Page 13 of Harvest Heat

Caleb took another sip, and Rhys continued to watch.

“Sugar, cream, light espresso,” he said.

Rhys nodded again.

“The taste is so complex, but the ingredients are so simple.”

Rhys bit his lip to keep from giving a lecture on the importance of science-backed coffee making to bring out the best flavors without extra ingredients. “I like simple but good.”

Caleb smiled. “Did you think about the contest?”

Rhys knew he needed to answer, but he couldn’t get any words out. He’d thought far too much about it, about what it would be like to work with Caleb, spending so much time together, having to make sure he didn’t act like an idiot or an asshole, having to compromise, to agree to put his name on a drink that wasn’t his creation. It was too much, and yet he wished it weren’t. He wanted to spend more time with Caleb, but he wasn’t sure how to do that and not freak out. “You really don’t want to work with me. I’m not good at group projects or compromising.”

Emotion showed in Caleb’s eyes, but Rhys wasn’t sure if it was disappointment or annoyance. Maybe both? Rhys wasn’t trying to upset him. He was trying to make it clear that he wasn’t any good at socializing. He didn’t do partnership well.

“All right,” Caleb said. “We’ll each make our own entries. It was just an idea.”

Rhys couldn’t make his lungs work right. The room started to spin, and he was afraid he might pass out. “Um… Enjoy the drink. I should… um… go.”

He turned and managed to make his way out the door without running. He was glad things were quiet on Front Street at that time of day. He wasn’t sure he could make it all the way to Frost + Foam, but Jonah’s bookstore was next door, so he went inside and sank into one of the comfy chairs Jonah had placed around the store.

Jonah was finishing up with a customer, but Rhys hadn’t noticed anyone else in the store. He slipped his shoes off and pulled his legs up, curling into a ball in the soft chair. He hoped no one had seen him. He didn’t want anyone to notice him while he took a few minutes to just breathe. He heard the bell ring on the door and assumed that whoever had been checking out was leaving.

Rhys took several long, deep breaths, trying to steady himself. Moments passed, and the tightness in his chest began to loosen. It was only then that Jonah approached him. He loved that his friend knew he needed a few minutes before he’d be ready to talk.

“Are you okay?” Jonah asked.

Rhys blew out a long breath. “Probably.”

“What happened?”

“Caleb asked me to work with him to create a drink for the Harvest Festival.”

Jonah nodded. After a moment, he said, “That sounds like a good idea.”

“It might be, but…”

Jonah prompted him when he didn’t finish. “But?”

“I can’t do that.”

“You can’t give up control of your entry?” Jonah’s smile annoyed the hell out of Rhys. Sometimes it was great to have friends who really knew him, and sometimes he hated it.

“No. Yes. That’s not the main reason.”

“Then what is it?”

This was Jonah. Rhys could be honest with him. Jonah wouldn’t judge him, but he still couldn’t explain that Caleb made him feel all fluttery and confused and distracted. He couldn’t be in close quarters with him because he’d make a fool of himself, and Caleb would hate him. “Caleb needs a chance to develop his own brand. He should have his own entry.”

Jonah narrowed his eyes. “That’s all?”

Rhys looked down at his hands as he nodded, certain Jonah didn’t believe him.

“What can I do to help?” Jonah asked.

“I don’t suppose you can figure out a way for me not to run into Caleb until after the festival?” Or maybe ever.

Jonah chuckled. “No, but I could taste test your drinks for you.”