“Hi, sorry.” I make my way to the back of the store where a woman who is probably early thirties with long blond, curly hair is behind the counter. “I was just admiring the store.”
She grins. “Thank you. I’m Hazel, I own the place.”
“I’m Tessa. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too. Did you want to order anything?”
I look at the menu and purse my lips. “Hmm, what’s your favorite coffee here?”
“It’s not on the menu.”
“Really?” I ask.
Hazel nods. “Do you like strong coffee?”
“Absolutely.” It’s the only way I made it through finals in college.
“Then I’ll make it.” Hazel turns and starts to get to work, moving levers and grinding coffee beans. “So what brings you to Ember Falls?”
“I’m actually here for work. I’m a publicist for a company in New York City.”
“That’s great. How long are you here for?”
I was hoping I would already be in my car heading home, but that’s not happening.
“I’m not sure—depends how long my client needs me. Probably another week though.”
She glances at me from over her shoulder. “Oh, then you must be here to help Killian.”
“Who?” I pretend I’m misunderstanding. Part of my job is discretion, and I have no idea who this woman is.
Hazel laughs softly and then turns with the coffee, placing it on the counter with a muffin. “Killian is a good friend of mine. I really hope he has you on his team. Especially since you so expertly dodged my question. Lord knows small towns aren’t known for keeping secrets.”
I smile softly. “Yes, I grew up in one and I learned that lesson well. Thank-you—for the coffee.”
“You’re very welcome, Tessa.”
“For the love of God, Hazel!” A deep voice yells as the door opens. “You’re going to be the death of me!”
The man with dark brown hair in a pair of scrubs walks in with Dr. Everett Finnegan embroidered on the left of his shirt. He’s tall, stocky, and super cute. Not as cute as Killian, but I’m starting to think that’s not even possible because no one measures up to him.
I need therapy.
Hazel rolls her eyes and sighs at the outburst. “Everett, meet Tessa. Tessa, this is my idiot best friend who clearly has no damn manners as he’s yelling at me for no damn reason.”
Oh boy.
He huffs. “Right, no damn reason.” Everett looks to me. “Do you know what she did?”
“I don’t even have a clue.”
“She told Violet, my fiancée, that I agreed to renovate her house starting this weekend. Her entire freaking house she wants to do. Now, as someone who has a full-time job savinglives, do you think I can do that?” he asks.
I purse my lips, not really wanting to enter the fray. “I’m going to guess no.”
“You would be right.” He turns to Hazel. “Care to explain?”
Hazel sighs heavily, looking completely unrepentant. “You owe me.”
