. “He’s here. That’s unusual. He usually grabs a coffee to go.”
“I don’t have a crush,” I hiss.
Georgia’s eyebrows reach her hairline. “Protest much?”
I glare at her. “So what? I have eyes. He’s hot.”
“You’ll get no argument from me,” Will says.
“Will! What will Colton think?” Georgia says in mock indignation.
Will shrugs. “He’ll agree. We both know a good-looking man when we see one.”
Will’s boyfriend works at the local high school and is the very definition of sexy teacher. Will is a lucky man, and they’re couple goals.
“So, what do you know about him?” I ask, because Georgia always has her finger on the pulse regarding what goes on in Collier’s Creek. I start making her a caramel latte, while she spills the beans.
She keeps her voice low as if she’s imparting state secrets. “He’s been in town for a few weeks, he’s staying at the cab—Wait!” she hisses. “He’sstayingat thecabins! Felix Montgomery, you’ve been holding out on me.”
I chuckle. “I only met him properly last night and I haven’t seen you since then. Also, there’s nothing much to tell. He’s staying there by himself and it looks like he’s working, not on vacation.”
“What sort of work?” Will asks.
“I have no idea. I just saw the laptop setup and a whole pile of papers.” I press the lid on the coffee cup.
Georgia takes the latte. “You’ve been inside the cabin with him?”
“Hold your horses. I was dropping off an extension cord.”
“And?”
“And nothing. He was a bit pissed I was there. I guess I was interrupting whatever it was he was working on, not to mention there was no power to the kitchen. Anyway,” I look at her pointedly, “don’t you have a store to get back to?”
She looks at her watch and scowls. “Damn, you’re right, but this conversation isn’t over. See you later, boys.” She nods at Will and me and heads to the door. “Bye, Kit,” she calls, waving at him.
Kit lifts his head and hesitantly raises a hand to wave her goodbye. It’s as if he’s not used to the friendliness of strangers. The door closes after her, and Kit’s gaze drops back to the plate in front of him.
