Page 15 of They Are Mine

I step up to the register, wipe my palms on my apron, and try not to sound too eager.

“Hey,” I say, voice coming out a little too soft. “Good to see you again.”

She tilts her head, all sweetness and warmth. “I was hoping you’d be here.”

Oh.

Oh, hell.

I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to get a coffee order so right in my life.

Juliet leans on the counter just slightly, arms resting against it, eyes bright.

I shouldn’t be this happy to see someone. But I am.

“So,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “What can I get you?”

She hums, glancing at the menu, tapping a delicate pink fingernail against her chin. She already knows what she wants. I can tell.

But she’s drawing it out.

“I think…” She tilts her head, smiling. “I’ll try whatever you recommend.”

Oh.

Oh, that’s not fair.

I feel my ears go hot. I don’t even know why. She probably does this with everyone. She’s just sweet. Friendly.

I clear my throat. “You like coffee, right? Not just the sweet stuff?”

She leans in just a little, like I’ve asked something deeply personal. “I love coffee.”

“Alright,” I say, thinking too hard about this. “I’ll make you a honey cinnamon latte.”

Her smile grows. “That sounds perfect.”

God. She’s perfect.

I make it myself, carefully steaming the milk, adding just enough cinnamon. When I hand it to her, her fingers brush mine.

She doesn’t pull away too fast.

She lifts the cup, takes a small sip.

Then she makes a soft, pleased sound.

And I almost drop dead on the spot.

“This is amazing,” she says, looking at me like I’ve just changed her life.

I should not feel this proud about making a damn coffee. But I do.

I rub the back of my neck. “Glad you like it.”

She takes another sip, then tilts her head. “Hey, I was wondering…”

Oh, shit.

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