Page 27 of The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook

Robyn stared at the coffee like it might explode. “It’s… What time is it?”

“Just before seven.”

She made a small, horrified sound and started to sit up fully, the blanket sliding down her lap. “I didn’t mean to… I swear I didn’t even wake up. I’m so sorry. I should go. I should’ve⁠—”

Tyler caught the blanket before she could start folding it, because of course she would try to tidy his living room while half-asleep. “Hey.” His voice came out softer than he meant it to. “Leave it.”

Robyn froze, cheeks pink. “I just… I don’t want you to think I’m⁠—”

“I don’t.” Tyler nudged the mug toward her again. “Coffee? It’s not a latte, but I added that fancy creamer that you like.”

She took it with both hands, her fingers brushing his. Her gaze flicked up to his face.

Tyler managed not to smile like an idiot.

Robyn took a cautious sip, then sighed—quiet and involuntary. “Okay. That is… very good.”

“You did recommend the gingerbread creamer,” he reminded her, recalling their conversation weeks ago after one of their many coffee runs. Tyler used to take his coffee black, but even he had to admit, he liked the spiciness the gingerbread creamer added.

Robyn shifted, gathering her purse and shoes. Tyler gestured toward the kitchen with his chin.

“Come on,” he said. “We’ve got a few minutes.”

She followed him in socked feet, coffee mug in hand. The kitchen was dim except for the glow of the sunrise spilling through the window. Tyler set his own mug down and leaned back against the counter.

Robyn looked a little more awake now, looking down at her mug, her brow furrowed.

She held it up between them as if seeing it for the first time. “This is a Harvard University mug.”

Tyler blinked. “Yeah, it’s my alma mater.”

Robyn’s mouth fell open. “Tyler.”

“What?”

“I went to Harvard.” She stared at him like he’d just confessed to being a secret celebrity. “I graduated there.”

“No way.”

“Yes way.” Robyn turned the mug again. “What years were you there?”

“I started in 2015 and finished in 2019.”

Robyn’s eyes widened. “We were there at the same time.”

For a second, the kitchen felt even quieter. Tyler let out a slow breath. “That’s… insane.”

“Who was your literature professor? Please tell me you had Dr. Radcliffe.”

Tyler barked a laugh. “Of course I had Dr. Radcliffe. The man destroyed my confidence in a single semester.”

Robyn made a sound that was part laugh, part groan. “He did the same to me. I still hear his voice every time I type a semicolon.”

Tyler stared at her, warmth spreading through his chest. “How did we not meet?”

Robyn’s eyes flicked away for a second, like she was running through old memories. “I worked at the campus bookstore my sophomore year.”

Tyler froze. “I worked there too.”