And that was the problem.
Because comfort led to trust.
Trust led to hope.
And hope—
hope was what destroyed you when people finally walked away.
I swallowed hard and set the muffin back down carefully.
But the damage was already done.
Because somewhere deep down—
a part of me wanted to believe Ace Mercer meant every word he said.
6
Tessa
Iknew coming to the tavern was a mistake before I even stepped through the door.
Heat and noise rolled over me instantly—the scent of bacon grease, coffee, and old wood wrapped around the crowded room while dishes clattered somewhere near the kitchen.
Too loud.
Too many people.
I tightened my grip on the wildflowers in my arms and forced myself forward anyway.
Drop off the arrangements.
Smile.
Leave.
Easy.
“Hey, Tessa!”
I glanced up and pasted on a polite smile for the waitress weaving between tables. “Morning. Just bringing fresh flowers for the tables.”
“Perfect timing. Breakfast rush just cleared.”
Good.
Less people watching.
Less chance of—
“Tessa?”
The voice hit the back of my neck like ice water.
I stopped walking.
Slowly, I turned.
