Page 3 of By Any Beans Necessary

"Hey, Michelle, you're zoning out again. Order up," Emily called from the other end of the counter.

"Right, sorry," Michelle snapped back to action, her mind still wrapping around the idea of Jeff with a badge and a German shepherd partner. Guess we'll just have to see how this plays out, she thought to herself.

She turned back to her customers, ready to face the rest of the day with a steamer in hand and her signature smile, all the while wondering if perhaps she'd underestimated the man who once topped her list of dating disasters.

Chapter Two

Jeff Parker, his brown hair and brand new academy uniform tousled from his K9 partner Winston’s incessant morning play, stumbled into the Coffee Loft with the gait of a man who hadn’t quite adjusted to his new four-legged shadow. The German shepherd at his side was more whirlwind than dog, and Jeff’s grip on the leash was white-knuckled. It was as if he were holding onto the last shred of his sanity.

"Easy there, buddy," Jeff muttered under his breath, scanning the shop for the least chaotic spot to order his much-needed caffeine fix.

"Jeff, come join us," Mrs. Shomacker's voice cut through the hum of coffee grinders and indie music.

He glanced over at the older woman and pressed his lips together in apprehension. Getting caught up in her gossip was the last thing he needed, considering if he didn't hurry, he would be late for his first day at the academy. He wouldn't have even stepped foot in the Coffee Loft in the first place if it hadn't been for a long weekend with his furry companion. He was exhausted and needed caffeine to make it through the day.

With a heavy sigh, he waved to Mrs. Shomacker and called out, "I need to get my coffee to go so I won't be late." He turned toward the counter, deciding it would be the fastest way to get out of there.

That's when he realized he was going to have to deal with his ex. Michelle was handing over a coffee to a customer, her smile as bright and clear as the day they first met back in high school. Her blonde hair caught the early light streaming through the windows, and her hazel eyes sparkled with a mischief that belied the fine lines etched in her brow.

"Hey, Michelle. Can I get a black coffee to go?" Jeff’s order was rushed, the leash in his hand jerking as Winston made a lunge toward a pastry display. "Sorry, still getting this guy used to?—"

"Small town life?" she finished for him with a chuckle, filling a cup with hot coffee before stepping out from behind the counter. She was in her element among the coffee beans and scones. He suspected her laughter was the secret ingredient that kept locals coming back day after day.

"Something like that," Jeff mused, but before he could elaborate, Winston made a break for it, charging toward a tower of artisanal coffee bags.

"Whoa, Winston," Jeff’s voice rose in alarm, but it was too late. The display wobbled dangerously, then cascaded down just as Michelle reached out with a steaming cup meant for Jeff.

"Hot coffee incoming," she warned, but in vain. The dark liquid sloshed over the front rim, bathing the floor—and Jeff’s shoes—in a warm, fragrant flood.

"Oh no, I'm so?—"

"Sorry? Yeah, me too." Jeff watched the chaos unfold, heat creeping up his neck as he awkwardly bent down to help Michelle right the display, their hands brushing in the process.It was electric, the connection unmistakable even amid the disaster.

"Your shoes..." Michelle bit her lip, stifling a laugh as she surveyed the damage.

"Least of my worries," Jeff said, trying to force a smile. His thoughts swirled, memories of their time together threatening to surface, but he shoved them away. Now wasn’t the time.

"Looks like someone needs a crash course in canine calamity," she quipped, her tone light but her gaze heavy with an unspoken history.

"Or a vat of coffee," Jeff shot back, meeting her eyes for a split second before looking away. They were treading familiar ground, the kind where laughter edged too close to something deeper.

"Let's get you cleaned up." Michelle motioned toward the restroom. "First-day jitters?"

"Feels like it," Jeff admitted, following her lead. The weight of the leash in his hand was a reminder of the responsibilities waiting for him beyond these walls. Responsibilities that felt far heavier than a spilled cup and a toppled display.

"Hey, Michelle?" He paused at the bathroom door, Winston finally standing still beside him. "Thanks."

"Sure thing, Jeff." Her smile didn't waver, but it didn't reach her eyes either.

"Guess I better go tackle the clean-up," Jeff said, though every fiber of his being wanted to linger in the safe harbor of her presence.

"Let me know if you need anything," she encouraged before returning behind the counter.

With one last nod toward his ex, Jeff pushed through the door. The click of Winston's claws on the tile echoed beside him like a countdown to all the uncertainties ahead.

Jeff twisted the faucet, cold water splashing onto his hands as he scrubbed at the coffee stain blossoming on his shirt. Winston whined softly, nudging Jeff's leg with his snout, sensing the tension in his partner's movements.

"Bad enough, you're sabotaging my first impression without bringing up old memories, buddy," Jeff muttered to the dog, who tilted his head in confusion. Of course, he knew old memories have a way of doing that. His mind drifted back to the day he ended things with Michelle a year ago. He'd done it through a text like a coward, using the lamest excuse ever; telling her that he couldn't imagine a life filled with endless line dancing and karaoke.

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