Page 2 of Unexpected Love
The faint tinkle of a bell sounds as I push through the door of the Daily Brew. My mouth waters as the smell of freshly brewed coffee greets me, overriding the remaining scent of house fire and death.
Located right on the court square, the Daily Brew is one of the things I miss most about not working in downtown Newman anymore. Now it’s a rare treat I allow myself whenever I’m passing through.
Making the move to the county fire department had strictly been a financial decision and had seemed like a good one at the time. With the overtime they mandated, I was able to get myself better established and still send money back to my little sister, Dani.
It’s been the only way I’ve been able to assuage some of the guilt of leaving her behind in that shithole we called home. For years, I’ve been begging her to trust in me. To take refuge with me.
Finally, she’s gotten her head out of her ass and has taken the offer of my spare bedroom. She and Charlie arrived last night and will be at my apartment when I get there after I grab this much-needed cup of caffeine.
The coffee shop is in full swing as I wait in line behind a group of businessmen. I suck in another breath, trying to get rid of the post-shift fog. The atmosphere is electricwithout feeling stressful. Just busy people doing busy things.
I’ve definitely missed my regular trips to this place. It’s cheerful. Homey. And the townsfolk must think they sprinkle magic in every cup, because the place is usually packed.
“Can I help you?”
I step up to the counter, offering what I hope is a smile to the petite brunette manning the register. She’s also a reason I like to stop by this place. “Large Americano to go, please.”
“You want a scone to go with?” Her sweet, welcoming voice washes over the ragged edges of my bruised heart. And the hint of recognition in her gaze soothes me even more. For half a heartbeat, I consider being reckless and asking for her number.
Maybe another day, when I haven’t just done a body recovery. When the sound of a kid wailing isn’t ringing in my ears. Maybe then I’ll take the leap and ask her out.
Reluctantly, I break eye contact, shoving down my disappointment with the day, with myself. “No, thanks. Just the coffee.”
She gives me my total, and I whip out my card and tap the device.
Her cheeks turn the prettiest shade of pink as she watches the payment screen. “Um, could you try it again?”
I tap my card once more.
Her brows furrow. “Maybe try the swipe. Or insert it…”
Heat creeps up my neck as the last few hours flash like a horrific slideshow.
The fire.
The missed calls while I was on scene.
The fraud-alert text messages I ignored.
“I think it’s my card.” I keep my voice low because this is fucking embarrassing. “I got a fraud alert while I was on scene and couldn’t respond. I just got off and totally forgot to check into it.”
My heart trips in my chest as I check my wallet again. The remaining dregs of energy I’d had drain as I search each stupid leather fold, hoping I’d been smart enough to replace my emergency twenty. I’d even use my credit card for this caffeine if it weren’t tucked safely away in my lockbox.
Jesus Christ. I only want a cup of coffee and to go home, hug my sister, and cuddle my niece before sleeping off the horrible shift. Is that too much to ask?
“I’m really sorry…” I mutter, glancing at her name tag, “Jules. You can cancel my order.”
So much for thinking about getting her number. Too many instances of my card declining, of scrimping every dime for a meal, takes me back to my dark past. A place of humiliation and embarrassment.
Somehow, this gorgeous woman seeing me in one of my most embarrassing moments makes this shitty day even worse.
“Cal?”
I glance over my shoulder at the sound of the familiar voice.
“Hey, Capt.” I turn and offer my hand to the man who’d once been a captain on my shift at Newman Fire Department as he approaches the order counter.
Mac had been there when I was in the hospital getting a bullet removed from my shoulder. He’d visited as much as he could, even while shit broke down at city hall when the mayor tried to sack the fire chief, Mac’s soon-to-be wife.
