Page 30 of Unlucky in Love
“Unless,” Mrs. Abernathy added, lowering her voice like she was imparting state secrets, “Ryan is your soul mate, in which case you should keep the one who actually kisses you instead of the one hiding in basements.”
Taylor made a strangled noise. “What basements—?”
“I vote for Ryan!” called Mr. Nelson from the corner booth, not even looking up from his crossword. “The boy finally grew a spine.”
“Thank you.” Ryan nodded his head in amusement.
“This is not a town hall debate,” Taylor hissed.
“Yes, it is,” Mrs. Abernathy said crisply. “Everything in this town is a town hall debate.”
Taylor’s protest died as Mrs. Abernathy marched right up to the counter and slapped her hand down like a judge calling for order. “All right, everyone, we’re settling this right now. Taylor Pierce’s love life is officially on the docket.”
Taylor gaped. “This is not on the docket—”
“Order!” Mrs. Abernathy barked, and to Taylor’s horror, the café actually quieted. “I leave the floor to you, Nelson.”
Mr. Nelson lowered his newspaper. “Let’s review. Option one: the secret admirer, who is creative, thoughtful, and possibly romantic. Option two: Ryan Carter, who is grumpy, bossy, but willing to walk her home at night.”
“I like option one,” called a college kid by the window. “Mysterious. Keeps things interesting.”
“Mysterious equals dangerous,” Mrs. Abernathy said. “You want poor Taylor lured into a basement by some creep? Ryan’s a Marine. He knows how to handle danger.”
“He also knows how to scare himself half to death over a raccoon,” Taylor muttered, but no one listened.
Nancy, the barista, raised her hand. “Pro for the secret admirer. He clearly knows Taylor well. He leaves gifts that meansomething. Pro for Ryan. He actually shows up in person, not just on sticky notes.”
“I like a man who shows up,” Mr. Nelson agreed. “Presence counts.”
Ryan leaned against the counter, smug. “Should we put it to a vote?”
Taylor spun on him, jaw dropping. “Don’t you dare—”
But it was too late. Mrs. Abernathy raised her hand. “All in favor of the secret admirer?”
Three tentative hands lifted.
“All in favor of Ryan Carter?”
Nearly every other hand in the café shot up, along with a chorus of “Aye!” that rattled the pastry case.
Taylor groaned, sinking behind the counter like she could melt into the floor. “Unbelievable.”
Ryan snagged another muffin and took a victorious bite. “Mandate from the people.”
“This is not a democracy!” Taylor hissed.
“Sure feels like one,” he said, smirking.
The café erupted into applause, and someone shouted, “Kiss her again!”
Ryan gave her a grin before leaning across the counter and locking his lips with hers. The hoots and hollers were drowned out by the fierce beating of her heart.
Someone near the window shouted, “When’s the wedding?” and the whole café broke into laughter.
Taylor pulled back and shook her head. She was certain her soul tried to escape her body. She glared at Ryan, who only leaned in and stole another muffin off her tray.
“Found this note from your secret admirer taped to your door this morning after you left for work,” he said, unruffled. Taylor’s jaw dropped as she stared at the pink note he held out. She tried to grab it, but he stuffed it back in his pocket. “Let me knowwhen you’re done working, and we’ll go figure out the next clue together.”
