Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 190(@200wpm)___ 152(@250wpm)___ 127(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 190(@200wpm)___ 152(@250wpm)___ 127(@300wpm)
Lennon moves around the counter of her thrift store, placing little price stickers on a pack of books. “What happened with Drake was horrible. But it doesn’t guarantee it’ll happen with the next guy.”
I slump against the counter, grabbing a copy of Little Women. I flip through the pages. “It hurt so badly. How can I open myself up to somebody else? I barely know Harrison.”
“He’s a nice guy.”
“He is. At least from what I know about him.” I set down the book. “Not that I know anything.”
“So, when do you see him next?”
I shrug. “I’m supposed to stop by there after I leave here. I’ll be getting my latte together so Petra can come by and take some pics for her article.”
Lennon smiles widely. “Do you think you’ll beat him?”
I laugh lightly. “For sure. I don’t think Harrison is into coffee.”
“What do you mean?” She sets the pack of stickers down.
“It was his father’s dream to open the shop.”
“What’s his dream?”
I shrug. “I don’t know.”
“Music maybe?”
At the mere mention of music, my mind transports back to the other evening I was in Harrison's backyard, wind in my hair, his lips pressed tightly against mine. A warmth crawls up my neck, and a smile splits my face.
Lennon sighs. “Must have been some kiss.”
I roll my eyes to pretend I’m not affected by his kiss, but I so am. “It really was.”
“Bring your cup closer to Harrison’s,” Petra says as she holds her cell up to snap a picture of the two lattes.
I scoot my latte closer to Harrison’s as he smiles at me. I haven’t seen him since the night I bolted from his house after he laid one of the hottest kisses I’ve ever had on me. It was insane.
His shop is pretty cool, and the customers are relaxing while Petra snaps pic after pic of our lattes. I spot Mrs. Clover smiling at me, and I step away really quickly. She’s one of my most loyal customers.
“Hi, Mrs. Clover,” I say, giving her a hug.
“February, I’m so sorry about your shop.” She leans closer, like she’s letting me in on a huge secret. “The coffee at your shop is way better than this place.”
I beam at her words. “Thank you so much. Although, this place has a certain charm about it.”
Mrs. Clover glances around. “It’s a little too hip for me.” She fluffs her short, curly hair. “I’ve always liked your shop better.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
“When will you be reopening?” Her face shows her worry loud and clear.
I shrug. “I don’t even know.” My mood shifts and I glance over at Harrison.
He’s shaking Petra’s hand as she stuffs her phone back into her oversized bag.
“It was great seeing you, Mrs. Clover, but I need to go.”
She waves goodbye at me, and I step back over to where Petra and Harrison are talking.
“The article will run tomorrow morning, and everyone will stop by tomorrow to judge the drinks. Are you both ready for that?”
I nod. “Yes, I’m ready.” I turn my attention to Harrison. “And thank you so much for opening your shop up to me.”
He winks. “Of course. I want to beat you fair and square.”
I make the mistake of looking at his lips as he smiles, and I remember the way they felt pressed against mine. “Right. I should get going,” I say, wanting more than anything to leave this place.
Petra smiles. “I have to get going too. I need to write this article.”
I shake her hand. “Thank you so much for this, Petra.”
I can’t leave Harrison to clean up my latte mess. “I’ll help you clean before I go,” I say to Harrison.
He shoves his hands into his pants pockets. “It’s fine. I can do it.”
I raise a brow. “No. What kind of guest would I be if I didn’t clean up my own mess.”
“February, listen…” he starts, but we’re interrupted when I spot Drake waltzing into the shop. Harrison follows my line of sight. “Didn’t his wife just have a baby? Why’s he here?”
“If I know him, he’s probably looking for any excuse to escape.”
Harrison chuckles as he steps over to where Bren is about to take Drake’s order. “I got this one, Bren. Can you help clean up the latte mess over there?”
Bren nods and hurries over to clean up.
I’m standing here like an unwelcome bystander as my eyes meet Drake’s.
“Stella and the baby are both doing really well,” Drake says like somebody asked about their wellbeing.
Harrison, being the nice guy he is, smiles widely at the news. “That’s great. What can I get for you, dad?”
Hearing Harrison call Drake dad puts everything into perspective for me. Drake is a father now. It makes me angry that I ever wasted my time on Drake. He’s got a family now, and he’s no longer a part of my world.