Page 15 of By Any Beans Necessary

Michelle's heart skipped a beat, the warmth in her chest intensifying. Was he implying what she thought he was? She couldn't be entirely sure, but she was willing to find out.

"Well, I wouldn't work a book drive with just anyone," she joked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jeff chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. "No, I suppose you wouldn't."

Michelle felt her heart pounding in her chest as she held Jeff's gaze. The tension between them was palpable, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement build within her. She had been wanting to spend more time with him as well, but she hadn't been sure if he felt the same way until now.

"Okay, I have an idea," Michelle said, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief in the dimly lit street as she brushed astrand of blonde hair out of her face. "How about we go line dancing at the Coffee Loft? Emily is setting everything up right now."

"Line dancing?" Jeff's thick brown eyebrows shot up in surprise. His eyes scanned Michelle's face for a hint of sarcasm. "You're not pulling my leg, are you?"

"Have you ever seen me pull anyone's leg?" She grinned, her upbeat nature undimmed by the earlier mishaps.

"Point taken," he laughed. "But, just so you know, my dancing skills might be a crime against humanity."

"Perfect. Mine too," she confessed with a giggle. "But that's what makes it so fun. Let's go commit some crimes together."

The back garden of the Coffee Loft, warm and vibrant, buzzed with the sound of country tunes and clapping hands. Boots stomped. Skirts twirled. Michelle led the way onto the dance floor, her movements confident yet filled with laughter.

"Follow my lead," she shouted over the music, taking his hands.

"Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?" Jeff asked, his voice tinged with amusement as he stumbled after her, trying to mimic her steps.

"Modern times call for modern measures," she replied with a shrug, guiding him through the steps as the crowd hooted and hollered around them.

Jeff's initial awkwardness faded as the rhythm took over, replaced by an infectious grin. They spun, they twirled, they laughed through missed cues and stepped-on toes. It was clumsy, it was silly, and it was...fun.

"Admit it," Michelle said during a brief pause, "you're having a good time."

"Shockingly, I am," he agreed, breathless but grinning from ear-to-ear.

Their gazes met—a moment of connection amidst the chaos—and something unspoken passed between them.

As the song ended, they joined in the applause, their cheeks flushed from exertion and excitement.

"Hey, Michelle?" Jeff's voice was tentative now, a contrast to the bold bartender she'd come to know. "Can we...do this again sometime? Go out, I mean."

"Like a date?" she teased, heart skipping despite the casual tone.

"Yeah, like a date," he confirmed, scratching the back of his neck.

"Then, yes." Michelle's smile was genuine, wide. "Yes, we can definitely do this again."

"Great." Relief washed over his face. "It's a date then."

They lingered in each other's company. The connection they hadn't expected was growing stronger with every shared laugh and glance. The night had run its course, and it was time to say good night—for now.

Chapter Six

The morning light cascaded into The Coffee Loft, casting warm glows over the dark-stained oak countertops and the vibrant chalkboard menu. Jeff, under a mop of tousled brown hair, strode in with the day’s first yawn still lingering on his lips.

“Morning, Michelle,” he said, sidling up to the counter with the easy confidence of a man who knew his coffee was already brewing. Winston sat obediently by his side, finally getting the hang of who was in charge.

Michelle, her blonde bob tucked behind her ears, flashed him a smile that could rival the sun's rays streaming through her windows. “One usual, coming right up.”

He leaned against the counter, watching as she worked the espresso machine like a maestro conducting an orchestra. Her hazel eyes held a spark as they met his. "Got plans tonight?"

"Only if you're making them," she replied, her voice playful.

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