We stare at one another, a giddy smile preventing us from saying any words, and the warm air wraps around us, pulling us closer in a magnetic force because we both take a step closer to each other.
Declan makes a sound, reaches out to snake his arm around my middle, and pulls me close. “Have a good day.”
“You too.”
He doesn’t let me go, and I take the opportunity to run my fingers along his bare chest, staring at my actions before my eyes strike up to meet his.
“Morning-you is… different.” Tender.
He rumbles a laugh. “Nah, I’m just admiring the view.”
“I’ll see you around.” I feel butterflies, and it’s preventing me from saying anything clever.
Our eyes linger, and we’re making no effort to part.
“Get out of here before I throw you in the shower.” At least Declan has the courage to move us along.
* * *
I’mlucky that on Thursdays, Tilly is at the store from open to close. It meant I had a little time to spare, which I’m thankful for, as I needed a long shower to recall all the ways my body was touched last night. Also, dry shampoo only gets you so far.
Stepping into Jolly Joe’s, I’m in awe how half the town seems to cram in here in the mornings for breakfast, and again later in the day for ice cream. A retired judge created this place that resembles an old soda shop.
Walking straight to the counter, I order my flat white and an orange roll.
“What would you recommend?” Declan’s voice surprises me as he arrives to stand by my side and pretends to look at the menu on the wall.
Instantly, my body eases, and my closed-mouth grin spreads. “What brings you here?”
“Someone mentioned this is a must, and I kind of worked up an appetite.” He doesn’t look at me and continues his ruse of studying the menu.
I straighten my posture and follow along, even though the edges of our arms just grazed and a breath that I didn’t know I was holding releases. “I’m a fan of the orange rolls. Cinnamon roll base with an orange kick, it’s a twist on a classic.”
“I’ll give it a go.” He steps forward to order.
Looking around the place, it’s noisy and a mix of people chatting and others in a rush. Nobody will notice us, or rather, it’s easy to explain a coincidence that we are both at the best spot for coffee in town at the same time.
“Hey, Violet.” A deep voice startles me, and I nearly jump in my spot. My attention transfers away from Declan, ahead of me ordering, and lands on Carter, the sheriff in town. “Usual order?” The man smiles at me.
He’s Ford’s age, and he does get points on the handsome front, if you go for the hundred-pushups-a-day kind of thing.
“Good morning, Sheriff.” He’s told me many times to call him by his first name, but I feel like I might get in trouble if I don’t address him by his title in public. The rumors would spread like wildfire if someone heard me call him Carter.
“Flat white and an orange roll?”
My eyes narrow. “Yeah, you know my order?” I’m surprised.
“It’s the little things that you should notice,” he mentions.
A tap on my shoulder causes my eyes to dip to the side, and I notice a hand with a coffee in a to-go cup.
“Your order was ready,” Declan mentions, with his eyes set on Carter.
“Thanks.” I notice both men sizing one another up. “Uhm, this is Declan Dash. He played hockey with Ford, and he’s here this week to help with the kids’ summer camp.”
“Sheriff Carter Mills.” Carter offers his hand for a shake to Declan. “I’ve seen you in Lake Spark before. It’s great that you’re volunteering.”
“Of course. I was stopping by for a coffee and ran into Violet. We go way back, thanks to her brother. I would trust this lady here with my life and coffee choices.” A protective arm lands around my shoulders, I swear an act of possession.
