“Dec!” my four-year-old yells and runs toward our new neighbor.
He’s dressed in a black button-down with the sleeves rolled up, dark jeans, and black combat-style boots. He looks edible.
I mean, good. He looks good.
I’m frozen in place as I watch my daughter fling herself at his legs and give him a hug. She’s only met him in person once and has already decided he’s her new friend.
Great.
Declan looks mildly uncomfortable, and a small laugh escapes me as I watch his arms shoot out to the side so as not totouch Autumn. That’s when a whole room of eyes snaps my way, and I realize we aren’t alone.
My mom and dad are looking back and forth between me and him, and I can see the gears turning in their heads.
Everyone in the room is confused.
I snap my mouth shut, and my dad takes the opportunity to cross over to where Autumn is hugging Declan’s legs.
“This is a private party,” my dad explains and pries Autumn off Declan.
Declan's whole demeanor changes. His back straightens, and he looks my father in the eye.
“I’m sorry, sir. I thought you were open. My coffee pot broke, and I’m throwing a party next door for the grand opening of my shop. I was hoping to get one last pick-me-up before tonight. I apologize, though. I’ll see myself out.”
I think that’s the most words I’ve ever heard him string together at once. His voice is all gravelly, and that glint of a tongue ring has me staring at his mouth.
My eyes flick away before I get any ideas.
Let’s not mention the grand opening of his shop: Blank Canvas Ink. I knew it was today. There’s a sign in his window that advertises it. But he hasn’t reached out to me in weeks, and I didn’t want to disturb him.
I can see Lucas out of the corner of my eye, assessing the conversation and profiling Declan on the spot. He’s an undercover cop, and I can tell he’s trying to see if Declan is good people or not.
“You own the tattoo shop?” my dad asks with interest.
“I do.”
“My wife, Briana, and I own this coffee shop.”
My mom takes the moment to introduce herself by shaking his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. We were wondering when we would run into you. We were going to stop by once you were open to introduce ourselves.”
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am. And you too, sir…”
“Alex.” My dad holds his hand out for a quick shake.
I feel a hand on my arm and turn to find Wren at my side. “I can make him a quick coffee if you want,” she says quietly.
I nod my head. “Yeah. Just a large black coffee.”
She quietly moves behind the counter and gets to work.
“Declan is my neighbor,” Autumn says to my mom and dad, and they both look at me.
I finally make my way toward them and push my hair behind my ears.
I’m nervous. Why am I nervous? Probably because there’s a room full of eyes watching us.
“Hi, Declan.”
“Hi,” he says back and stares at me with his yellow-green eyes.
