Page 62 of Hats off to Love

“What are you doing here?” I ask, feeling way more excited than I should be to see my fake boyfriend, who I’m certain isn’t fake anymore.

“I thought I’d work in the shop with you today.” He grins and then walks past me to set three coffees and a to-go bag on the counter.

“Really?” My jaw drops. I’ve never considered asking him if he might want to help out. I didn’t really think this environment would make him very comfortable, yet here he is.

Of course he’s wearing his typical work attire, but this time the suit jacket is left behind, leaving him in tailored black pants, a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a pale pink tie that I already know is going to make his eyes pop more than they normally do.

“Why not? How hard can it be?” He faces me and grins, giving me one of my smiles.

And then it hits me: he wore pink and black because it’s my colors.

Be still my heart.

“It’s not that hard, but you worked all week, too. Aren’t you tired?” I walk over to him and place my hand on his arm. One of his hands falls to my hip.

“Yes, I’m tired, but I didn’t realize just how tired you are until last night. I know I’ve added to your stress level this last month, and well, we’re in this together, right? I have to spend the day at the farm tomorrow, but I can be here with you today.”

My heart thumps hard in my chest. “I don’t know what to say.”

His hands wrap around my face. “What kind of boyfriend would I be if I just sat around all day and then forced you to spend time with me at night? Seems a little unfair to me.”

“First off, you aren’t a slouch—you work hard too. And second, I don’t feel forced to spend time with you, at least not anymore.” I giggle as he frowns, and then I rise up on my toes and close the distance between us. His lips are soft this morning, while his face is just a tad prickly from not shaving. He tastes like toothpaste and happiness and every color of the rainbow.

The bell rings over the door, and I try to jump away from him, but with his arms banded tightly around me, he holds me close.

“Gross. Do you really need to be kissing out here like this?” Molly asks, turning her nose up at us.

“There’s coffee for you on the counter. Your favorite kind,” Stokes replies, and her face lights up.

“By all means, carry on then.” She walks right past us to the counter and grabs her coffee. She breathes it in, just like I am Stokes, and my insides dance with happiness. Does my face look like hers, full of complete euphoria? If so, I’m not mad about it. I find it hilarious given that just a few weeks ago, I’d have rather cut off my nose than press it into him. “I might have to eat this toast too,” she says, eyeing the bag.

“Don’t you dare,” I warn, and she laughs.

Grabbing the bag, I peek inside to see today’s toast is covered with peanut butter, bananas, honey, and granola. My stomach growls, and my mouth waters.

“This looks amazing.” I glance up at Stokes; he’s just watching me. “Do I have to share?” I ask playfully.

His eyes crinkle in the corners. “Not if you don’t want to.”

“Good. Mine,” I declare, and Molly just shakes her head as I dive in.

“I’m on the register.” She waves her hand back and forth between us. “You two can work the counters together.”

Excitement bubbles inside of me at the thought of working with him all day, and I can’t help the grin that takes over my face. He smirks at my reaction, but it’s in a loving way and not sarcastic.

“Any advice or anything you specifically want to direct me on?” He picks up his coffee and takes a sip.

“Nope.” I grab mine and pop the lid so it can cool down just a bit. “Mostly, people just want to try things on. They’ll ask you your opinion and you give it, good, bad, or indifferent. I want them to feel confident and beautiful. I don’t want them to walk out of here looking like an idiot in something that isn’t right for them.”

He rubs the back of his neck with his free hand. “I’m not sure how good I’ll be at telling someone the hat they picked out doesn’t look good.”

“Well, if you’re not sure, just grab one of us and we’ll tell them.” I bring the cup to my mouth and blow on the coffee.

“Deal,” he says, his gaze shifting lower on my face. Wanting to get under his skin a little, I lick my bottom lip and then bite it. His eyes flash back to mine, and he narrows them.

I giggle just as the bell over the door rings and a young woman walks in. I turn to Stokes. “Okay, you’re up, superstar. I’m too busy eating to have to be polite and social.” I give him a wink as I cut into the toast and take a big bite. We both watch completely amused as Stokes faces toward the woman.

“Good morning, welcome to Rosie May,” he calls out to her. My heart thumps hard listening to him say my name that way. Who would have ever thought he would be here, like this, voluntarily? Certainly not me, and by the look on Molly’s face, not her either.