Page 110 of Defensive Desire

Two hours later, I'm behind the counter at Chapter & Grind, going through the motions just like I do every single day.

Grind beans. Pack filter. Pull shot. Steam milk. Smile. Repeat.

But my mind's a million miles away. Or more specifically, about seven minutes away at the Icehawks' arena, where Logan's future—our future—is being decided without me.

"Earth to Emma!" Grandpa Walt waves a hand in front of my face, his bushy eyebrows raised in concern. "You've been stirring that same cup of coffee for about two minutes now, dear."

I blink, realizing he's right. The poor customer waiting at the end of the counter looks vaguely concerned.

"Sorry!" I force a bright smile, handing over the drink. "Got lost in thought for a second."

Mrs. Henley gives me a curious look but takes her latte with a nod.

"You've been 'lost in thought' all morning," Grandpa Walt says once she's gone. "What's eating at you, kiddo? Yesterday was a triumph! You should be walking on sunshine."

I bustle around the counter, wiping surfaces that are already clean, stacking books back exactly how I had them before I opened.

"Just tired, Grandpa. It was a long day yesterday."

"Mm-hmm." He doesn't sound convinced. "And it has nothing to do with a certain Icehawk who's been glued to your side for weeks now?"

I shoot him a look. "Has anyone ever told you that you're annoyingly observant?"

"Yes, actually. Your grandmother used to. Daily." His eyes soften. "What's wrong, Emma-bean?"

I sigh, leaning against the counter. "Big Mike called Logan in for a meeting this morning. About the trade rumors."

Understanding dawns on his weathered face.

"Ah. And you're worried they're true."

"Wouldn't you be?" I fiddle with a stack of napkins. "If they trade him to Seattle, that's... that's it. We're done before we've really started."

"That's a mighty big assumption, don't you think?" Grandpa Walt crosses his arms. "Love doesn't just vanish because of distance."

"Easy to say when you're not the one facing it," I mutter.

"Emma Carter." His tone makes me look up. "Your grandmother and I spent the first three years of our marriage with me overseas in the Navy. All we had were letters that took weeks to arrive. And you know what? We made it work."

I swallow hard. "That was different."

"Was it? Or are you just scared?"

Before I can answer, Ethan bursts through the door, his face flushed with excitement. "Emma! Big news! The radio just announced—you've won the Community Outreach Program!"

My heart skips a beat. "What?"

"Yeah! They said Chapter & Grind is officially expanding to Icehawk Arena. They want to interview you!" He's practically bouncing. "This is huge, Em!"

I open my mouth to respond, but the door flies open again with the force of a hurricane, sending flyers fluttering from the nearby table like startled birds.

“You didn’t tell her, did you?” Lucy barrels in, out of breath and glaring daggers at her brother. “You did, youasshole!That was supposed to be my news to tell!”

Ethan throws his hands up. “You were still brushing your hair and changing your shirt!”

“Because I didn’t want to look like I crawled out of a dumpster when I told her she’s a freaking superstar!” she snaps, then turns to me with an exasperated huff. “Congratulations, by the way. Even though this goblin beat me to it.”

“Wow, heartfelt,” Ethan mutters.

---