The big man was staring at me.
I gave a quick up-nod in greeting and started to turn…just as he shoved a meaty hand between us.
“Beau. You play football.”
Okay, that was Caveman Speak 101, but I was fluent. I shook his enormous paw and glanced at the four similarly dressed men lingering near the door. I had a strong feeling they all worked for Cooper.
This unexpected glimpse into his world excited me, and I momentarily forgot that Beau claimed to know me.
“I do,” I replied, dropping his hand. “Silas Anderson.”
“Yep. I knew it.” Beau hiked his thumb at the brawny foursome at the door. “They didn’t believe me. Heard you were playing again. Is that true?”
My smile dimmed slightly. “It might be.”
“Hope so. You’re good, man. Love to see you out there.”
“Thanks.”
Beau grunted in acknowledgment. “You visiting someone here or—oh! You own that big house next to Coop’s, right?”
“My buddy does, but?—”
“Cool.” He intercepted, his gaze flitting to someone or something behind me. “You staying long?”
“Not sure.”
Davey cleared his throat. “Latte’s ready.”
“Oh, right. Nice to meet you…Beau.”
“You too.”
Beau frowned, but he was nodding and his lips were sort of curled in an imitation of a partial smile. He met Davey’s eyes for a beat before he lumbered away.
“He’s in love with me,” Davey whispered, motioning for me to tap my credit card.
“Uh…”
He snickered. “What? You don’t believe me? I’m a hot commodity, I’ll have you know.”
“I believe you. Thanks.” I raised my cup and attempted to make my escape.
“Hey, you didn’t get a pastry. If you’re in the mood for something new and delish, go to Dexter’s. He’s debuting a bacon and jalapeño donut today.”
“Bacon and jalapeño?” I repeated.
“That man could sell five-day old jelly rolls out of his great aunt’s minivan and I’d buy them,” a woman in line piped up.
Davey squealed and held a hand up for a high five. “Girl, you know it. Silas, meet Layla. Layla, Silas.”
“You’re Cooper’s new neighbor,” she announced. “Sorry! Don’t be alarmed. I swear I’m not following you. Cooper’s my boss.”
“Ahh. Okay.” I sipped my coffee, eyeing the bubbly brunet for a moment. I hadn’t had this much impromptu social interaction that wasn’t in a bar or nightclub in a while. I was rusty as fuck. “Yeah, I just got in yesterday. Caffeine first and maybe a jalapeño donut, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough for that combo.”
Layla chuckled. “Me either, but I’d take one for the team. Hell, I’d sacrifice the last few minutes of my break to run that particular errand for you, but I have a shipment to process. The usual for me, please, Davey.”
“You got it. Bye, Si! Welcome back.” Davey waved.
