Page 44 of Together

I raise an eyebrow. “Like?”

“Not the sex.” She rushes to explain. “That I was totally on board with,” she says boldly.

“Got that. I was right there with you, remember?”

She smiles shyly. “Yes, you were. But, I’m talking about the walk today and the darts. You help me get out of my comfort zone.”

“Glad to be of service. I’ll gladly do whatever I can to keep pushing your boundaries.” I wink at her and she rolls her eyes.

The red light turns green and the walk sign lights up so we cross the street. We’ve been out leisurely walking for almost an hour but with the cold temperature and bitter wind, it’s plenty long.

“Want to stop in Dreamin’ Beans for a warm drink?” Dreamin’ Beans is a local coffee shop that rivals any of the national chains. Partly because their pastries could win awards. “Maybe one of their double chocolate chip muffins?”

“Now you’re speaking my language.”

“Way to your heart, huh? The hot drink or the muffin?”

“Uhh, both? Only when it’s so cold outside that it makes your face hurt.”

“Fair enough.”

“Okay, that was a lie,” she sighs. “I’ll take a hot drink and chocolate muffin any day of the year.” I open the door for her to go inside the coffee shop first. “Honestly, I’m such a sucker for anything chocolate and coffee. Even decaf, which is what I need to have for the next several months.”

We walk to the front counter and are greeted by the barista. She has a nametag that reads Hazel and if I’m not mistaken, she’s the daughter of the owner, Christine. I’ve lived in this town my entire life, so it’s hard to miss people who’ve been here their entire lives as well. It also helps that I’ve worked with Andy, Christine’s husband, on several occasions. He talks about his kids a lot while he’s building the houses that I’m putting electrical outlets into. He also talks about his wife and the incredible food she makes and his daughter who works for the coffee shop.

“Good afternoon. Welcome to Dreamin’ Beans. Can I help you?” Hazel asks.

I gesture for Ashley to order first. “Go ahead.”

“Nik told me all about the double chocolate chip muffins. Do you have those available?”

Hazel’s eyes light up. “Oh, yes, they’re thebest. I could eat like fifty of ‘em a day!”

“Best sales pitch ever,” Ashley replies. “I’ll have one, warmed up, please. A cup of decaf, too, please.”

“Same for me, but full of caffeine.”

“You got it. Room for creamer?”

Ashley and I nod and Hazel rings up our order. I pay then we find a spot to sit after Hazel tells us she’ll bring our muffins and coffee out to us. The coffee shop is meant for casual seating, with tables and cushioned chairs but also some oversized chairs and a sofa by a gas fireplace.

“Want to sit by the fireplace?”

“Ooh yes! That sounds perfect.”

We settle on the couch, angling toward each other with our coats bunched up next to us. She unwraps the knitted scarf from around her neck and lays it across her lap, looking around the little coffee shop.

“Is this the first time you’ve been in here?”

“Yeah. I usually make coffee at home so haven’t stopped in.”

“You’ll be craving it,” I warn with a grin.

“Great. More cravings.”

That piques my curiosity. “Do you already have something you’re craving?”

She shakes her head. “No. It’s pretty early,” she reminds me.

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