I stare at my handwriting. What the hell am I doing?
I’m here to write my cozy mystery book, not rewrite my own love story. That chapter is closed.
Chapter Four
Felix
The sun filters through the window of the small kitchen, glinting off the glasses on the draining board, and dappling the faded linoleum floor. Everything looks tired and worn, and I make a mental note to have a chat with Uncle Shawn. He’s been the caretaker of the cabins since Mom and Dad retired to Florida chasing the sun. He’s been on his own since my aunt died, but now that I’m back, I resolve to see what I can do to help with the family business, at least in the short term.
I stand at the sink, rinsing out my coffee mug, when a flash of movement catches my eye. It’s the guy from the coffee shop.Kit.He jogs past on the gravel road that winds its way through the property. Tanned arms pumping, sweat beading on his brow, his eyes flick up to meet mine for a brief second before he looks away again. My heart stutters at the flash of blue, the same way it did when I first laid eyes on him.
He continues down the road, leaving me staring at his back, my gaze glued to his broad shoulders and firm ass. I’ve never been more grateful for tight sweatpants that leave very little to the imagination.
It’s only when he’s disappeared around the bend it occurs to me he must be staying in one of the cabins. I wonder what’s brought him to town. He doesn’t seem like one of our usual vacationers here for hiking and fishing. Is he by himself or with family?
I chuckle to myself. It won’t take long to find out on the Collier’s Creek grapevine. Georgia most likely has all the info by now. If not, I can always hit up Mrs. Hendricks, although her facts aren’t always reliable. Or I can check in with Uncle Shawn to see what information our guest provided on check in.Fuck!I’m as bad as them with my need for information, but I can’t help it; he’s piqued my curiosity, although probably not for the same reasons. I want to know more about the gorgeous stranger, but I’m not going to ask—he deserves his privacy.
A couple of hours later, I’m wiping down the counter at CC’s when the bell on the door jangles. I glance up to see Kit stride in. He’s wearing jeans and a dark sweater and I can’t help picturing the fit body underneath the layers of fabric. His hair is swept back from his face, showcasing the perfectly groomed brows that frame his baby blue eyes that have me totally entranced.
He heads straight to the counter and my pulse speeds up at his approach, but before I can open my mouth, he speaks.
“Espresso. Double shot to go.” His voice is gravelly, his tone, curt. I’m taken aback for a moment, but then he tacks on a belated, “Thanks.”
“Sure thing.”
Will’s clearing some tables so it’s up to me to make the coffee. It was challenging at first, but I’ve mastered the espresso machine, so I get to tamping the grounds. Once the machine is doing its magic, my focus turns to Kit. I catch him looking at me, but his gaze quickly focuses on the chalkboard menu. His fingers drum on the counter as he waits, but it doesn’t take long and soon I’m back with the coffee.
“So you jog,” I say as I pass over the cup.
“What?” His eyes flick to mine, brow furrowing.
“I saw you out for a run this morning. At the cabins.”
“Oh, right.” His frown deepens as he hands over cash for the coffee.
“There are some amazing trails up toward the mountains if you get bored with the route you took this morning.” I give him the once over. “You look like you’d be able to handle something a bit more challenging.”
He grunts in response, and I chide myself, feeling like a stalker.Way to go, Felix.I pass him his change, heat creeping into my cheeks.
“Thanks.” Kit drops the coins into the tip jar, and pivots on his heel before leaving without a backward glance.
I stare after him, thoughtful, eyes glue to him until he passes by the front window.
I’m so zoned out that I jump when Will appears at my side. “So, what’s the deal with tall, dark, and broody?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I busy myself wiping down the already spotless counter.
Will nudges me with his elbow. “I saw the way you were watching him.”
I toss the cloth into the sink. “I’m just curious about the new guy in town.”
“Oh, is that what it is?” He leans in and whispers conspiratorially. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”
I lean against the counter and fold my arms. “There’s no secret to keep.”
Will shrugs. “If you say so.”
“Will!”
