Page 6 of That Thing You Brew
I met her gaze and reached for her hand, clasping it in mine. Her gray-green eyes shone with fear and uncertainty. “I’d be honored to help. Media training taught me some great tips. And your secret is safe with me.”
“Th-thank you.”
I looked down at her thumb, admiring its perfect shape and manicured nail, painted a soft pink with an ivory tip. Connected to the same magical hand that strummed the right side of her harp.
She inclined her chin toward the building. “T-together?”
“Go inside together?” I repeated.
She nodded.
“Okay.” I opened the door and jogged around to her side, making it there in time to pull her door open and offer her my hand. I was surprised and delighted when she took it.
Once she was out, I closed the door. She scooted over to open the back door and pulled out a tote bag and a white apron.
“Want me to get the harp?” I asked.
She shook her head. “N-not today.”
I followed her to the back door and inside. She hung her tote on a hook, tied on her apron and went directly to a small sink and turned on the water. I watched as she wet the hem of her apron and mixed the soap in her hands.
I probably should’ve left the kitchen, but I stayed rooted to the spot as she washed the traces of makeup away, revealing her perfect fair skin with a light dusting of freckles.
I loved her freckles.
She patted her face dry with a paper towel and beckoned me to follow her out to the coffee shop.
“I’ll get the door for you,” I said, rushing ahead of her to push it open.
Penny took one step and her body went stiff. I followed her gaze.
Staring straight at us was Adri Delicata and the imposing circle of her cameraman’s lens.
And dozens of phones pointed in our direction.
CHAPTER2
Penny
Oh no. Oh no. Oh nooooo.
“Xavier! There you are! And Penny, too!” Adri flashed her trademark wide grin and fixated her eyes right on mine. “Perfect! Xavier, can you address the rumors that the Edge owners have made an offer to buy out the Riveras? Penny, can we get a shot of you making his toffee coffee?”
My day couldn’t possibly get any worse.
Behind the reporter, Xavier’s teammate Jason towered over Officer Douglas, speaking in hushed tones, but it wasn’t doing anything to help the situation.
Xavier stepped around me, positioning himself between me and everyone else. Shielding me, becoming the barrier he’d spoken about. Like being a defenseman on the ice, he was wired to protect the goal.
I didn’t know how I felt about that, but I was in no headspace to speak to reporters—or to anyone for that matter. I’d make his coffee and then maybe they’d all get out of here before I had another breakdown.
My cheeks flamed in shame. I couldn’t believe I’d let Xavier Schwann see me that way or confessed my heavily guarded secret to him. What had I been thinking? When Tasha texted me that the place was a zoo, I should’ve gone home and called in sick.
But … Xavier. His visits and my ability to strum my anxiety away on the harp were the only things that made working in a coffee shop tolerable. His dark eyes were the color of rich soil with golden flecks and reminded me of Palmer City’s prospecting past. Tanned skin, high cheekbones and devil-may-care quiet confidence that made every girl swoon. His almost-black hair and close-cropped beard were usually neatly trimmed, but I also loved when he let it all grow out when the Volts made the playoffs and on days like today, when it was just a little long and scraggly. And his smile … a girl could get lost in it.
I spoke from experience.
Which was why it was best never to look.
