I paste on a smile, but I have no idea what to say in reply. I haven’t even met Shawn yet. All my interactions about the cabin booking were online, and I didn’t even have to see anyone when I arrived. “That’s good to know. Thanks.”
She beams as she finishes ringing up my purchases. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Directions to the nearest coffee would be great.”
She seems thrilled to help. “There are a few places that do good coffee, but CC’s is the best. It’s just across the road. You’ll meet Cam or Will this time of day. Cam’s the owner.”
“Right. Thanks.” I nod at the unnecessary information overload. All I need to know is where to go for a decent espresso. I pay for my groceries and leave the store.
“See you next time,” she calls out cheerfully before the door closes.
After placing my bags in the Jeep, I cross the road and enter the coffee shop. There’s a gentle hum of conversation mingled with a country tune playing from somewhere out back and most of the tables are full. People sit by the window taking advantage of the sunshine. A cute blond guy sits by himself off to one side, tapping away on a laptop. It’s cozy and inviting, but most importantly there’s the aroma of fresh coffee.
I step up to the counter just as a guy holding a couple of plates comes out of the door to the kitchen.
He smiles. “Morning. I’ll be with you in a moment.”
After setting the plates down at a nearby table, he’s back. “Sorry about that. I’m on my own this morning. Now, what can I get for you?”
“Just an espresso to go. Double shot. Thanks.”
“Coming right up.” He steps behind the machine and gets to work.
The sound of laughter draws my gaze to a table of women. They’re of varying ages and I wonder what’s brought them to the coffee shop today. Falling into old habits, my imagination goes into overdrive: fundraising meeting, church group, coven… My drink is ready before I can run through more than an idea or two.
“Did you want something to eat to go with that?” the guys asks as he passes over the paper cup. “I’ve got a fresh batch of muffins.”
“Sure.”
He places a berry muffin into a paper sack and I pay. As I leave, I meet the gaze of the guy with the laptop but quickly look away. I don’t want to draw attention to myself. I want to spend my time in the solitude of the cabin and get this goddamned book finished.
During the drive back to the cabin, I drink my coffee and demolish the muffin, feeling better with some food in my stomach and a hit of caffeine.
Deciding there’s no time like the present andPeril in the Mountainswon’t write itself, I make short work of unpacking the groceries and head over to the desk.
I’ve hardly typed more than a half dozen words when there’s a knock at the door.
“Fucking hell,” I mutter under my breath. “Can’t a man be left in peace?”
I stomp across the room, pissed at the interruption, and wrench open the door to find a burly man standing there, toolbox in hand. “Morning,” he says, grin so wide his white teeth stand out against his dark beard. “I’m Shawn. Thought I’d stop by and check you found the place okay.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
His smile fades, but he doesn’t let my surly attitude stop him. “I’m the caretaker, so if you need somethin’, just give me a holler. I live in the big house near the entrance. You can’t miss it.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine,” I say, starting to pull the door shut.
“The hikin’s mighty fine this time of year, fishin’ too—”
“I’ve got work to do.”
Shawn’s brows draw together. “You should get outside, enjoy the scenery and fresh air. It’ll do you good.”
“I don’t have time for that.”
Shawn chuckles. “You’ll change your mind.”
Not likely, I think, not with the looming deadline. My phone rings. I incline my head toward the sound, grateful for the excuse to end this conversation. “Sorry, got to get that. Thanks for stopping by.” I close the door on his puzzled face and hurry to the desk. My stomach drops at the sight of my agent’s name on the caller ID, but I pick it up and answer. “Hey, Mike. What’s up?”
