He doesn’t complain.He just works.
Quiet.
Efficient.
Like a man who’s been doing hard things his whole life and never thought to brag about it.And somehow, that might be the most attractive thing about him of all.
“You need anything else, Kels?”Mack asks, but one quiet look from J.T.and the kid suddenly remembers he has somewhere else to be.
“She’s got everything she needs right here,” J.T.replies, and I almost trip.
“Oh my God, Kelly, you are a lifesaver!J.T.it’s so nice to see you here this morning.With Kelly.Um, so, you guys want something?”Willow calls from behind the counter.“I’m just finishing up with today’s lunch.”
J.T.smiles warmly at her, and something in my chest twists.
I am not a jealous person.
I have no claim on this man.
And yet.
“Sure, a coffee would be great, thank you,” he says.Then he turns to me.“Kelly?”
“Yeah, thanks,” I manage.
He drops a bill on the counter.“Keep the change.”
Willow beams, pours a couple of coffees, then disappears back into the kitchen.
We move to a small table near the window.
The hum of the mill filters through the glass—saws, engines, men shouting measurements.
Normal.
Business as usual.
Which makes the storm in my chest feel even more ridiculous.
“Cream?”he offers.
I accept.
Then, because I am just that cool, I freak out.
“I—I haven’t made a decision yet,” I blurt.
Smooth, Kelly.
Real smooth.
His mouth twitches slightly.
“I figured you might want to talk.”
“Here?”I squeak, glancing around.
We are absolutely not alone.
