He ripped his gaze away from the woman.
Itwasn’tCassidy because itcouldn’tbe Cassidy.
He focused instead on Molly.
He’d always wanted to be part of her dance party. But Molly had never been on his radar. Specifically, off-limits was more accurate. Specifically, set aside from his radar in a no-dance-party zone.
“Thought I saw someone I knew.” He placed Cassidy where she belonged, back in the past, and stared at his present. “Would you like a little something sweet with your tea?”
“Is that a come on?” Molly pulled her lips to the side. “Because I think you can do better than that.”
“Icando better than that. And, no, it’s not a come on.” How long had it been since he’d flirted successfully? A long flipping time, that’s how long. He needed a little touch up in that department. Maybe he should ask Kaiya. She could add it to her emoji lessons.
Unfortunately, Kaiya wasn’t there to ask. Instead, he took a page out of his brother’s book. They’d spent a good portion of their childhood in the southern US and could wield their accents like hot-Southern-guy weapons.
Gavin didn’t pull out his Southern accent often, preferring to blend in with the crowd where he lived in Denver. Still, he said, letting it drawl, “When it’s a come on, you’ll know.”
A little dimple peeked from Molly’s left cheek. He’d never noticed she had that before. But it was subtle, and one had to stand close to her to see it.
“I’d love a scone,” Molly said, eyes twinkling. “Blueberry.”
“Not a cinnamon roll?” He nudged her with his elbow.
“They don’t put enough spice in them for me,” Molly said, deadpan.
The woman at the front of the line made her order and moved to the pickup area of the counter. She turned, and there was no doubt destiny was just fucking with him.
“Americano with sugar. No cream,” the barista called. “For Cassidy.”
“Hey.” Molly nudged him with a huge grin. “That’s your usual order.”
Gavin wasn’t smiling. Not at all. Because it was Cassidy. Definitely Cassidy.
Why is she in Denver?
“Who is that?” Molly asked, all levity drained from her words.
He didn’t move forward with the line, his eyes stuck on the woman who was not where she should’ve been.
He quickly corrected the mistake of staying put, moved ahead, pulled his gaze away. But all his movements came jerky. Not smooth at all.
“Who?” he asked.
He knew better than to play possum here. But Cassidy was in this room, and he was also here in this room with his brand-new, sort of, maybe girlfriend.
And if there was one thing more uncomfortable than dating the best friend of his ex-wife, it was introducing her to the one who got away.
“Gavin?” Molly pulled her hand from his.
He missed it immediately.
She crossed her arms under her breasts.
“Who is she? You might as well just tell me before she sees you.” Molly gave him those big doe eyes again.
“Cassidy, her name is Cassidy.”
“Old girlfriend?” Molly guessed correctly. He was obviously that easy to read. “Or old wish-she-was-your-girlfriend?”
