“I overslept,” I admit in a hushed tone, keeping my expression neutral. “Stop that.”
“Stop what?”
I tuck my lip into my mouth and look over my shoulder toward the kitchen, where Rose is frying something. “I can see straight through you, Carter.”
“Most people can’t. Use your superpower wisely.”
I bite the inside of my cheek and look back down at the invoice. He reaches forward, his finger brushing against mine. The contact is brief, and it sends heat straight up my neck.
“Carter,” I warn.
“All it takes is a look or a simple touch,” he says. “Meet me upstairs.”
I’m about to respond when the front door bangs open and Josie’s voice cuts through the lobby.
She storms in, wearing a tie-dye sundress and flip-flops. A tote bag, covered in iron-on patches, is slung over her shoulder. Behind her is Mia, who’s wearing the purple version of Josie’s dress. They spot us, and the two of them instantly start grinning at one another.
“Grandma told me Rose made cinnamon rolls. Thought we’d stop by and snag a few,” she explains, but she’s already piecing a story together.
Mia’s blonde hair is down today, and her wrists are stacked with her usual collection of bangles and beaded bracelets. She’s holding a to-go mug in one hand and a manila folder in the other.
“Oh, it’s so nice to see you again,” Josie says to Carter.
Mia is grinning wide, and both of their eyes go straight to the gap between us. Mia’s gaze bounces from Carter to me.
“Hi, sis,” Josie says. “So, what’s happening here? Are the two of you secretly dating?”
“No,” I say. “He was getting coffee. Clearly.”
“At the front counter?” Josie tilts her head. “That’s weird.”
“No, it’s not. It’s called being polite and speaking to the help since I’m on the way to his destination.”
Carter is amused by the conversation.
“I was just heading out,” Carter says.
“Without a cinnamon roll?” Mia asks him like he’s grown a third head. “I don’t think you understand. Those things are world famous.”
“I don’t eat a lot of sugar,” Carter explains.
Mia gasps, and Josie grabs him by the arm, leading him into the kitchen area. I hear her telling him that he’s on vacation and he’s eating one. Josie is the epitome of peer pressure. Once he has a fat one on his plate that’s dripping with icing, she returns to me. Carter lingers behind and refills his coffee.
“Have a great day,” he says, walking behind them and going up the stairs.
Mia turns her head and watches him go, then glares at me.
“What the fuck was that?” Josie asks.
“Nothing,” I tell them both. “You’re imagining things.”
“If that’s nothing,” Mia says, “I’d like some of that.”
“Oh, please,” I say, focusing back on the invoices.
“I’m just saying, the man looked at you like you were the only thing on his mind.” Mia takes a sip of her coffee.
“Aren’t you here for cinnamon rolls?” I grab my coffee and take a sip.
