And up until last night, I never actually planned on expanding my sexual roster.
But Knox… he’s different.
He doesn’t fit into the same category. There’s no history there, no safety net of familiarity. Just a man with gray eyes and hands that know how to touch.
And now, against all logic, I find myself wondering if maybe I should go back to Bar 2.0. Just to see if he’s there. Maybe he’d smile that slow smile again, the one that feels like gravity shifting in my direction.
“Earth to Millie,” Jessica calls from the other end of the counter, snapping her fingers in mock irritation. “You zoning out on me again?”
I blink back into the present, forcing a small smile. “Just thinking.”
“Dangerous pastime,” she teases, reaching for the broom propped against the wall. “I already swept up the front, but the storage room looks like a flour bomb went off. You sure you don’t want me to handle it?”
“You sure you don’t mind?”
She grins. “Please. Beats listening to you sigh at the espresso machine like it owes you money.”
I roll my eyes, but relief trickles through me. Jess offering to help clean is a blessing. After the night I had, my body still feels heavy, like I’m carrying around a secret that’s too warm to put down.
She hums while she works, soft and off-key, her ponytail bouncing with every sweep. There’s an ease about her I envy—Jess never overthinks, never hesitates. She justdoes. I wish I had that kind of confidence.
When I glance at the clock, it’s almost five. The mayor’s meeting will be starting soon, and we still have to lock up. I start to untie my apron, but Jess’s voice breaks through the clatter of chairs.
“So,” she says, drawing the word out like she’s picking her moment. “You and Liam still hanging out much?”
My grip on the apron strings falters. “Uh, yeah. A bit. Why?”
She shrugs, sweeping a pile of dust into the pan, but there’s a glint in her eyes I know too well. “Just curious. He’s single, right?”
I pause. “As far as I know.”
Her lips curve, all sly mischief. “Good. Because I was thinking of asking him out. He’s cute in that whole ‘tall, dark, probably brooding about something deep’ kind of way.”
There’s a pinch behind my ribs that I don’t want to name. It’s small and ridiculous and completely uncalled for, but it’s there. I laugh a little too brightly, trying to sound casual. “Yeah, he’s… he’s a good guy.”
Jess’s grin widens, oblivious to the knot forming in my stomach. “I thought so. You think he’d say yes?”
“Probably,” I say, forcing the word out like it doesn’t sting. “He’s not seeing anyone.”
Her smile softens. “Then wish me luck.”
“I will,” I manage, though my voice doesn’t sound like mine.
When she turns away, I exhale slowly, setting the towel down on the counter. The jealousy is stupid. Irrational. Liam and I ended things months ago. We were never really together. And yet, the thought of him with someone else—someone like Jess, bright and fearless—makes something inside me tighten.
Jess hums again, happy, while I wipe down the tables for the third time just to keep my hands busy.
By the time we lock up, the sun’s slipping low, the street glowing gold and amber. Jess tosses the keys into her bag. “You heading to the meeting?”
“Yeah,” I say, fishing my phone from my pocket. “You go ahead. I’ll catch up.”
She waves and heads down the street, her steps light and confident. I’m halfway through putting the phone back when it buzzes.
Mom.
I sigh and answer. “Hey, Mom.”
“Millie! Finally,” she says, voice warm and bright through the line. “You’ve been quiet lately. Everything okay?”
