Page 54 of Blame It On the Lattes

He leaned in and kissed me with more passion than was probably appropriate in public, but I didn’t mind. For Sam, I would let the town continue to think I was an adulterous whore if it meant I got to be with him.

Twenty-Eight

Sam

Iwas disappointedwhen my day with Avery got cut short after I got called in to deal with another espresso-related emergency at work. I knew Piper felt bad for calling me in, but it was six days until Christmas, and people were a little crazed right now and needed their fix.

By the time we got things situated, it was already closing time so I stayed and helped. Avery texted me that Cassidy was on her way over with Kennedy. I couldn’t help the excitement I felt about her coming home—even if Avery still refused to call it that.

I knew she was apprehensive about staying in Sugarplum Falls, but with each day that passed, I could see the town growing on her more and more. While I wanted what was best for Avery and Kennedy, I couldn’t stop selfishly wishing that it meant they stayed and that things continued the way they were. While I had never expected to have them live with me, it just felt right now that we’d gotten into our routine. Thinking of going back to a house without them in it left a burning pain in my chest that I couldn’t stand.

Just as I was locking up, I turned and found Aiden heading my way.

“Hey, did you need coffee?” I asked, wondering if he was trying to get there before we closed.

“Yes, but I’ll stop somewhere else. You don’t have to open for me.”

“It’s not a big deal,” I said, unlocking the door and nodding for him to go inside.

“Is the espresso machine working again?”

“Yeah, for the most part. I ordered a new one that should be here in a few days. I was hoping to have it earlier, but that storm really messed with the roads, so there were delays. Do you want your usual?”

“Yes, please. We’re doing karaoke tonight, and Jackie decided to offer a drink special with .99 Grinch shots, so I gotta be awake and functional since it’s going to be packed and busy all night.”

“Sounds fun,” I said with a laugh.

“Are you coming?”

I started the espresso machine and hated the feeling in my stomach when I thought about missing time with Avery and Kennedy to go hang out with Aiden.

“Not tonight. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re fine.”

“No, really. I am sorry. I’ve been a shitty friend lately and haven’t been by in forever.”

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