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)
Drake doesn’t smile, only stares at me as Harrison moves closer to me. “Yeah, Stella is dying for some coffee.”
“If she’s breastfeeding, she shouldn’t have caffeine,” I hear myself blurting out.
“That’s true,” Harrison agrees.
“Yeah, no. Decaf, of course. And I’ll take a decaf as well.”
“Heard you named the baby Ethan,” I say. My tone is confrontational, even though the anger I feel at the name steal is no longer there.
Drake runs a hand behind his neck. “Yeah, I’ve always liked that name.”
“Yeah, when I gave it to you.”
Harrison rings up Drake’s coffees, and tells him, “That’ll be six dollars.”
Drake grabs a ten from his wallet as his eyes stay fixed on me. “I think I thought of the name first.” He hands the bill to Harrison. “Keep the change.”
Harrison grabs two paper cups and a Sharpie. “I’ll just make these right quick. Two seconds.”
Drake nods at him and then turns his attention back at me. “It’s so weird being a father. It’s more work than I thought it would be.”
“And it’s only been a week.”
“Feb, I don’t like this. I don’t want to fight with you every time I step out of my house.”
I study Drake, like really study him, and he looks…tired. As if karma’s working her magic on him right now.
“We won’t,” I smile, letting all the pain that Drake has put me through slip away. I don’t know what’s happening to me, but I’m no longer angry with Drake. I’m no longer angry at myself, either. It’s like I’m finally over it.
Harrison walks back over with both coffees and hands them off to Drake.
“Douche?” Drake questions, and my eyebrows raise in surprise.
Is he calling Harrison a douche?
No, I realize what’s going on when I see Drake reading the name on the cup.
“You put Douche as my name?” Drake questions Harrison.
“Is that not your name?” Harrison acts so innocent, and I crack a smile.
“No, that's not my name. I want to speak to your manager,” Drake says, setting the coffees on the counter.
Harrison crosses his arms over his broad chest, stepping taller. “I’m the owner. Don’t come back here ever again.”
Drake’s face goes from confusion to upset in a matter of seconds. “What? It’s the only coffee shop in town, besides hers.” He points at me.
Harrison smiles wider. “Keurigs are on sale. Guess you’ll be making coffee at home from now on.”
“You can’t do this.”
Harrison steps closer. “I just did.”
Drake picks up both coffees and walks out.
Harrison stares at me. “Wanna get out of here?”
I nod, taking his hand and going out the back.
I feel free for the first time in ages. Like life has a million possibilities, and I am here for it.
Chapter 12
Harrison
Drake is so damn obvious. The only reason he came walking into my coffee shop was because he knew February would be there. This is a small town, and like it or not, your business is spread faster than a cheerleader through the football team.
He’s not happy, but he wants February to think he is. That shit isn’t happening in front of me. He can get his decaf coffee at home from now on. No loss for me.
I glance over at February as I lead her to the lake. I used to come here all the time when I was younger and I thought it would be nice to share another piece of myself with her. She still has her guard up, which I understand, but I’m bound and determined to break through.
After she took off after I kissed her the other night, I probably should’ve just left it at that. But that’s not how this is going to go. I’ve been craving more since I got a small taste, and I’m a man who fights for what he wants.
“Where are we going?”
I grin as I glance her way. “Make out point.”
“What?” she shrieks with wide eyes.
I laugh, grabbing her hand in mine. “Relax, I’m kidding. I’m going to show you the lake that everyone in this town loves to hang out at.”
I can feel a bit of the tension leave her body, but not all of it. That’s something I can help with.
“It’s a little cold for the lake, isn’t it?”
“I didn’t intend on us taking a dip.”
A soft laugh escapes her and I grin. Thoughts of her wet body pressed against mine flash through my mind as we continue our walk. I definitely wouldn’t mind that fantasy coming to fruition.
“So, you come here often?”
“When I was younger, I did. I haven’t been here in years, to be honest.”
We get to the path that leads to the lake, and she follows me down the narrow passage.
When we were young, we’d be here swimming all summer and in the winter we’d be here around a fire hanging out. I guess times really do change.
The lake comes into view, and she stops walking to take it all in. It’s a sight to behold. The lake is massive and is completely surrounded by trees on the far side. This side of the lake is wide open, an invitation to dive in. I notice off to the side there are still huge logs set up for a firepit and I know that’s where I want to be.